"Salisbury mark one" Old Sarum by Sjalen

Old Sarum Travel Guide: 12 reviews and 37 photos

Old Sarum really is on the outskirts of Salisbury, but it merits its own page since it was actually the site for the first settlement here and had it not been abandoned later on, THIS is what we would have called Salisbury. Today, there is little left of what was once a whole town with a towering fortress in its middle. It must have been quite a normal settlement and yet it feels really odd to imagine it today, when you walk around with countryside around you on all sides but the city one. Old Sarum is a place where everyone has been, From Neolithic settlements around the Stonehenge era to the Romans and then later a handful of Plantagenets. Then the cathedral moved to its present site and Old Sarum was gradually abandoned as people settled around the new market town with its clergy.

Pros and Cons

Pros:historic
Cons:incredibly windy in most weather
In a nutshell:Fascinating to see this so close to a new settlement

Last visit to Old Sarum: Apr 2007
Intro Written Apr 23, 2007
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Reviews (6)

Walk on top Favorites (1)

Walking along the chalky paths of the ramparts, as well as on the hill outside, you get great views back towards... more travel advice

Steep banks Warnings and Dangers (1)

The top of the ramparts is not where you want to spot your young child. It is otherwise a great place to walk along for... more travel advice

By bus Transportation (1)

Buses from Salisbury city centre are fairly frequent throughout the day and stop just below the hill so you will have to... more travel advice

Old Sarum Cathedral Things to Do (3)

I found this the most fascinating with Old Sarum. From the old palace area you can look down onto the lawn where once... more travel advice

Comments (1)

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Mariajoy Apr 24, 2007 at 8:27 AM

Wiltshire is wonderful isn't it?? Imagine digging out a moat with just an antler! Great stuff here Charlotta! :)