SPOTLIGHT
SALISBURY
View across Salisbury
Known as ‘the city in the countryside’, one of Salisbury’s great attractions is its glorious scenery. Nestled amidst quintessentially English grassland, the town’s majestic cathedral, which boasts the tallest spire in England, overlooks lush water meadows, creating the most picturesque of settings. Salisbury has been an important provincial city for over a thousand years. Its stunning architecture tells the story of its rich history, from its medieval walls and half-timbered Tudor houses, to Georgian mansions and Victorian villas. The early English gothic Salisbury Cathedral is home to the best-preserved Magna Carta manuscript and its beautiful cloisters are a peaceful place for quiet contemplation. History buffs will love exploring the town’s excellent museums, some of England’s finest historic houses such as Stourhead and Longleat, and the prehistoric stone circle at Stonehenge, just 8 miles away. But Salisbury is also a lively modern town with a thriving market, buzzing arts scene, excellent shops, bars and restaurants and vibrant night life. There are year-round events from the world-renowned Salisbury International Arts Festival through to the annual Christmas market. If you love the theatre and the arts, you’ll want to check out Salisbury Playhouse, the South West’s leading producing theatre, City Hall and Salisbury Arts Centre, whilst the city centre is home to an enticing range of top-class restaurants and bars too. The city is justly proud of its Purple Flag status, the ‘gold standard’ for a great night out. Feast your eyes on a dizzy array of fresh produce, clothing and more from over 80 independent traders at the twice weekly outdoor Charter Market, named the UK’s best large community market, or wander through Salisbury’s historic streets to discover a thriving community of small independent and boutique shops. ‘An absolute delight’, according to the Guardian, Salisbury has plenty to offer whether you’re after a laid-back lifestyle or an entertaining evening out.
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Salisbury Cathedral
Market in Salisbury
Stonehenge, Wiltshire