Old Sarum
An ancient hillfort, Norman castle, and original cathedral site with layers of history and stunning views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Old Sarum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An ancient hillfort, Norman castle, and original cathedral site with layers of history and stunning views.
"One of my favourite days out, this place had such beautiful views, great history and the people who worked here were very welcoming."
🚶♀️ Walk the Outer Banks
Explore the vast outer ramparts for stunning views and a sense of scale. Free to access!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome, making it a great spot for a family outing.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iron Age Hillfort Ramparts
Outer perimeter
Massive banks and ditches forming a formidable Iron Age defensive structure, offering panoramic views.
Ruins of Old Sarum Cathedral
Central area
The foundations and remnants of the original Salisbury Cathedral, a testament to its former importance.
Norman Castle Mound
Highest point
The elevated site of the Norman castle, offering strategic views and a glimpse into medieval defenses.
Views of Salisbury Cathedral
Western ramparts
A clear, distant view of the iconic Salisbury Cathedral spire, connecting the past and present.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Deeper Dive
Embrace the Layers of History
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Outer Banks
Explore the vast outer ramparts for stunning views and a sense of scale. Free to access!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome, making it a great spot for a family outing.
🛬 Aviation Enthusiast's Gem
Don't miss the Boscombe Down Aviation Collection for a unique historical twist.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for breathtaking panoramas of Salisbury and the surrounding countryside.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Outer Banks
Explore the vast outer ramparts for stunning views and a sense of scale. Free to access!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome, making it a great spot for a family outing.
🛬 Aviation Enthusiast's Gem
Don't miss the Boscombe Down Aviation Collection for a unique historical twist.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for breathtaking panoramas of Salisbury and the surrounding countryside.
🍦 Treat Yourself
Enjoy ice cream with vegan options available, perfect for a sunny day visit. [^Review]
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Old Sarum for its rich history, beautiful views, and welcoming atmosphere. The friendly staff and dog-friendly policy are frequently highlighted as positives, making it a great day out for families and history enthusiasts alike. Some visitors note that while the outer areas are free, there's a charge for the central ruins.
"One of my favourite days out, this place had such beautiful views, great history and the people who worked here were very welcoming, up for a chat and overall friendly, also got some ice cream which i was quite happy they had a decent amount of vegan options. You can easily spend a good few hours here just walking around and reading everything, even just sat relaxing. Great place for dogs to come and run about, even children and it was fun watching the sky divers. i'd love to revisit here in the future. (For anyone wondering, you pay for the small middle part over the bridge, all the outer bits you can walk around for free)"
Call Me Lozza
"Beautiful views of the surrounding area and the town of Salisbury. You can see the cathedral clearly from one of the walls. Lots of history related to kings of the past. Highly recommend if you’re a tourist buff and it doesn’t take too long to explore."
Baris Ozyetis
"Staff super friendly and helpful. Lovely to explore and learn. Only managed few photos as having fun with kiddies exploring. Little gift shop and picnic benches. Beautiful views and dogs welcome on leads."
Claire
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Old Sarum is easily accessible from Salisbury. You can drive, with parking available on-site. Local buses also run to the area, and it's a pleasant walk or cycle for those who enjoy it.
Old Sarum is a convenient stop if you're visiting Stonehenge. It's located just a short drive north of Salisbury, making it a great addition to a day trip. [^Review]
There is parking available at Old Sarum. It's generally sufficient for visitors, though it can get busier during peak times. [^Review]
Yes, local bus services connect Salisbury to Old Sarum. Check local timetables for the most up-to-date information on routes and schedules.
While possible, a day trip from London to Old Sarum might be rushed. It's more comfortably enjoyed as part of a visit to Salisbury or the wider Wiltshire region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You pay for access to the central part of Old Sarum, which includes the ruins of the cathedral and castle. The outer banks and ramparts are free to explore, offering great views.
Opening hours vary seasonally. It's best to check the official English Heritage website for the most current times before your visit. [^Review]
Admission fees apply to the central historic area. Consider an English Heritage membership if you plan to visit multiple sites, as it can be very cost-effective. [^Review]
Yes, you can walk around the extensive outer ramparts and enjoy the views for free. The paid entry is for the core historical ruins and interpretation.
Discounts may be available for seniors, students, and children. English Heritage membership offers the best value for frequent visitors. [^Review]
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can spend anywhere from 1-3 hours at Old Sarum, depending on your interest. Walking the ramparts and exploring the ruins takes time, plus enjoying the views. [^Review]
Absolutely! Children will enjoy exploring the open spaces, imagining life in the ancient fort and castle. The free outer areas are great for them to run around. [^Review]
Yes, there are picnic benches available, and toilet facilities are usually on-site. It's a good spot for a family picnic with a historical backdrop. [^Review]
Old Sarum features Iron Age ramparts, the remains of a Norman castle, and the foundations of the original Salisbury Cathedral. Informative panels explain the site's rich history.
Yes, Old Sarum offers fantastic photographic opportunities, from the sweeping landscapes to the historical ruins and views of Salisbury Cathedral.
📸 📸 Photography
The western ramparts offer excellent views of Salisbury Cathedral. The elevated points on the hillfort provide sweeping panoramas of the surrounding countryside.
Yes, on a clear day, you can get a distinct view of Salisbury Cathedral's spire from certain vantage points on the ramparts of Old Sarum. [^Review]
Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the textures of the earthworks and ruins. Early mornings can also be stunning with fewer people.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites like Old Sarum to protect the heritage and visitor experience. Always check the site's specific regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ramparts and landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for framing shots of Salisbury Cathedral in the distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
[^Review]🚶♀️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
+1 The well-preserved earthworks are a testament to ancient engineering, and the remnants of the cathedral and castle provide tangible links to medieval life. Take your time to read the interpretative panels and consider purchasing a guidebook for a deeper understanding of the site's significance. [^Review]📸 Photographers
The elevated positions provide sweeping vistas of the Wiltshire landscape and the distant Salisbury Cathedral, creating opportunities for both grand panoramas and framed shots. [^Review] The ruins themselves, bathed in the soft light of late afternoon, can be incredibly atmospheric. Remember to check the weather for dramatic skies that can further enhance your images. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Layers of History at Old Sarum
+1Following the Roman period, Old Sarum continued its importance as an Anglo-Saxon stronghold. The Normans later recognized its strategic value and built a castle within the existing earthworks in the 11th century. This period also saw the establishment of the original Salisbury Cathedral on the site. However, life on the exposed hilltop proved challenging due to wind and water scarcity. Friction between the military garrison and the clergy eventually led to the cathedral's relocation downhill to its current site in Salisbury in the early 13th century.
+3Today, visitors can explore the remnants of these distinct eras. The massive earthworks of the Iron Age fort are still incredibly impressive, while the foundations of the Norman castle and the cathedral offer tangible links to its medieval past. Informative panels guide you through the site's evolution, making it a fascinating journey through British history. [^Review]
Exploring Old Sarum: What to Expect
The central area, which requires an admission fee, contains the ruins of the Norman castle and the original Salisbury Cathedral. Here, you can see the foundations and imagine the bustling community that once thrived on this strategic hilltop. Beyond the historical ruins, Old Sarum offers beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding Wiltshire countryside and the modern city of Salisbury, including a distant view of its famous cathedral spire. [^Review] The site is dog-friendly and a great place for children to explore and burn off energy. There are also picnic benches available, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed family outing. For aviation enthusiasts, the Boscombe Down Aviation Collection is located on-site, adding another unique dimension to a visit.
[^Review]
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit