Salisbury in England: unlock its mystical charm

Discover Salisbury, England’s mystic charm! From its 13th-century cathedral,  Stonehenge, to its medieval streets, this city is packed with history and beauty.

I couldn’t be more excited to express my deep love and admiration for the City of Salisbury, my absolute favorite city! With its stunning architecture, charming streets, and rich history, it’s impossible not to fall in love with this gem of a location.

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Why Salisbury has such a Mystical Charm

“The city of Salisbury is an enchanting place, with its mystical charm and natural beauty.”

William Wordsworth

Salisbury, England has a mystical charm that is deeply rooted in its history and culture. It is a city full of ancient sites, such as the iconic Salisbury Cathedral, and the city’s past can still be seen in the cobbled streets and buildings. Nature also plays an important role in the charm of Salisbury; the city is surrounded by green meadows, rolling hills, and picturesque rivers, making it a beautiful destination to explore. It is most certainly one of my favorite cities in England!

Rich History of Salisbury: Beliefs, Ideas, and Traditions

Salisbury, in the South West Region, is a city with a long and deep history, encompassing various beliefs and ideas that have been passed down through time. Equally important, it has been an area of deep Christian faith and spirituality over the years, and the stories that have developed around the city’s mysterious past tell a story, not unlike a fairytale.

• Established by the Romans in the late first century BC, a fact that further reinforces its deep roots in history.
• Today, the city is renowned for the spire of Salisbury Cathedral, standing at the heart of the city; the tallest spire in England and the result of growing influence from the Church of England from the 13th century onward.
• The city’s spire itself is said to contain supernatural powers. Ancient legends speak of a magical stone, said to be hidden at the very top of the spire.
• It is here, it is said, that the witches gather and their magic is fuelled, a reminder of the Witchfinder General and perhaps the origin of some of the folklore that has been passed down in this city for centuries.

The city was established by the Romans in the late first century BC, a fact that further reinforces its deep roots in history.	Yet, this is not the only mystical story associated with Salisbury. Ghosts, fairies, and witches have all been said to have roamed the city’s parchment-lined streets.
Today, the city is renowned for the spire of Salisbury Cathedral, standing at the heart of the city; the tallest spire in England and the result of growing influence from the Church of England from the 13th century onward.	A big part of this narrative surrounds the Witchfinder General himself. Matthew Hopkins, a young Puritan, who in the 1600s was commissioned by the ruling class of the city to hunt down witches using supposedly supernatural means.
Likewise, the city’s spire itself is said to contain supernatural powers. Ancient legends speak of a magical stone, said to be hidden at the very top of the spire.	This spiritual history of Salisbury highlights an important part of the city’s identity and is an important part of its character.
It is here, it is said, that the witches gather and their magic is fuelled, a reminder of the Witchfinder General and perhaps the origin of some of the folklore that has been passed down in this city for centuries.	Travelers from all over the world come to the city to witness the spire and, if they are lucky enough, explore in detail the spiritual and mysterious stories that it contains.

Salisbury is thus a city of many mysteries and its long and winding history is a source of fascination for thousands of visitors each year. In particular, its supernatural past has captivated visitors for centuries, a reminder of the influence that spiritual beliefs have had on the city and its people. For those looking to explore a deep, mystifying past, Salisbury is a great choice.

Explore 5 of Salisbury’s Historic Must-See Sites

In essence, Salisbury is packed full of awe-inspiring sites that make it one of England’s most beautiful and historical cities. Seeing these must-see sites will not only give you a great insight into the city’s past but will also bring its heritage to life.

1. Salisbury Cathedral

Bolstered by more than 800 years of history, Salisbury Cathedral stands tall as one of the most iconic examples of Early English architecture in the world today. Not only this, but many consider it also to have been blessed with a truly remarkable acoustic design.

This was achieved due to a diverse range of technical and architectural innovations from its builders; these included its high nave, fan-vaulted ceilings, and proportionally balanced pillars for maximum reverberation. Although unplanned at the time, their collective efforts have resulted in an acoustically superior environment that continues to be enjoyed by performers and audiences alike even now.

Famous Facts about Salisbury Cathedral

• is home to the world’s oldest surviving clock, which dates back to 1386
• the 124-meter spire of the cathedral is the tallest in England.
• boasts the world’s best-preserved original Magna Carta document from 1215.
• Cloisters are featured in the film ‘The Da Vinci Code’.
• is home to Europe’s oldest working organ, which dates back to 1790.
• has the longest nave of any cathedral in England, measuring 126 meters long.

We stayed over the road from the Salisbury Cathedral. Each day when we went outside, a different cathedral greeted us in the fluctuating weather patterns and whatever one presented itself to us, its mystical magnificence remained. Often we would venture to have lunch at the Refectory Restaurant and the soups were so delicious. Served with a chunk of fresh bread! Inside the cathedral is totally awe-inspiring!

2. Old Sarum

Hiking to Old Sarum from Salisbury Cathedral

Don’t miss out on the magnificent countryside of Salisbury. Prepare yourself to hike before your vacation and read my article on Hiking Beginner Tips for Seniors.

It typically takes between 1-2 hours to hike from the Salisbury Cathedral to Old Sarum. The terrain includes farmland, downs, grassland, and woodland, but be aware there are also some muddy and wet paths. So be prepared by wearing some good waterproof hiking boots. I continuously recommend the make Sketchers! Since the discovery of this brand, it has changed my walking and hiking experience.

3. Stonehenge

Stonehenge is a mysterious Neolithic monument located in Wiltshire, England, and believed to be constructed in three phases from 3000 BCE to 1500 BCE. The purpose of this structure remains unavailable, but many theories suggest it was used for ceremonial or spiritual rituals due to the alignments with sunrise and sunset during the solstices.

4. Salisbury Playhouse

Founded in 1906, Salisbury Playhouse is a Bold beacon of culture and creativity, standing proudly as Wiltshire’s premier producing theatre. Home to theatrical productions, dance and opera performances, concerts, comedy nights, and much more – Salisbury Playhouse boasts an outstanding portfolio of live arts entertainment over its century-long history.

Its reputation for presenting quality shows of national significance has grown immensely; welcoming some of the biggest names in theatre and a host of international touring companies.

Today it continues to attract audiences from around the world to enjoy an ever-diverse repertoire; pushing boundaries with ambitious new writing, operatic works, classical drama, and new productions that champion local talent.

5. Salisbury Charter Market

The Salisbury Market is located in the Old Town Plaza at 145 W Main St, Salisbury, NC 28144. It runs every Tuesday and Saturday, with Saturday being really busy. We went on both days and each one has its own appeal.

I couldn’t believe the prices of everything, so much cheaper! And the fruit and veggies, are so gorgeous and fresh. I recommend you go on both days and capture the experience of each day. Coffee, sweet treats, clothing, crafts, and even bockwurst! Much to our delight, we even purchased “biltong” and “droewors” from the South African stall, much to my grandaughter’s delight!

“The mystical charm of Salisbury is truly breathtaking!”

Emily Bronte

Salisbury Accommodation – Stay in Style

Sarum College		Sarum College has been one of the special places we have stayed and we most certainly will stay here again. I felt as if I had gone back into the past with the architecture, but the rooms and bathroom en-suite (with adequate heating in winter), were comfy. The breakfasts, well we most certainly had our fill! Only 100 meters from the Cathedral and easy walking distance to town and railway station.
Purlins Apartment		This was the first apartment we stayed at when we first visited Salisbury. Totally luxurious and incredible position right in the center of the city. I am nervous about recommending it as once you have tried it, you most certainly will return, and we will not be able to get a booking in future as it will be booked out.
Chapter House		Another gem! Close to the Cathedral close and bus routes and the city. What I love about this boutique hotel, is the pub attached, that serves bobotie (a dish loved by South Africans), and it is owned by an ex-South African.
Cricket Field House B & B		My son’s absolute favorite! Whenever he visits Salisbury, he comes here. Be welcomed warmly and have the best breakfast ever and stroll in the gorgeous gardens. It is a mile from the city center, this being its only disadvantage.
Shakespeare Cottage		We stayed at Shakespeare Cottage, which is within walking distance of the city center. It is small but cozy and perfectly adequate for what we needed.
Milford Hall Hotel & Spa		In the heart of the city and very conveniently located. Lovely staff, superb food, and a pretty garden. Spacious rooms and a place where you will feel quite at home.
Peartree Serviced Apartments Salisbury		If you would like a longer stay and like your independence, Peartree Apartments are perfect! The breakfast is great and it is close to amenities and even though central, quiet. Everything you need is in your spacious apartment.

Discovering the Majestic Parks and Forests near Salisbury

Salisbury’s parks and forests are simply amazing! From the iconic Salisbury Plain, with its rich history of Precious metal monuments, to Bushy Hill Wood and beyond, the area is a wonderful mix of city amenities and rural delights. There’s something here for everyone; open spaces such as Clarendon Park give you room to stretch your legs while maintaining traditional elements like wooded glades full of birdlife.

For families, Queen Elizabeth Gardens offers an array of activities including adventure play areas and conservatories. And don’t forget the stunning views of Salisbury Cathedral framed by trees or the chance to wander amongst ancient trees in Longford Forest – what more could you ask for?

List of Parks & Forests Around Salisbury

• Old Sarum
• Salisbury Plain
• Woodford Valley
• Winterbourne Stoke
• Clarendon Park
• Fisherton Gorge
• Laverstock Down
• Wilton Park
• Teffont Evias

Salisbury really does live up to its history of being a place full of enchantment with so many beautiful woods and parks just waiting to be explored!

Are you planning to visit Salisbury? It comes highly recommended by me and I know you will love it! Share your thoughts in the comments section below.