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Welcome to Salisbury鈥檚 Market Square and Guildhall鈥攖he historic heart of the city. For centuries, this place has buzzed with life, hosting markets every week since the Middle Ages. When you wander through here, you鈥檙e treading the same ground as medieval merchants, Victorian traders, and the modern-day locals who come to buy everything from fresh produce to unique crafts.

Back in 1361, Tuesdays and Saturdays became official market days. And just like now, you could get almost anything. Each type of good even had its own street name: Fish Row, Silver Street, Oatmeal Row, Ox Row, Butchers Row. It was a medieval shopping mall before shopping malls existed.

At the square鈥檚 northern end stands the Guildhall, a stately Georgian structure completed in 1795. With its neoclassical facade and six grand Doric columns, this building has been the backdrop for civic ceremonies, elegant banquets, and lively public meetings for over two centuries. Inside, you鈥檒l find richly paneled rooms, intricate plaster ceilings, and portraits that tell the city鈥檚 story through the ages. Notable visitors have included King George III, Lord Nelson, Princess Diana, and Queen Elizabeth II.

These days, the Guildhall still serves as a hub for local government but also hosts exhibitions, concerts, and community events. Make sure to spot the historic coat of arms on the facade and step inside to marvel at the grand staircase and elegant interior. If you鈥檙e lucky, you might even catch a special event or artisan fair happening right in the square.

Saint Ann鈥檚 Gate, built around 1331, is one of the gateways to Salisbury Cathedral鈥檚 sprawling Close鈥攖he largest in Britain. Spanning a green and tranquil 80 acres, the Close offers an escape from the busy city streets. Originally called 鈥淣ew Sarum鈥� by Bishop Richard Poore, the area鈥檚 history is steeped in legend. One tale claims the bishop fired an arrow over the River Avon, hitting a deer, and chose that spot to build. While that makes for a great story, the reality was more practical: the bishop wanted a diocese of his own.

Fast forward to the 14th century, and Edward III gives the thumbs-up for a fortified stone wall around the Close, using stones salvaged from Old Sarum鈥檚 abandoned cathedral. Saint Ann鈥檚 Gate, with its central stone arch and two-story height, was part of this grand effort to protect the clergy. Over the centuries, the Close evolved. In the 18th century, architect James Wyatt controversially reimagined it鈥攑ulling down the bell tower, moving gravestones, and altering the cathedral鈥檚 interior.

The Close, once entirely ecclesiastical, now houses not only the clergy but also the well-heeled. Visitors can admire several public buildings, while others remain private, their moss-covered roofs and mullioned windows peeking through wrought iron railings. Narrow alleyways invite exploration, and grassy lawns with benches provide the perfect spot to soak up the history.

All in all, the Close is a intriguind patchwork of architectural styles, but also a peaceful haven where you can easily lose yourself in centuries of beauty and intrigue.

At Salisbury鈥檚 Cathedral, superlatives flock together like birds on a wire. The tallest spire in Britain? Check: 404 feet. One of only four original copies of the Magna Carta鈥攑reserved better than a mummy in a museum? Check. The oldest working clock in Europe, ticking since 1386? Check again. Add to that the largest cathedral cloisters, the biggest cathedral close in Britain, the earliest complete set of choir stalls, and the highest vault in the land. It鈥檚 a record-breaking masterpiece, built in just 38 years, from 1220 to 1258鈥攏o cranes, no bulldozers, just raw medieval ingenuity.

What set Salisbury Cathedral apart is that it was built on a fresh, empty site. No ruins to work around, no half-finished foundations. The builders had a blank canvas and a clear plan, creating a cohesive design that tied the entire complex together. Begun just five years after the main cathedral was finished, the cloisters mirrored its style with pointed arches, elegant patterns, and matching materials. It was the big debut of Early English Gothic architecture, using narrow stone piers instead of chunky rubble-filled columns. The result was a lighter, brighter interior that let the sun pour in through those lancet windows.

Sure, the structure had its share of 鈥渕akeovers鈥� over the centuries. James Wyatt and Sir George Gilbert Scott could not resist tweaking things, and some original decorations and chapels did not survive. But Salisbury鈥檚 graceful lines and clean symmetry remain intact鈥攕till polished, still stunning.

Outside, the cathedral close is now a serene, green expanse. The gravestones are gone, leaving open lawns with benches and shade trees where visitors can picnic or simply admire the view. Just remember, no bikes, booze, ball games, or drones. Instead, enjoy the occasional outdoor art exhibit, or just take in the tranquil atmosphere. It鈥檚 history, beauty, and a touch of peace, all wrapped up in one iconic site.

Originally built around 1291 as a canonry, this historic house comes with a splash of medieval intrigue鈥攊ts last canon, Leonard Bilson, found himself behind bars in 1562, accused of dabbling in magic and sorcery. Since then, the building has been repeatedly reimagined, each century adding another twist to its story.

The current Georgian facade is the handiwork of John Wyndham, who called it home from 1718 to 1750. The house gained its 鈥淎rundells鈥� name when James Arundell, son of Lord Arundell, moved in from 1752 to 1803. By the 19th century, it became a school, later serving as a library and wool depot during World War II. After the war, it fell into disrepair until a 1964 restoration brought it back to life.

The most notable resident, however, was Sir Edward Heath, who bought Arundells in 1985. The former British Prime Minister ( from 1970鈥�1974) lived here until his death, turning it into a vibrant social hub. Hosting esteemed guests and grand parties, he filled the house with his favorite things: an impressive art collection featuring political cartoons, paintings by Winston Churchill, and works by Augustus John, LS Lowry, and John Singer-Sargent. A Steinway grand piano and Lloyd George鈥檚 writing desk add gravitas, but the quirky touches鈥攍ike the 鈥渢eapot鈥� chair for enjoying music鈥攔eveal his personal side.

Today, Arundells is preserved much as it was during Sir Edward鈥檚 lifetime. With beautifully landscaped gardens that sweep down to the River Avon, it鈥檚 a delightful glimpse into a storied past filled with music, sailing, politics, and more than a few colorful characters.

Located in Salisbury鈥檚 historic Cathedral Close, the Rifles Museum offers a comprehensive exploration of the distinguished histories of the Royal Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiments. The museum is housed in 鈥淭he Wardrobe,鈥� a building dating back to the 13th century that once served as a storage space for the Bishop of Salisbury鈥檚 robes and ecclesiastical gear. Within this historic setting, visitors can explore over two and a half centuries of military service.

Founded in 1982 and inaugurated by the Duke of Edinburgh, the museum showcases the experiences of soldiers who served in conflicts from the Seven Years鈥� War to more recent engagements in Afghanistan. Exhibits include a wealth of artifacts, personal memorabilia, and detailed displays that shed light on the valor and everyday lives of the infantrymen. The collection provides insight into major campaigns, such as the Peninsular War, the Crimean War, the Boer War, and both World Wars.

Beyond its indoor exhibits, the museum offers a peaceful riverside garden as a quiet spot for reflection, while The Rifleman鈥檚 Table caf茅, situated nearby, serves homemade meals, lunches, and traditional cream teas during the summer, enhancing the overall visit.

As of 2025, the museum is undergoing a major redevelopment of its galleries, with a reopening planned for April. Visitors are encouraged to visit the museum鈥檚 website for updates on reopening dates and upcoming events.

Step into this Grade I listed gem, now under the care of the National Trust. Built in classic Queen Anne style and clad in the very same Chilmark stone used for Salisbury Cathedral, the house was commissioned by Sir Thomas Mompesson鈥擬P for Salisbury three times over鈥攁nd completed in 1701 by his son Charles. Even the cartouche over the front door is a replica of Charles and his wife Elizabeth鈥檚 coat of arms, lending a personal touch to the elegant facade.

Eventually, Charles鈥� brother-in-law took charge, adding a striking oak staircase and elaborate plaster detailing. The home then passed through a series of tenants鈥攎ost famously Barbara Townsend, who called it home for nearly a century and famously resisted any 20th-century conveniences. By 1975, the house was in the hands of the National Trust: nearly empty, yet brimming with historical charm.

Today, it is fully furnished and features a prized collection of 18th-century drinking glasses, alongside fine porcelain and period furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries. Regular events and exhibitions add even more to the experience. Be sure to wander through the intimate enclosed garden, and don鈥檛 miss the tea room at the bottom. It鈥檚 the perfect spot to reflect on this little slice of Salisbury鈥檚 history.

As one of the original five gateways into Salisbury鈥檚 old city wall, the North Gate has been the historic pass-through to the High Street and beyond since it was built in the 14th century. A sturdy blend of rubble stone and ashlar, it once housed a small jail for local lawbreakers鈥攊deal if you wanted your miscreants securely locked up without having to haul them too far. Mostly designed for pedestrians back in the day, the narrow arch isn鈥檛 exactly welcoming to modern cars.

The gate has seen its share of tweaks over the centuries: a portcullis added and later removed, extra windows popped in, a new roof, and a door installed on the Porters Lodge in the 1600s. That lodge wasn鈥檛 just a functional workspace, either鈥攊t was a plum job for a well-connected servant or noble鈥檚 retainer. By 1950, the gatehouse was converted into an office for the Cathedral clerk of works and remains an active office space today.

As you walk through, take a moment to admire the details. On the city side, the Stuart royal coat of arms from the 17th century adds a regal flourish, while on the opposite side, a statue of Edward VII, added in 1902, quietly keeps watch over this ancient gateway to Salisbury鈥檚 High Street.

This three-story building on Salisbury鈥檚 High Street now serves as the main entrance to Old George Mall鈥攑ractically swallowing the ground floor in the process. But before it became a gateway to retail therapy, this place played host to some very notable characters.

Originally built in the 14th century as a coaching inn, it took its name from the Guild of Saint George, founded by Salisbury鈥檚 mayor and corporation. In 1645, Protestant leader Oliver Cromwell bunked down here on his way to join his troops. Samuel Pepys, ever the food critic, praised the fare as 鈥渧ery good diet鈥� but also 鈥渧ery dear.鈥� In true Pepys fashion, he got into a spat with the landlady and promptly moved somewhere cheaper.

Step inside the Old George, and you鈥檒l find a labyrinth of crooked hallways, slanted floors, and steep, uneven stairs. A fire door from the mall reveals the Inn鈥檚 old banqueting hall, complete with wooden beams, a minstrel鈥檚 gallery, and a Jacobean mantelpiece. Overhead, the carved heads of King Edward II and Queen Isabella make for an interesting touch鈥攖hough the queen allegedly murdered the king, they seem to be making amends up there.

Charles Dickens name-dropped the inn in 鈥淢artin Chuzzlewit鈥�, and it鈥檚 said Shakespeare鈥檚 troupe once rehearsed 鈥淎s You Like It鈥� here. The 14th-century charm of the Old George stands in stark contrast to the sleek shops and cafes of the mall, but together, they make for a fascinating blend of history and modern convenience.

Perched along the scenic banks of Salisbury鈥檚 River Avon, this mill has seen it all. Dating back to medieval times, it began as a workhorse for the Bishops of Salisbury, grinding grain to feed the growing diocese while generating a healthy income for the church. The Avon鈥檚 steady, dependable flow powered the mill for centuries, keeping the city鈥檚 economy moving right along. While the machinery stopped turning long ago, the building鈥檚 idyllic riverside location has remained a key attraction.

Today, this historic landmark has shed its industrial past in favor of a more spirited role as one of Salisbury鈥檚 favorite pubs. It鈥檚 known for its seasonal menus, a robust selection of wines and ales, and a relaxed atmosphere that keeps patrons coming back. The Mill even weathered some unexpected notoriety鈥攂ecoming a surprising centerpiece of the 2018 Novichok incident, which led to a large-scale expulsion of Russian diplomats by Britain. But like a true survivor, the venue bounced back with a stylish refurbishment: a glazed pergola, a reimagined bar, updated dining areas with fresh artwork, improved accessibility, and more space for patrons to enjoy the lively ground floor.

Now, the Mill buzzes with energy, hosting everything from live music and sports nights to quirky themed events that keep the spirit of this historic gem alive. It鈥檚 a charming spot where old-world charm and modern hospitality flow as seamlessly as the river beside it.

Dating all the way back to the 15th century, the Poultry Cross is the last survivor of the four market crosses that once graced the town square. Erected in 1450鈥攔ight at the height of Salisbury鈥檚 prosperity鈥攊t replaced an older High Cross that had stood since the city鈥檚 earliest days. But it didn鈥檛 always look exactly like this. The elegant curving buttresses supporting the pinnacle and cross weren鈥檛 part of the original design. They were added in the 1850s after a particularly nasty storm decided the structure could use a bit more reinforcement.

As for its long-lost siblings, there were three others: Cheese Cross in the cheese market, Bernard鈥檚 Cross for livestock, and Yarn Cross in the market square devoted to wool and yarn. As the name suggests, Poultry Cross once bustled with traders selling birds of all kinds鈥攃hickens, ducks, you name it. While the birds have since flown the coop, the cross itself remains a centerpiece of the square, now serving as a convenient rain shelter for shoppers and vendors alike. Twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, market stalls spring up around it, keeping the centuries-old tradition alive.

Beyond its practical use, the Poultry Cross is a prime spot for people-watching or snapping a photo or two. The intricate stonework, weathered with age, retains a certain charm. So while the birds may be long gone, their legacy lives on.

As you stroll through Salisbury鈥檚 historic heart, don鈥檛 miss Butcher Row鈥攁 thoroughfare with roots that dig deep into the city鈥檚 medieval past. In the days of yore, Butcher Row was exactly what it sounds like: the prime spot where Salisbury鈥檚 butchers plied their trade. Dating back to the 13th century, this was the go-to area for fresh cuts, just as Fish Row served the fishmongers and Silver Street catered to the metalworkers.

Wandering through Butcher Row today, you can still see hints of its medieval past. The narrow lane once teemed with market stalls, and its prime location made it a key player in Salisbury鈥檚 trading game. Over time, those rickety wooden stalls evolved into the timber-framed structures you can still spot today. Keep an eye out for the overhanging jetties and beams鈥攖hey鈥檙e classic medieval architecture, frozen in time.

Back in the day, butchers had to stay sharp鈥攏ot just with their knives, but with their standards. City officials regularly inspected their goods, and if anyone dared to sell less-than-stellar meat, they鈥檇 face hefty fines or even be booted from the market entirely. That level of oversight wasn鈥檛 just about fresh sausages; it helped cement Salisbury鈥檚 reputation as a first-class trading hub.

Today, the butcher stalls have given way to charming cafes, trendy boutiques, and a steady stream of passersby. But if you close your eyes and listen closely, you might just hear the echoes of centuries-old market chatter鈥攁nd perhaps the faint clink of a butcher鈥檚 cleaver.