Salisbury is a city steeped in ancient history. You can see ancient druidic ceremonies at nearby Stonehenge, study the Magna Carta in the famous gothic cathedral or wander between the timber-framed Tudor buildings - it’s a place to feel lost in time.
But it’s one of Wiltshire’s liveliest towns too, its grand medieval spire overlooking art galleries, theatres, museums and upscale restaurants. Check out the programmes of theatre, film and live music at the Salisbury Arts Centre.
Twice-weekly markets have been held in the city for over 600 years and exist alongside the new chic bars and cafés - giving you the chance to try much more than the city would suggest.
Salisbury Travel links
Salisbury is a great city to explore on foot, but local transport options are plentiful. Salisbury station is well served by local bus routes, including the city’s Park & Ride scheme and the direct Stonehenge Tour bus to Stonehenge. There’s a taxi rank directly outside the main station entrance. Cycle routes also run straight past, and there’s storage for 110 bikes in the 287-bay station car park.
Salisbury is easily accessible by train from London. Trains depart from London Waterloo station, and the journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the service you choose.
Salisbury is connected by train to other major cities in the South West and South East of England, including Southampton and Exeter. Direct train services are available, making it accessible by rail from various locations.
The breath-taking Salisbury Cathedral, with the tallest spire in Britain, beckons visitors from miles around. The cathedral is home to the best preserved of the original Magna Carta manuscripts, housed within an exhibition opened in the cathedral’s Chapter House in 2015.
The Salisbury Museum in The King’s House opposite the cathedral offers an engrossing journey through the rich history and archaeology of ancient Wessex.
You can travel even further back in time at the Iron Age hill fort of Old Sarum Castle, where Salisbury’s first cathedral once stood. These days, costumed actors recreate medieval village life.
The Rockbourne Roman Villa in Fordingbridge is one not to be missed either. Of course, you can take a bus tour out onto Salisbury Plain to visit the ancient stone circle of Stonehenge. There’s a bus that leaves from right outside the train station.
Salisbury is a haven for artisan products. Fisherton Mill on trendy Fisherton Street, an 1880s grain mill has been turned into a gallery and studios for local artists, sculptors, glass workers and furniture makers to make and sell their pieces. The Mill even runs knitting workshops!
You’ll often find stalls filling Market Place for the twice-weekly Charter Market on Tuesdays and Sundays or regular farmer’s, vintage and teenage markets, and the Old George Mall is the place to go for high street fashions and sweet shops selling miniature ‘Fudgehenges’.
Restaurants in Salisbury
Salisbury offers a variety of dining options, from traditional British cuisine to international flavors. Here are some recommended restaurants in Salisbury:
Cathedral: located within the stunning Salisbury Cathedral Close, this restaurant offers beautiful views and a serene atmosphere. They serve a mix of British and international dishes, often using locally sourced ingredients.
The Chapter House: situated in the heart of Salisbury, The Chapter House is known for its modern British cuisine, including locally sourced meats and fresh seafood. The restaurant is located in a beautifully restored 13th-century building.
The Cosy Club: this stylish and relaxed restaurant is part of a chain known for its comfortable atmosphere and eclectic menu. It offers a range of dishes, including brunch, tapas, and classic British options.
The Ox Row Inn: a historic pub and restaurant with a warm and welcoming ambiance. They serve classic British pub fare, including pies, burgers, and traditional Sunday roasts.
Anokaa Restaurant: for those who enjoy Indian cuisine, Anokaa is a top choice in Salisbury. They offer a diverse menu of Indian dishes, including both traditional and contemporary options.
Hotels in Salisbury
The best Salisbury hotels combine the city’s history with its thriving art scene. Merging Regency style and modern chic, the Milford Hall Hotel & Spa on Castle Street – a 10-minute river walk from the centre of Salisbury – is a Georgian mansion house with a refurbished contemporary wing.
There’s more period character beneath the Tudor beams of the Rose & Crown Hotel beside the River Avon, a 13th century coaching inn transformed into 21st century luxury lodging with a waterfront party area, while the 9 bedrooms above the Pembroke Arms in Wilton work as quirky pastiches of the Georgian and Victorian eras, with their fake-peeling woods and the sort of ornate bedstead that a French prince might have demanded.
Travelling by train from London Waterloo to Salisbury can cost as little as £9.70 if you book in advance. Prices may differ based on the time of day, class, and route. Bear in mind booking on the day of travel is usually more expensive.
What time does the first direct train from London to Salisbury depart?
The average travel-time is around 1 hour and 30 minutes. However, keep in mind that travel times on weekends and holidays may be longer. To find out the exact travel time for a specific date, please visit our Train Times page.
There are plenty of local transport options from Salisbury station. The most common is the Stonehenge Tour bus which runs directly from the station. You can choose either a Bus Only or Tour Included fare, and the trip takes around 35 minutes each way.
Travelling by train from Salisbury to Andover can cost as little as £7.30 if you get evening out ticket. Prices may differ based on the time of day, class, and route. Bear in mind booking on the day of travel is usually more expensive.
What time does the last direct train from London to Salisbury depart?
You can save money by buying off-peak tickets. Search our ticket types to find cheap train tickets, and see if you can save even more with a Railcard . If you’re travelling in a group, you could benefit from GroupSave. And don’t forget to check out SWR Rewards hubfor exclusive discounts on dining deals, theatre tickets, hotel stays, days out and much more.
