What to do in Salisbury...?

kb36

Booked a 3 night break in Salisbury in February. What are the must see/do things apart from Stonehenge. Never been to that neck of the woods before and would like some insider info! Kids of 5 and 8 to entertain so family friendly activities and we will have a car so can travel. Recommendations for places to eat, parks to let off steam etc also very welcome. Any info much appreciated

poe.tuesday

the jade (chinese) by the catherdral walls is lovely, it looks a bit grot when you first walk in but it is hgihly recommended (was featured in the telegraph dining guide some years back), if you like sea food then their seafood set meal is a must but if the children as against seeing the lobster you are about to eat live just let the waiter know that you do not want to see it first.
there is a bowling alley in salisbury which is a bit grot too but if it's raining then you can keep them busy, longlete also isn't that far too, the city itself is small and has the normal array of shops and cafes but not much else for the kids, so if you don't mind driving them you can get to studland bay (poole area) easily, marwell zoo which is near winchester is also not that far either (when I say not far, it's about 30 odd miles away)

have fun

merlinormartin

Monkey World in Wareham!! .. (as seen on tv),, is around 35 miles away http://www.monkeyworld.org/ and the tank museum if your son enjoys tank http://www.tankmuseum.co.uk/

martindow

You could go on to Avebury a few miles from Stonehenge. I think it is more impressive less crowded and free! Salisbury itself is a pretty place with some nice pedestrianised streets and the cathedral and its close are especially good. I hope the weather behaves for you - you're brave going in February!

marcowil

I would recommend booking a Stone Circle access visit if you are plannning on going to Stonehenge. You get to walk around inside the stone circle for an hour (with a few others) instead of just on the outer perimiter. The visits take place in the early morning or late evening and are well worth the extra!

When I was there (7am) it was a few americans and some druids/white witches - the place was really quiet and the whole experience was really good. My other half even got a wicca blessing from one of the other visitors.
I would say its not really suitable for very small children unless they can be quite quiet as there are people meditating etc

More info at http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.878

Also, if you are in Salisbury try the little pancake house beside the main street car park - fabulous!
And if you're looking for a reasonable place to stay - Amesbury Travelodge - very close and we got it for £9.50 each!!

poe.tuesday

I personally would not pay to get in to see the stones, you still can not get close to them and you cna see them just as well from the road, also, don't park in the car park as it cost, just go past it and park in the lane on the left

agree with martindow - avesbury is really good and you can walk all about the stones, you could also check out some of the white horses, the info centre at avesbury has all int info on the white horses

BillScarab

I'd agree about going to Avebury, also you could visit West Kennet Long Barrow as it's free and you can get inside it. You also get good views of Silbury Hill from there. As well sa the various White Horses you can also go and see the Cerne Abbas giant.

Monkey World is well worth visiting. As well as the various monkeys and Apes they have excellent playgrounds for the children.

moonrakerz

A few to start with:-

http://www.salisburymuseum.org.uk/

http://www.ottersandowls.co.uk/welcome.htm

http://www.longleat.co.uk/

http://www.west-quay.co.uk/website/

http://www.paultonspark.co.uk/ (check dates !)

http://www.flying-museum.org.uk/

http://www.fleetairarm.com/

kb36

Many thanks to all of you - all great suggestions and should keep us busy for the few days we are there - beats any guide book!

Dee140157

Just taking a walk across town path is beautiful. Ask directions to Elizabeth gardens. A great park for a picnic and has a fun bit for the kids. Walk through to other side and take the path that goes behind the cathedral. Lots of duck and swans so take a loaf of bread. At the end of town path the other side is the Old Mill. Time for a drink before a gentle stroll back. Only about a 15 min walk each way and beautiful views of cathedral. My mum in law lives just 5 mins walk from the Old Mill and we took the kids there to feed the ducks often.

Oh and there is Old Sarum to visit. (I got engaged there!)
The cathedral is a must of course. Tire the kids out by climbing the spire.

To be honest you don't have to go too far from Sallisbury to enjoy. It isn;t far from the New Forest of course. And my sister's children love Paultons Park which is an easy drive. A park better suited to younger children. But only if they really get bored with the beautiful sights of Salisbury. ( I love the city, but then I was married there.. )

Horace

I can recommend MonkeyWorld and the Bovington Tank Museum having been there. I spend every Summer down in Dorset. Another museum that you could vist is the Royal Signals Museum although you need to be careful with this one because it is actually on an army base (you will get your vehicle looked at, a pass, plus you have to stick to a particular route to get into the museum woebetide if you step off the path).

Wareham has nice shops but not much for the kids to do. Swanage has shops and amusement arcades but then again there isnt much else.

Another place close to Salisbury is the town of Shaftesbury - this is the home of Gold Hill (the hill that is used on the Hovis ads), one thing it will do is wear the kids out. Also in Shaftesbury is an old castle, Park Walk has lovely views over the county. There are several pubs that are child friendly as well as one particular restaurant - called the John Peel (it looks small at the front but extends back a long way - sometimes it is referred to as the whale's gullet but dont let that put you off).

Have fun.