Best Attractions near Old Sarum

Old Sarum, located just north of Salisbury, England, is a remarkable historic site combining an Iron Age hillfort, a Norman motte-and-bailey castle, and the ruins of a medieval cathedral. It was a key royal and ecclesiastical center from prehistoric times through the Middle Ages, witnessing events from the Oath of Salisbury to the relocation of the cathedral to modern Salisbury in the 13th century. Today, visitors can explore its earthworks, castle remains, and cathedral foundations while enjoying panoramic views over the Wiltshire countryside.

Stonehenge Road in Salisbury, England, is a key access route to the world-famous prehistoric monument Stonehenge, situated on the Salisbury Plain. This area is steeped in Neolithic history, featuring ancient avenues, burial mounds, and ritual landscapes that connect to one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. Visitors experience a blend of natural chalk uplands, historic pathways, and the enduring mystery of Stonehenge’s megaliths.

Woodhenge is a remarkable Neolithic timber monument located near Salisbury, England, dating back to around 2500 BC. Comprising six concentric ovals of wooden posts enclosed by a bank and ditch, it aligns with the midsummer sunrise, reflecting its probable ceremonial and astronomical significance. Discovered by aerial photography in 1925, today visitors can explore the site marked by concrete pillars, which outline the original timber posts, within the Stonehenge World Heritage Site.

Durrington Walls, near Amesbury and Salisbury, is the largest known Neolithic henge in the UK, dating from around 2000 to 1600 BCE. It features massive earthworks enclosing an ancient village site thought to be home to the builders of Stonehenge. Recent discoveries reveal a vast circle of deep shafts surrounding the site, underscoring its ceremonial significance in prehistoric Britain.

Salisbury Plain Safaris offers tourists a unique opportunity to discover the breathtaking landscapes and rich history of Salisbury Plain, making it an unmissable experience for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

The Pewsey White Horse is a striking hill figure carved into the chalk hills near Pewsey, Wiltshire. Created in 1937 by volunteers from the Pewsey Fire Brigade to commemorate King George VI’s coronation, it replaces an earlier 18th-century horse that had faded away. Measuring 66 by 45 feet, it is the smallest of Wiltshire’s iconic white horses but is admired for its well-proportioned design and historical significance. The figure is fenced to protect it and remains a beloved local landmark.

The Alton Barnes White Horse is a striking chalk hill figure carved in 1812 on Milk Hill, Wiltshire’s highest point. Measuring approximately 180 feet high and 160 feet long, this historic landmark overlooks the Vale of Pewsey and is renowned for its bold design and scenic setting. Commissioned by local farmer Robert Pile, the horse has been carefully maintained and restored over the centuries, making it a captivating symbol of Wiltshire’s cultural heritage and landscape.

The Wiltshire Museum in Devizes showcases 500,000 years of local history through award-winning galleries featuring stunning archaeological finds, including unique gold artifacts from the time of Stonehenge. The museum offers interactive exhibits for all ages, telling the story of Wiltshire’s prehistoric, Roman, Saxon, and medieval past. It is a key cultural landmark and an essential visit for anyone interested in the rich heritage of southern England.

Center Parcs Longleat Forest is a sprawling holiday village nestled in the scenic woodlands of Wiltshire, UK. Set among towering Giant Redwoods and rolling hills, it offers a mix of family-friendly lodges, stylish apartments, and unique treehouses. Visitors enjoy a wide range of activities including spa treatments, adventure golf, escape rooms, and wildlife experiences, all within a tranquil forest setting that blends natural beauty with modern comforts.

The Kennet and Avon Canal is a 57-mile historic waterway in southern England, linking the River Thames at Reading with the River Avon at Bristol. Constructed between 1794 and 1810, it was a vital industrial artery transporting coal, agricultural goods, and other cargo during the 19th century. Today, the canal offers scenic towpaths for walking and boating, featuring iconic engineering feats like the Caen Hill Locks and the Crofton Pumping Station.