Needing to get out of London after three solid weeks of jobhunting and not seeing the sun, I treated myself to a weekend in the country and saw a different world!
Short days in December!
Salisbury is only about 2 hours south-west of London, strangely the clouds parted as we left the metropolitan. I hired myself a bicycle and got to see the city and its surroundings. Being from Johannesburg, a city little more than 100 years old, I was overwelmed by the history and architecture of the ironage fortification (old Sarum) and gothic Salisbury. What makes it special is the city is destinctly divided into two parts; that around the cathedral and the commercial area.
Favourite spots:
Old Sarum Castle
The Old Sarum (meaning old Salisbury), a fortification completed around 500 BC by Ironage people.
After a days walking/cycling choosing a cosey bar and getting into discussion with the curious locals over a pint of beer (or more).
What's really great:
Stonehenge, Koreans get around too
Cycling to Stonehenge (about 20km) along the Woodford Valley. Along the route are wonderfull streams and old country houses, a nice daytrip. Stonehenge was built around 3000 to 1600 BC as some kind of temple, remaining are just piles of huge stones, the purpose of which is not really clear, perhaps a planetarium or something to do with astronomy.
Website: www.aboutstonehenge.info
Sights:
Cycle trip along Woodford Valley
Salisbury Cathedral, built in 1258, has Britains tallest spire at 123m.
Nice route is also along the Avon River.
A path from Queen Elizabeth Gardens meets a tributary of the river at an old mill.
Accommodations:
Youth Hostel, cheap and comfortable enough.
I used the Youth Hostel, practically near the center and within crawling distanceof the pubs. I later discovered, that the tourist information office for Salisbury is at the Youth Hostel. They arrange hotels but also the many guest-houses and bed-&-breakfast places. Camping is allowed only in summer at Hudson's Field (Milford Hill).
Hangouts:
Market Inn
The Market Inn has great food and classic beer, but any pub in England thats open and in business is a good one!
Info: Salisbury Festival in September
Other recommendations:
Je Old Music Box? - adds to the character of the city
- Rockbourne Roman Villa - Stourhead Gardens - South Wiltshire Museum
Perfect info website: www.visitsalisbury.com
About the heritage sites in England: www.english-heritage.org
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