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A grandparent’s guide to Salisbury

30.07.2024 | Insights

If you’d love to explore some of Salisbury’s most renowned and captivating sights, bringing your grandkids along is the perfect reason to embark on this delightful adventure. Not only will you get to immerse yourself in the rich history and stunning architecture of this charming city, but you’ll also create unforgettable memories with your grandchildren.

Together, you can discover the fascinating stories behind each landmark, enjoy the picturesque scenery, and share the joy of learning about Salisbury’s unique heritage. This experience will be both educational and enjoyable for the entire family, making it a truly special outing.

Salisbury Cathedral

Why not start at Salisbury Cathedral, themagnificent edifice that took 38 years to build, and first opened on 29th September 1258. (Just remember that on weekdays it closes at 4pm).

Yes kids, that tower really is 404 feet tall! No, you can’t go right up inside it, but how about a Tower Tour to the foot of the spire?

Free demonstrations and tours are scheduled throughout the week. These include Stained Glass Window Tours and demonstrations of the Medieval Clock.

You might hear concerts or weddings being rehearsed, or the organist practicing before you’re dragged off to look at memorabilia and souvenirs in the gift shop!  Everyone is sure to be satisfied by ending the historical visit in the Bell Tower tea room for some cake.

The Salisbury Museum

Your next stop could be The Salisbury Museum. It’s conveniently close, in the glorious setting of the Cathedral Close, opposite the West Front of Salisbury Cathedral.

The museum has an amazing collection of clothes dating back over 300 years, and there are fascinating artefacts from Stonehenge, most notably the grave of the famous Amesbury Archer, dating to around 2,300 BC. He was discovered three miles from Stonehenge, together with 18 arrowheads, two archer’s wrist guards, boars’ tusks and other objects.

Wilton House

You’ll likeWilton House, standing in glorious landscaped parkland and a further 14,000 acres of Estate.

Just let them know that it has an adventure playground, and the kids will be happy. And yes, there’s a café for ice creams. No, you can’t take them into the splendid state rooms that have been welcoming film crews for many years. 

Perhaps you remember the BBC drama Young Victoria? Some of that was filmed here.

Old Sarum

Visit Old Sarum. This is the original Salisbury settlement, an Iron Age hillfort erected around 400 BC on a hill about two miles north of modern Salisbury.  

Romans, Saxons, a Norman castle, the royal palace of King Henry 1st – they were all here, and now here you are, enjoying a picnic and yet more ice cream.

Stonehenge

Can we go to Stonehenge now, please?

So off you go to Salisbury Plain, where you explain that some of those stones weigh 30 tons, and the ones on top are called lintels. Then come the questions: Who built it? What was it for? Why didn’t they finish it? Who took the missing stones?

You don’t know the answer to any of these questions, but you know someone will in the Stonehenge Visitor Centre!   But you’re feeling the breeze is picking up and it’s getting a bit draughty, so maybe it’s time to head back to Salisbury for a spot of tea, yes?

Finch House is conveniently located close to the centre of Salisbury and just an 8-minute drive or 19-minute walk from the town centre.

With Salisbury’s restaurants, shopping area, theatre and impressive cathedral all just a short stroll away, Finch House is the perfect location to enjoy everything the local area has to offer. Book a viewing today.

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