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Salisbury Cathedral is world renowned for its beauty, its tallest spire and its unique Gothic architecture, as well as its location in the stunning Cathedral Close. People travel miles to see it, and it welcomes over 600,000 visitors a year, many including it in a trip to nearby Stonehenge. If you're visiting Salisbury Cathedral and want to know what you shouldn't miss, here we have the definitive guide written by a local. Click on the links to skip to the part you want: 1. Basic Facts >> 2. Top 12 must see highlights of a visit to Salisbury Cathedral >> 3. Visiting details to help you plan your visit, book tickets and tower tours >> 4. Suggestions for other places to visit within a 10 minute walk of the Cathedral Close >> 5. Where to eat when visiting Salisbury Cathedral >> 6. Getting to Stonehenge from Salisbury Cathedral >> 7. Where to stay when visiting Salisbury Cathedral >> 1. Basic facts about Salisbury Cathedral Salisbury Cathedral has the tallest spire in the UK at 123 metres (404 feet). It was built 800 years ago (in 1220) and is unique in that it was built in a short time span - 38 years - so it is all of the same style of architecture - Early English Gothic. The foundations are only 70 cm deep and it is constructed on a barely drained watery swamp. The Cloisters (covered walkway) are the largest in the UK. The Cathedral Close is the largest in the UK at 80 acres. It holds one of only 4 copies of the Magna Carta in the world - the one here is the best preserved copy of them all. It contains the world's oldest working mechanical clock which dates from around 1386. 2. Top Must-See Attractions in Salisbury Cathedral Most visitors visit the main body of the cathedral first, starting near the West Door and working their way down the nave to the altar and the transepts. The tower is only available to those who are doing a tower tour (see below for booking details.) When you leave the main body of the church, you exit into the Cloisters, where you will find the Chapter House and the Magna Carta. A walk round the Cloisters will then lead you to the restaurant, the gift shop and the exit. This list of Must-See Attractions is in the order you are likely to encounter them. The Tower and Spire The cathedral was originally a rather squat looking building until the magnificent spire was added in 1310 - 1330. The top-heavy weight of the stone on a building with such shallow foundations has meant that it has caused some damage to the structure of the cathedral over the years. The spire itself still has the medieval scaffolding used to repair it when it was first damaged in the 14th century. Christopher Wren wrote a report on how to stop the spire shifting in 1668, and the iron bands he advised were added in 1670. They are still there today and have prevented further structural damage. You can go on a tower tour which takes you up into the roof, right to the base of the spire and out onto the parapet with far reaching views over the city - it is a fascinating look at the upper reaches of the cathedral and most definitely worth doing if you get the chance. Read all about taking a Salisbury Cathedral Tower Tour, how to book, what there is to see and the history of the tower and spire >> You can also see the original 14th century cross which was once at the top of the spire, encased in 18th century copper; it was replaced in 1950. It now sits in the north quire of the cathedral near the pulpit. The world's oldest working mechanical clock Believed to be the world's oldest working mechanical clock, although there are other contenders for that title, this faceless clock is thought to date from 1386. It was originally housed in the adjacent Bell Tower, which was severely damaged in the Civil War and eventually destroyed altogether. The clock has no face and instead strikes once on the hour, although this mechanism is often clamped to prevent it from striking. It still has to be hand wound each day by cathedral staff. Tombs and Memorials There is a wide variety of traditional tombs and memorials, the oldest being that of Bishop Osmund, Bishop of the forerunner to the cathedral at Old Sarum. Other notables include William Longspee, son of Henry II and half brother to King John who signed the Magna Carta, Mary Herbert who is recognised as the first English female poet, World War I poet Edward Tennant and as well as Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath, who lived in the Close. There are other lesser known, but no less fascinating individuals, buried and memorialised within the cathedral bounds. You can read more about them and their stories in this article on Tombs and Memorials to look out for in Salisbury Cathedral >> The Infinity Font The Infinity Font is a beautiful, modern font right in the centre of the nave. Added in 2008 as the cathedral hadn't had a font for over 200 years, the font was designed and created by William Pye, renowned water sculptor. It is the only font to have its own water supply and power source, and the only one which is centre stage in a cathedral, rather than tucked away as so many other fonts are. It is 10 feet across and in a cruciform shape. The water is so still that it looks like a mirror, leading to some incredible reflective photos from visitors. Apparently one visitor was so convinced it was glass she put her handbag on it - with rather soggy consequences. The water leaves the font in streams at the sides, running into channels in the floor. Although it took a while for locals to warm to its presence in the cathedral, we now love it and wouldn't be without it. The Prisoners of Conscience Window and Amnesty Candle At the East end of the cathedral behind the altar is a large, blue stained glass window dedicated to Prisoners of Conscience, and a candle wrapped in barbed wire which is kept permanently alight in memory of those who are imprisoned for their beliefs. Each morning at 7.30am, the members of the cathedral community meet there and pray for Amnesty International's Prisoner of Conscience for that month. The Bumping Stone The Bumping Stone is in the south choir aisle, part of a ledge where for centuries male choristers have been initiated into their role in the cathedral choir on the day they get their surplices. Their heads are gently bumped seven times against the stone, and as you can see from the size of the dent, this practice has been going on for some time. Salisbury Cathedral was the first to have a girls choir in 1991 - their heads are gently bumped on a bible instead. Father Willis Organ The cathedral are very proud of their Father Willis organ, which is over 140 years old and an important piece of musical heritage, considered to be the best pipe organ in the country. It still sounds the same as it did in 1877 as although it has been restored, it has never been updated or modernised. You will hear it if you attend any of the services, or if you are visiting while it is being tuned. They do warn you about the tuning in advance as it is not the easiest of sounds on the ear - find out the tuning dates in advance and read more about the organ here >> The Chapter House The Chapter House is where meetings were held by the clergy, and was in daily use until the Reformation, when it fell into some disrepair. It has since been restored. It is a polygonal room with high vaulted ceiling supported by a central column, stained glass windows and a frieze of stills from Genesis around the spandrels, some of which were destroyed during the 17th century. The floor is 19th century tiles emulating the original medieval inlaid tiles. Overall it is an impressive and dramatic space, and hosts changing exhibitions from the cathedral archives or about the Magna Carta. The Chapter House isn't always open every time the cathedral is, so check here before you go if it will be open. It is usually open Monday - Saturday, 10am - 5pm. The Magna Carta The star attraction of the Chapter House, the Magna Carta is housed in a shrouded tent to protect it from the light. It is one of only four remaining copies, and is the best preserved of them all. Written in 1215 and signed under pressure by King John in a field in Runnymede, it is the foundation of human rights in the Anglo-American legal systems, declaring the rights and liberties held by free men and that the King is not above the law. Salisbury has a copy of the Magna Carta because present at Runnymede was Elias of Dereham, who was steward to the Archbishop of Canterbury. Once Magna Carta was sealed, he was entrusted with delivering ten of the thirteen copies made, one of which was given to the original cathedral at Old Sarum. He later oversaw construction of Salisbury Cathedral and transferred the Magna Carta across. The Cloisters The cloisters in Salisbury are the largest in the country and were built just five years after the main body of the cathedral. The two cedar trees were planted about 150 years ago to commemorate Queen Victoria's ascension to the throne. There is a rather odd Barbara Hepworth sculpture in the corner of the green, called Construction (Crucifixion), gifted to the cathedral by the artist in 1969. Visitors can walk round the cloisters but not in the central area. There are memorials on the walls, including some poignant wooden crosses from the original graves of World War I soldiers, before their permanent headstones were put in place. One side of the cloisters is filled with tables for visitors to the Refectory restaurant to be able to eat and drink while admiring the view. Peregrine Falcons Peregrine Falcons were regular visitors to the cathedral over the centuries, with records of them nesting in the tower from 1864 - 1953. They disappeared for many years due to the use of dangerous pesticides and being hunted, but they returned to the tower in 2014 in a specially built nest box made by the Cathedral Works Team. Since then they have hatched and fledged from the tower every year (except for 2018 when a territorial battle between two females prevented it) and they now have their own You Tube channel live stream, in breeding season, where you can watch them hatching. Depending on the time of year you visit, you may well be able to see them swooping and wheeling in the skies above when are you are in the Cathedral Close. Art Installations The cathedral has regular and ever changing art exhibitions both within its walls and outside in the Close. Some of these are fantastic and well worth seeing if you get the chance. They range from static displays to light shows such as the incredible Sarum Lights in Feb 2020 which filled the cathedral with a wall of colours, lights and sounds. You can find out what art events they have coming up here >> The Library The cathedral's library is only open for tours or on special open days but keep an eye on the Events and What's On page to see when it is open. You can read about a visit to the library here >> 3. Visiting Salisbury Cathedral Getting to Salisbury Cathedral Train: There are regular trains from cities such as London and Bath. Book your tickets 12 weeks in advance to get the largest discounts. Salisbury train station is a 5-10 minute easy walk to the cathedral, or you can get a taxi from the taxi rank outside the station - no pre-booking required. Bus: There are regular buses into and around Salisbury with several bus stops just outside the Cathedral Close. Find your bus >> Car: It is not advisable to park in the Cathedral Close. Instead your best bet is to park in the central car park at SP1 3SL and walk the 5 minutes to the cathedral. If you are coming from out of town, consider using one of the Park & Ride sites, as traffic in Salisbury can be busy and confusing at times. Opening hours: Monday - Saturday, 9.30 - 5pm You can book in advance or just show up - tickets are cheaper if you book in advance. Ticket Prices: Adults: £8 advance, £9 on the day Students (13-18 years): £5 advance, £6 on the day Children under 13: Free Residents in SP1, SP2 and Laverstock: Free (with proof of residence) Book tickets here>> Tower Tours At the moment you can only book for a group to go on a tower tour, at £90 for 6 people. Once the pandemic is fully over, hopefully they will go back to allowing people to just book individual spaces on a tour. It is however a fantastic tour and well worth doing if you can. No under 7s and you need a reasonable level of fitness to get up all the steps. Book Tower Tour tickets here>> 4. Other places to visit within a 10 minute walk of Salisbury's Cathedral Close (Click on the pictures for further details) 5. Where to eat when visiting Salisbury Cathedral The cathedral has a good refectory in the Cloisters where you can get full meal, snack or just a drink. It is a modern addition to the building with a glass ceiling where you can look up at the spire. Both Salisbury Museum and the Rifles Museum in the Cathedral Close have a café where you can get snacks and drinks - if it is a sunny day you can sit outside and admire the cathedral. Just a four minute walk away is the 16th century New Inn - a traditional British pub with excellent food and a large, verdant garden. It is well worth a visit. 6. Getting to Stonehenge from Salisbury Cathedral By car: Leave Salisbury on the A360 heading north. It is a straight line out of town and takes about 20 minutes. Go straight over the roundabout with the A303 and turn right into the Stonehenge car park. By bus: Walk from the Cathedral to Salisbury train station - it is a 5 minute walk. Outside the station there are regular buses with their own dedicated bus stop which will take you straight there. Find timetables and prices here >> Don't want to pay to see Stonehenge? Why not do a walk in the wider ancient landscape and walk from Woodhenge to Stonehenge, seeing both for free? 7. Where to stay when visiting Salisbury Cathedral There is plenty of choice when it comes to finding somewhere to stay in Salisbury. If you are looking for something independently owned or a bit quirky, try our Independently owned accommodation in Salisbury page. Otherwise, have a look on Booking.com (below) who give you the advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours before you stay on most of their properties.

A writer and politician, she set up the Wiltshire Women's Land Army in 1916 which saw her being awarded

Salisbury Cathedral is more than just a place of worship for the faithful; as well as being a tourist attraction it is home to a variety of artworks, some permanent but mostly an ever changing display of exhibitions. These vary from static displays of contemporary art to interactive displays of light, sound and colour. Some of these are truly amazing and worth going out of your way to visit. Permanent Art on display at the Cathedral The Walking Madonna by Elizabeth Frink Perhaps the most memorable and iconic artwork in the grounds of the cathedral, this was originally intended to just be a temporary installation. The Walking Madonna is a life-size, plinth-less statue of a rather frail, older woman, walking away from the cathedral. She is dwarfed by the cathedral spire which soars over her diminutive frame, clad in a simple wimple and sackcloth habit, her eyes are lowered and there is a pensive expression on her face, but she is walking out with purpose, her body taut and focused. Her position walking away from the cathedral and at ground level amongst the people is considered fairly revolutionary for ecclesiastical art, which traditionally has its statues positioned haughtily above the visitors, looking down on them as they walk around the site, forever superior to them. She also has her back to the place of worship, not facing it or on the wall of it, which is usually done to ensure that the focus is always on the building. Instead, she mingles with the people, leaving the cathedral behind her and drawing their attention away from it. The intention behind this was that she is 'moving out from worship to be where human needs are to be met, not just in Salisbury but in the wide world'. Installed in 1981 and still in situ, she is a popular part of the cathedral grounds, and has been included in many a visitor's photograph, their arms over her shoulders or holding her now-polished hand which is perpetually half-raised as she strides out. She actually faces the site of Old Sarum, where the first two cathedrals were, before the construction of our magnificent present day one. She is also the start point for the popular long distance walk, the Avon Valley Path, which is from Salisbury Cathedral to Christchurch Priory some 34 miles away and which follows the River Avon. Walkers start their journey with her which seems entirely appropriate for the Walking Madonna. The Glass Prism Memorial to Rex Whistler Inside the cathedral in the Morning Chapel is a revolving glass prism with scenes of Salisbury Cathedral. It was created by famous glass engraver Laurence Whistler as a tribute to his brother, Rex Whistler, who died in 1944. Their parents at one time rented a house in the Cathedral Close and a blue plaque has recently been installed on their house. Both brothers were artists. Rex was a well known artist who painted portraits of the society set of the Bright Young Things, extensive murals, covers for the Radio Times and even adverts. He signed up with the Welsh Guards when World War II broke out, becoming the burial officer of his regiment, but was killed just a month after D-Day when he left his tank to aid some fellow soldiers. His brother, Laurence, started out as a poet, but soon turned to glass engraving, starting small with glasses and bowls before moving on to much larger designs, including work for the royals. Over 30 years he engraved every window in the Dorset church of Moreton, where Lawrence of Arabia is buried, and which are beautiful if you ever get the chance to visit. He engraved several glass prisms over his career. The one in Salisbury Cathedral, designed as a memorial to his brother in 1987, is contained within a bronze lantern which was gifted by the Welsh Guards. It depicts the cathedral both inside and out, the spire, the nave and the central column in the Chapter House, as well as the trees in the grounds and the birds soaring high above the spire. As the glass turns, the images link together, the light shining from above giving them a 3D effect. The bright areas are said to represent life and eternity, the dark one represent death and suffering. Crucifixion by Barbara Hepworth Located in a corner of the Cloisters is Construction (Crucifixion): Homage to Mondrian by famed British sculptor Barbara Hepworth. Created in 1966 and gifted to the cathedral by the sculptor, it is thought to explore the duality of Jesus Christ in geometric symbols and features bold colours from the palette of Piet Mondrian, which is referenced in the title of the piece. It weighs over 2.5 tonnes and had to be winched into the grounds over the top of the Cloisters. It is a curious piece and not one I am overly enamoured with. Temporary Art Exhibitions in Salisbury Cathedral There are regular temporary exhibitions in the cathedral, some of which are amazing, such as the poppies cascading down the West Front on the centenary of 1918, or Sarum Lights which lit up the whole of the interior with an incredible light show, to celebrate 800 years since the foundation stone for the cathedral was first laid. We have had a flock of white paper doves up the nave, which was echoed in the shop windows of Salisbury just after the Novichok incident, and ladders across the whole building in a rather twee exhibition which seemed to be about innocence. There has been an enormous Henry Moore in the grounds and countless other works, both good and bad. Some, such as the blue flying saucer, outstayed their welcome having been installed just before the pandemic but then stuck here for the duration. In June 2022, 'The Vanity of Small Differences' arrived in the cathedral. Six tapestries by Grayson Perry which provide a modern day interpretation of Hogarth's Rakes Progress, it was the first time they have been displayed in a religious setting. Truly fascinating, they document one man's progression through the social classes and imitate many of the great works of art from the centuries before. Find out more Read our Definitive Guide to Visiting Salisbury Cathedral >> Read about a Walk around the Cathedral Close >> Read about some of the Tombs and Memorials in Salisbury Cathedral >>

Only open for tours and on special open days, a visit to Salisbury Cathedral's library gives the visitor a chance to have a fascinating glimpse inside a literary treasure trove of books and ancient manuscripts, some of which date back to the 9th century. The library in Salisbury Cathedral is a small but venerable one. It was started in the late 11th century by Bishop Osmund who established a scriptorium in the cathedral at Old Sarum, the precursor to our current cathedral. The manuscripts written there in the 1100s and early 1200s, of which 60 still survive, were the start of the collection. The library was built in 1445 and is above the eastern end of the cathedral over the Cloisters. It was once twice its current size, covering the whole of the side of the cloister, but its weight was causing the stones underneath to crack, so it was reduced around 1760. It is reached by an ancient wooden door tucked away in the South Transept, one that visitors normally ignore as they leave the main body of the cathedral and head to the Chapter House. It is up 37 spiral stone steps to a light and airy room with wonderful views over the cloisters. One end is filled with rows of bookshelves, the other has long tables, a desk and an octagonal table and chairs all made specifically for the library and this is where the archivists and librarians carry out their work cataloguing the collection. The books were originally housed in oak bookshelves from 30 trees donated by Henry VI, although the bookshelves you see today are elm, grown in the cathedral grounds, and were installed in the 1980s. Originally it was a chained library with books chained to the edges of the shelves, but today some of the more valuable books are kept behind iron grilles instead, and the remaining chains hang redundantly on the wall. The library holds about 12,000 books, although with cataloguing still in process, that figure could change. The earliest books are handwritten manuscripts, written before the invention of printing, some dating from the 9th century. These were written with quills on parchment. The rest of the books in the collection date from the 1470s to the early 20th century. Many are rare printed books donated over the years to the library and although many are theological, there are plenty of other subjects covered. Bishop Seth Ward, an early member of the Royal Society, bequeathed 300 books in 1689 which included medieval and scientific texts. Another benefactor was Bishop Edmund Geste who donated over 1000 books on contemporary Protestant reformation. Significant books include the 10th century Salisbury Psalter as well as 43 incunabula. Incunabula is Latin for 'cradle' and refers to books printed before 1501 which are from the very earliest period of printing. The earliest fonts used were designed to look like script and as if they had been handwritten. The only exceptions were the first letters of paragraphs and significant keywords, which were added by hand with coloured dyes. Perhaps the most famous book in the library is the one containing a squashed mouse. Some of the books are from the Cathedral School and two of the books used to teach Latin to the choirboys, printed in the 1600s, were used by the boys in the 1870s to kill mice. A perfectly flat mouse, fur still intact, can still be found in the pages of one of these books, with a handwritten note saying 'the first mouse we killed was August the 2nd'. The library contains other objects of interest other than just books. Two oak storage chests also reside within, one dating from the early 1400s and carved in a Gothic style, another from the 1600s is carved with leaf and flower designs. There is an old English Dial Clock, made in 1789 and given to the library by a former Cathedral Librarian. On the back of the clock is a label which reads "Given by Canon Quirk, librarian on 13 May 1942, the day of the recapture of Tobruk by the VIII army". Visiting Salisbury Cathedral Library You can either book a library tour, where you are shown around by one of the cathedral archivists and which usually ends with a cream tea in the refectory, or you can sign up to the mailing list and look out for library open days, which are included as part of your admission to the cathedral. Read our Definitive Guide to visiting Salisbury Cathedral >>

Mary's Church in Odstock is a 12th century, Grade II listed Anglican church just outside the Wiltshire From County of Wiltshire: Fisherton Gaol.

In attendance was Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston KCB CBE ADC, the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire Mrs

and around Salisbury Chalke Valley Camping Situated in the beautiful village of Bowerchalke on the Wiltshire There is a dedicated campfire field, making it possibly the only campsite in Wiltshire which allows campfires It is now the home of The Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum.

Salisbury may have more than its fair share of chain restaurants and fast food places, but fortunately it has some fantastic locally-owned restaurants which will give you a lot of choice of cuisines and price brackets. Restaurants/Gastro Pubs Lalahan is my favourite restaurant in Salisbury. Locally owned serving authentic Turkish food, there is a good range of dishes which are always excellently cooked, with vegetarian options as well as the traditional meat dishes you would expect. The fun interior has a ceiling of clouds and Turkish landmarks around the walls, but it is the large garden which makes it so special, with covered seating and plenty of flowers and bamboo interspersed with colourful Turkish lamps. They also do takeaway and delivery. Website >> The Haunch of Venison is a medieval pub right in the centre of Salisbury. Filled with oak beans, uneven flooring, a ghost and 700 years of history, there is a bar downstairs and restaurant upstairs. Food is based on traditional English pub fare with an upmarket twist, and include meals such as wild venison steak, beetroot risotto and fish of the day. Find out more >> The Pheasant Inn is in the centre of Salisbury in Salt Lane. A medieval building with a beer garden, this pub has a small menu of British classics, as well as several vegan options. With a separate lunch and Sunday menu, this is a great place to eat for good quality, straightforward food. Website >> Tinga is an immersive Mexican dining experience, locally owned and centrally located. The décor is amazing; so vibrant and atmospheric and you don't know what to look at first. The extensive menu is equally as good, with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options and degrees of chili heat. Tinga is very popular with locals so book ahead. Website >> Baroushka is a locally owned Middle Eastern restaurant with an excellent menu and delicious food. They serve sharing platters, including vegan ones, as well as meze dishes, tagines and salads. The restaurant is near the train station, and they also do home delivery and takeaways. They run a loyalty scheme for regular customers. The food is excellent and highly recommended. Website >> Grillado is an Italian restaurant on Castle Street in the centre of town. It has an A La Carte menu but also offers takeaway, including pizzas. The food is authentically Italian and the owners pride themselves on using the best quality sourced ingredients. Dishes include options such as lamb, pork and fish dishes, as well as vegetarian options. Website >> Anokaa is very popular with the locals. It provides a modern take on Indian and Persian cuisine, in a restaurant of colour changing lights and water features. The food is excellent and varied, with dishes such as green spiced lobster thermidor or organic vegetable melange. They also do a takeaway service, which you can order online. Website >> Thai Sarocha is centrally located in New Street, where it has been since 2008. Adapting Thai food for western taste, there is a wide variety of dishes on offer such as Jungle Curry, stir frys, fish and noodle dishes. There are also set menus on offer, as well as a takeaway service which can be booked online. Website >> Cafes for light lunches, snacks and afternoon tea Salisbury Museum has a lovely little café directly opposite the cathedral. They serve coffee, cakes, daily specials and cream teas and are open every lunchtime. You do not need to pay to enter the museum to use the café. There is outdoor seating in the beautiful garden which has cathedral views. Website >> Caboose is the place to go for a fancy afternoon tea, served on three tier plates with finger food hand made sandwiches, artisan cakes, scones and champagne or tea. They are only served at weekends and must be booked in advance, which you can do through their website >> Takeaways in Salisbury Popeyes provides a variety of kebabs, pizzas, burgers, pizzas and jacket potatoes. You can order online or over the phone and get delivery or collect from their shop in Estcourt Road. Website >> Manis provides kebabs, wraps, burgers, chicken, jacket potatoes and meal deals which can be delivered or collected from their shop in Catherine Street. Website >> Britz Fish & Chips on Wilton Road has an eat in diner, click and collect as well as a delivery service. They also serve burgers, chicken, jacket potatoes as well as traditional British breakfasts. Website >> Visiting Salisbury? Our Salisbury City Guide has lots of information on locally owned places to stay and shop, places to visit and day trips.

Wilton House is a stately home just to the west of Salisbury in Wiltshire.

Like most British towns, Salisbury is filled with the same chain stores which you can find in every town across the UK or the rest of the world. Fast food places, coffee shops, clothing brands, giant supermarkets that feel the need to take over even the smallest of corner shops, Salisbury has them all. However, scratch the surface and you will find some locally owned shops where you can buy food, goods and souvenirs, and ensure that your tourist pounds benefit the local community, not the tax dodging multi-nationals. Food and Drink Food is the one area where it is hard to buy local with ease - the town is just crying out for a traditional grocers shop. There are ways around it, but they do involve some planning. Salisbury's Charter Market, which has been twice a week in the market square for early 800 years, is every Tuesday and Saturday mornings. Here you can buy fresh fruit, vegetables, bread, cheese, meat, fish, cakes, condiments and a lot more. On the third Wednesday of every month is the Farmers and Artisans Market, by the Poultry Cross from 9am - 2pm. Here you will find a wide variety of fruit, vegetables, organic meats and more. The Happy Fruiters are a greengrocers who trade at the market, but who also run a delivery service. You can order online for next day delivery - there is a huge variety of choice and their prices are excellent. They also donate much of their produce to a local charity which feeds the homeless of the area - this a local business which is well worth supporting. Pritchetts are a locally owned butchers, who have been trading in Salisbury since 1868. Originally one of many, it is now the only butchers left in town. You can find them at the markets, but they also have their original shop, which is in Fish Row in the centre of town. Salisbury has some farmshops, although they are not central and you will need transport to get to them. Britford Farm Shop is the closest - set in a pretty spot to the south of town, there is a farm shop and restaurant. Bird & Carter are to the north of the town - they do vegetable boxes, meats, delicatessen, store cupboard items and pre-prepared meals. There is only one Pick Your Own farm in the area which is in the village of Ansty, 13 miles outside Salisbury. Ansty PYO has a farm shop, but you can also pick your own from a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, depending on what is in season. Well Natural in Catherine Street is a good place to buy healthy and organic staples such as flour, cereals, condiments and chilled foods, as well as finding vegan/gluten free alternatives. You can order online for click and collect or for delivery. Zero Waste is a new phenomenon in Salisbury, and a very welcome addition. Blueberry Den offer staples such as household cleaning products, food and more. You can order online and receive deliveries to your front door where they will refill existing containers, or you can go to their shop in Winchester Street and refill your bottles yourself. For beer lovers, try Dark Revolution who brew beer in Salisbury. You can collect direct from the brewery, you can get same day shipping or if you want delivery on a Friday, they deliver within the local area on an Eco bike. Souvenirs Many visitors to a place want to take home little souvenirs to remind them of their travels. If you are looking for traditional souvenirs, such as Salisbury themed tea towels/bookmarks/pictures etc, then Hardings at 56 Salisbury High Street is the place to go. They have a wide range of goods on offer, as well as a Post Office at the back of the shop, and they also have some great stuff for kids. If you are looking for something more esoteric, then try somewhere like the Phoenix Emporium on Tollgate Road. Just a ten minute walk from the centre of town, this is a large warehouse filled with many different small retail outlets, most of which sell vintage products as well as hand made goods such as candles and cards. It is easy to spend a long time here as there is just so much to look at, and there is also a café on site for coffees and light bites. Other Independent Shops in Salisbury For all other purchases, you are likely to be able to find an independent shop which can supply it. Most of these shops are either in Fisherton Street or on Winchester Street, but there are others dotted around the town. Salisbury Indies has a full directory of what is on offer and where you can find them. Visiting Salisbury? Our Salisbury City Guide is packed with information on places to visit, day trips to take, where to eat and stay locally, kids activities, walks, sporting activities and more.

Salisbury Guildhall, in the Market Square, is the local council building. Built in the 18th century and home to the Oak Court, a replica of the Old Bailey, the building is often open for visitors to pop in and have a quick look around, to learn more about Salisbury’s municipal history. Sometimes there are free guided tours which include the jail cells and other areas not normally accessible to the public. Salisbury Guildhall was built in the 18th century, although there has been a building on the site since the early 14th century. The original was built in the early 1300s and was known as The Bishop’s Guildhall, and it was from here that the Bishops would exercise their feudal rights of criminal and civil justice. In 1585, the Merchant’s Guild built a new headquarters nearby, calling it the Council House. After a mayoral banquet in November 1780, the Council House burnt down. The second Earl of Radnor offered to pay for the construction of a new one, but stipulated that it must be in the centre of the Market Square. His offer was politely refused until he agreed to a different location. After some discussion over which direction the building should face, which the Earl again lost; construction could finally go ahead. The opportunity was taken to demolish the Bishop’s Guildhall at the same time; it was in a terrible condition as the Bishop didn’t have the money to pay for its upkeep. The Bishop agreed willingly to the plans, and managed to convince the town corporation that they must include a gaol, allow space to hold the Bishop’s Court, the Courts of Dean and Chapter and the sessions for the Close, with the Bishop having no responsibility for the upkeep of the buildings. Payment to the city Gaoler had to be done by the Corporation but only with the Bishop’s approval. In exchange, the Bishop gave up his role as Clerk of the Market, handing it over the city. In 1795 an Act of Parliament was passed to enable these changes, the Bishop’s Guildhall was demolished and the new Guildhall was built on its site. Designed by Sir Robert Taylor, it was completed in 1795. Additions and alterations were made over the years, with a grand jury room added in 1829. The grand entrance to the building has a sweeping staircase, underneath which is a fireplace which is the sole survivor of the 1780 fire in the Merchant’s Guild. The banqueting hall is the principal room of the Guildhall and has hosted many important guests over the years, including King George III, Lord Nelson, Princess Diana and the current Queen. The walls are covered with an extensive picture collection, mostly of royalty, benefactors and Salisbury’s Mayors. There are some impressive chandeliers which were once candle powered and which date from 1797. Ladies of the Queen Mary Needlework Guild making uniforms for the military at a sewing party in the Banqueting Hall during World War I, and the same view of the room today. The Crown Court dealt with all court matters from 1795 – 2010. Now cleared of all of its court room furniture and tiered seating, the room has been re-designed to allow it to be used for Council functions. The trap door in the floor is now sealed but it was through here that the accused would ascend some very narrow stairs to the dock, to appear before the judge. Many would then have to return back down those stairs to the tiny gaol cells which are below. In January 1831, 339 cases from the Agricultural Swing Riots, a widespread revolt against harsh conditions and increased mechanisation of agriculture, were heard here, which resulted in 150 people being transported to Tasmania and two death sentences, which were later reprieved. It was also here that William Wright was sentenced to death, the last execution in nearby Fisherton Gaol in 1855. He had killed his common-law wife when she said she was going to leave him for another man, cutting her neck with a razor. He then turned the razor upon himself, cutting his throat but surviving. Newspaper reports say that when he was hanged, his wound re-opened, making it a particularly grisly sight. The tour guide in the centre of this picture is standing on the trap door that led to the jail cells. The Three Maces are still used for ceremonial occasions. The room now contains some of Salisbury’s silver collection, including three George II silver maces. These were commissioned in 1749 and are unique in England. The largest mace is the second biggest in the country. There is also the basting spoon made for the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897, used for basting an ox which was roasted in the Market Square. It is also here that you can see the Victoria Cross of Thomas Adlam. This is the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to a soldier. He lived in 2 Farley Road in Salisbury and received the medal for his actions in 1916 in the Somme, when he ‘rushed from shell hole to shell hole under heavy fire … was wounded in the leg but nevertheless, … captured the position and killed the [enemy] occupants.’ Read more about Tom Adlam and how he got the VC here >> The Oak Court is modelled on the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales, otherwise known as The Old Bailey. This court is exactly how you imagine court rooms to be based on every courtroom drama you may have seen on TV. With oak furniture throughout, a grand judge’s chair and an elevated dock for the accused, this is very impressive room. Used until 2010 as a Magistrate’s Court, it is now host to meetings and marriage ceremonies. In 1827, Justice Park sentenced 28 people to death in this room; one of them just for the crime of stealing half a crown. All but three were eventually reprieved. He gave one 18 year old lad life transportation for stealing a pocket handkerchief. In 1830, in the Salisbury Spring Assizes, Justice Gazalee addressed the Grand Jury saying that none of the crimes appeared to be ‘marked with circumstances of great moral turpitude.’ Nevertheless, of 130 prisoners he sentenced 29 to death, life transportation for five, 14 years for five, seven years for 11 and hard labour for the rest. The jail cells are tiny and only have space for one small and uncomfortable looking seat. The cells are below the main court rooms. There were originally two tiers of cells, one for men and one for women, but the ones for women have now been converted into council offices. What remains is the lower level of cells, four tiny rooms which lead off the lower tunnels. Used until 2000, they are no longer in use as they contravene all sorts of rules and regulations for the treatment of prisoners. They are said to be haunted and people have reported hearing the jangling of keys and footsteps in them. VISITING SALISBURY GUILDHALL How to get to Salisbury Guildhall Postcode: SP1 1JH What3words: become.washed.purely Public Transport: There are several bus stops opposite the Guildhall Square, on Blue Boar Row. Parking: There is no parking on site, but as it is in the centre of town, it is easily accessible from all of the central car parks. When is Salisbury Guildhall open? Monday – Friday: 9am - 5pm Events for the public are often held on Saturdays How much does it cost to visit Salisbury Guildhall? Entrance is free unless you are visiting one of the events that are sometimes held. For free guided tours, keep an eye on the Salisbury Civic Society events page. Are there any facilities at Salisbury Guildhall? There are loos on site. For food and drink, there are countless cafes and restaurants in the Guildhall Square. Visiting Salisbury? Our Salisbury City Guide has all the information you will need on places to visit, where to stay, eat and shop, day trips you can take and lots more.

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