Hidden gems in Salisbury
There is much more to Salisbury than meets the eye.
Salisbury has been welcoming visitors since 1227. It's a wonderfully intimate city, set in beautiful Wiltshire countryside with five rivers, the Cathedral Close, wide open spaces and water meadows waiting to be discovered.
On Sunday 12th June 2022, you'll be able to explore the Secret Gardens of the Close during a popular annual open day.
It's not just Salisbury Cathedral Close that has green spaces and gardens to enjoy - here are more areas we think you should experience.
Secret Salisbury spaces
This really his a hidden gem. The Secret Garden is a community garden located in a courtyard to the rear of Bourne Hill offices and the Salisbury Arts Centre. It is a charming, tranquil space ideal for a quiet lunch surrounded by beautiful flower beds. Once you've discovered it, you'll keep going back.
Salisbury's Secret Garden is a hidden gen in the heart of the city
Perfect parks
Our city in the countryside has an abundance of parks and green spaces that are perfect for sunny summer days.
At Queen Elizabeth Gardens you can relax next to the serene River Avon, take a paddle, have a picnic or let the kids run wild in the play area.
Queen Elizabeth Gardens is a great location for the whole family
From Queen Elizabeth Gardens you can head along the Town Path towards Harnham. The idylic route meanders through the Harnham Water Meadows where you can spot wildlife along the way and see the location where Constable painted his famous Salisbury scene.
Churchill Gardens is another area that offers a lot for the whole family. There's a skateboard park, outdoor fitness equipment, two parks (for older and younger children), wide open green spaces and the river running through it.
Churchill Gardens in Salisbury
For more outdoor spaces to enjoy in Salisbury, click here
Salisbury Cathedral Close
At 80 acres, Salisbury Cathedral Close is the largest Close in the country and it's filled with garden gems.
Not many people know that there is a beautifully serene garden at the back of The Rifle's Museum in Salisbury’s Cathedral Close. Sit on the lawn on a summers day and watch the wildlife play along the winding river. Those in the know buy an annual garden membership so they can take their lunch break here and really get away from the world for an hour.
Mompesson House in the Cathedral Close is an elegant Queen Anne townhouse. If it looks familiar that may well be because of its starring role in 1995 film adaptation of Sense and Sensibility. Scenes from the movie were shot here but it is the garden that needs special attention. The walled area has a pergola, a lavender walk and a lawn fringed with rose beds and herbaceous beds.
Mompesson House in Salisbury Cathedral Close
Arundells was the home of the former Prime Minister, Sir Edward Heath, before his death. Hidden away in the Cathedral Close, the garden was redesigned in 1985 to Sir Edward’s wishes and much has remained unchanged over the intervening years. There are brilliant views of Salisbury Cathedral, it has frontage with both the River Avon and River Nadder and lush borders and mature trees. Arundells also offers annual garden memberships.
The beautiful gardens at Arundells in Salisbury
After the exploring you'll be doing, you may need a little refreshement and the Cathedral Close has the perfect garden for a cup of tea and cake! The Salisbury Museum Cafe has outside tables and chairs in a garden that overlooks the mighty Cathedral.
Make your way to Salisbury Museum Cafe for refreshments with a view!
As well as a wealth of glorious gardens to explore, Salisbury has award-winning attractions, unique independent shops and an active arts community to discover.
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