Car Hire Salisbury - Mini guide to Salisbury

Set in the heart of the lovely South Wiltshire countryside, the medieval cathedral town of Salisbury, home to the world’s oldest working clock and one of four remaining copies of the Magna Carta, is a fascinating holiday destination.

Without doubt, Salisbury’s biggest attraction is Stonehenge, a unique, prehistoric monument and a World Heritage Site. Only a short distance from the City, the impressive free-standing stones have become a mysterious symbol of the ancient world. Also nearby is Old Sarum, a massive Iron Age hill fort and Roman settlement, originally the site of Salisbury city.

The city centre is dominated by Salisbury Cathedral (13 C). Boasting the tallest spire in England and surrounded by the glorious lawns of Cathedral Close, it is probably the finest medieval Cathedral in Britain. Adjacent to the Cathedral is the Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum, with displays about Early Man, the Romans and Saxons, the history of Old Sarum, collections of porcelain and art, not to mention the award-winning Stonehenge Gallery.

Just a short walk from the Cathedral, Market Square and the Maltings Shopping Centre offer a variety of high street favourites and specialist stores. The city also has plenty of entertainment options, with three theatres and an arts centre, cinemas and nightclubs, not to mention a host of fine pubs. There’s even an opera house, and you can enjoy a day at the races at Salisbury Racecourse.

It’s also worth hiring a car to explore the many nearby attractions. Salisbury is surrounded by lovely, rolling countryside and picturesque villages, and Wiltshire has a host of important historical buildings, including Longleat, famed for its safari park, Old Wardour Castle (16 C), a great venue for picnics, and the fascinating burial mounds at Amesbury.

Just over an hour from Bristol Airport, and two hours from London Gatwick Airport, Salisbury is within easy reach of many cities, both European and world-wide.

The major suburbs in Salisbury are: Harnham, Quidhampton and Stratford Sub Castle.