The ancient city of Salisbury offers the very best of town and country bustling city centre, breathtaking countryside and lashings of community spirit. The historic city centre offers excellent shopping, eating, drinking and entertainment in a setting that couldn't be more picturesque, while the surroundings offer quintessential English countryside, great dog walks, cycle rides, country houses and other attractions to explore. Thanks to the abundance of cycle paths, bike shops and the largely flat city centre, the area is also markedly bike-friendly. There is a great choice of schools, lots of family friendly activities plus reliable bus services so older children can have a taste of independence. What's more, Salisbury is just 90 minutes drive or train ride from the capital, and boasts special pre-6am and late night commuter-friendly rail services. In short, Salisbury is not only beautiful and steeped in history, it's also family, commuter, cycle and dog friendly, making it a great place to raise children and a popular choice with both local people and those moving out of London.
A little bit of history
Salisbury is a vibrant cathedral city with an historic heart. The town as we know it was laid out in a grid pattern around 1220, with a market at its centre. Soon after, work on Salisbury Cathedral began. In medieval times Salisbury was a popular stop between the west and channel ports, London and the West Country, but the main industry was wool making. By the 15th century, Salisbury became one of the largest towns in England with a population of around 8,000. Today it's home to nearer 40,000.
Need to know
The world's oldest clock is housed in Salisbury Cathedral, which also has the tallest spire in the British Isles.
Shopping
Our magnificent cathedral is the centre point of an array of important historic buildings. The surrounding streets comprise a captivating collection of high street and independent shops and eateries; the main and backstreets of Salisbury are packed with independent retailers ranging from from model aircrafts to fashion boutiques, from barbers to gunsmiths. There are some fine butchers and every hardware, homeware and clothing shop imaginable, plus auction houses and antique galleries.
Salisbury Charter Market is held every Tuesday and Saturday and offers the very best in local produce including cheese, fruit and veg, freshly baked bread, eggs, meats, fresh and smoked fish, a hog roast, freshly ground coffee and even local wines. There are also delicacies from further afield including spices, Italian ice cream, olives and oils. Outside Salisbury, Wilson and Bishopstone hold smaller makets of their own.
Being largely flat, logically laid out and well served by local buses, Salisbury's shops are great to explore on foot. If you are driving in from the nearby villages, John Lewis and the other retailers situated on the old cattle market site offer three hours of free parking for shoppers - just enough time for retail therapy and a reviving coffee in their cafe.