There are plenty of things to do in and around Salisbury, with locals blessed with sites of natural beauty, rich history and diverse community.

With an abundance of fun places to visit, we have narrowed it down to five top spots you need to visit in and around Salisbury at least once.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular, here are our five places you must visit in the area.

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Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta

Salisbury CathedralSalisbury Cathedral (Image: Newsquest)

Awe-inspiring sights await you at one of the best cathedrals in the United Kingdom, featuring the biggest cathedral cloisters and Britain's tallest spire. The 14th-century clock is the oldest mechanical clock still in operation in the world, and the 1215 Magna Carta is the best-preserved copy in existence.

It is recommended to spend around two hours at the cathedral, but if time is of the essence, you may see the majority of the sights in 45 minutes. In their Refectory Restaurant, savour delectable snacks and freshly made meals, and in the gift shop, you can peruse a selection of mementos.

The Salisbury Museum 

Salisbury MuseumSalisbury Museum (Image: Newsquest)

The Salisbury Museum is an award-winning institution that showcases the art and history of England, particularly Wiltshire, with an extensive array of special exhibitions and permanent displays throughout the year. Among the highlights is its archaeological collection, housed in the Wessex Gallery.

Exhibits showcase artefacts from Old Sarum and other locations, spanning prehistoric times to the mediaeval era, all within a 20-minute drive from neighbouring Stonehenge. A display on the Amesbury Archer, whose 4,000-year-old burial was discovered nearby along with a plethora of artefacts, including gold hair ornaments and boar tusks, is particularly interesting.

Walk to the old city centre

SalisburySalisbury

Strolling around the streets of Salisbury's city centre is a favourite amongst visitors to the area. The neighbourhood is not only known for its fantastic shopping but also for its architecture, which spans the ages from the Middle Ages to the 1800s.

Highlights include the 15th-century Plume of Feathers Inn, the 18th-century Guildhall, the expansive market square with its mediaeval market landmark, Poultry Cross, and the parish church of St. Thomas of Canterbury.

Other local attractions are the Red Lion Hotel, which has a lovely facade from the 1820s with a interior courtyard, and Joiner's Hall, a 16th-century half-timbered structure. The River Avon meadows with views of the cathedral are accessible through the North Gate.

The Roman ruins of Old Sarum

Old Sarum, a famous location for its role during the Roman Empire, is where the camp of Sorviodunum was once built. On this site grew a town settlement under the Saxons. The site of Old Sarum offers a beautiful view of the plains of Wiltshire and makes an excellent spot to host a picnic.

Stonehenge

StonehengeStonehenge

To the North of Salisbury is one of history's greatest wonders in Stonehenge. One of the most famous landmarks in the United Kingdom, Stonehenge is regarded as a British cultural icon. Whether by yourself or in a group, Stonehenge is a spectacular sight with the opportunity to see the monument from a distance or up close.