Free and fun: that’s what you want to hear when you’re on a family trip. And if you’re introducing the kids to Stonehenge, then absolutely do not miss the free and fun things to do in nearby Salisbury.
The scenic city is close to Travelodge Amesbury Stonehenge. In fact, you’re just 8 miles from Salisbury Cathedral and the sight-packed Cathedral Close. If time is tight, you can make it to at least five attractions within this one area. But with a full day, there’s even more you can do.
1. Military costumes and soldiers’ lives
Start out right in the Close with the Wardrobe Military Museum. Free entry is only the start: the rich collection of military costumes and weaponry should keep children intrigued for a good half-hour at least. While the letters from Regiment members are eye-opening and will appeal to teens and adults. You can also learn about today’s Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiments: The Rifles.
2. Magna Carta and Britain’s tallest cathedral tower
Gothic Salisbury Cathedral is home to one of only four originals of the Magna Carta. You’ll want to take a peek at least. While if you’re reasonably fit and don’t have small kids along, then a tour of the tower might be your thing. The Cathedral has Britian’s tallest and the views are, naturally, worth the 332-step climb. Tours are 90 minutes long, so do take that into account. But they do break up the climb!
If you’re in town in the evening, come to the Cathedral’s choral evensong. It’s quite uplifting to have a free concert.
3. Treasure trail
Still within Cathedral Close, and ideal for children who need some motivation to get through the sights, Salisbury’s Treasure Trail leads you round the key attractions via mystery clues. It’s not free, but hours of entertainment for ÂŁ6.99 is a bargain.
4. Pub pitstop
The outlook is good on Salisbury’s restaurant front, and Bill’s near Market Place is a local favourite. A former pub that’s been bought by the Bill’s chain, it’s kept the original friendly atmosphere, but updated the food and drink. Parents can feast on crispy lemon squid and BBQ pork ribs, knowing the kids are well served with familiar numbers like mac-and-cheese.
5. Easy walk with a view
What better free activity than a walk in the fresh air? It only takes 20 minutes to roam the Town Path to Harnham, and you get photo-worthy views of the Cathedral and surrounding Water Meadows. Stroll it in the late afternoon and you can stop off for a cosy drink at the Old Mill at path’s end.
6. Fit for a film set
Loop back to Cathedral Close to soak up the beautiful Queen Anne furniture and priceless modern art in Mompesson House. Parts of Sense and Sensibility, with Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet, were filmed here. On a nice day it’s worth getting out into the sculpture garden too.
7. Unearth Stonehenge
You may have seen the hulking stone circle, but it’s in Salisbury itself that you’ll learn about the people who lived nearby. The Salisbury Museum‘s interactive exhibits teach kids local history without feeling like school. Who were the prehistoric natives? What weapons did they use and how did they live? It’s all here, along with Roman artefacts and tomb discoveries.
Ready to roam this oh-so-English Wiltshire town? It’s high time you came to Salisbury.
