This short series of posts, relating to places of interest in the English County of Wiltshire, is intended to help visitors know what to expect. I’m not presenting details of history, etc., simply describing as well as I can, with the aid of photographs, how to get there and what to expect when you arrive. There are links to more informative sites for each place listed.

What is it?
Old Sarum started life as an Iron Age fortification. The Romans used it for a time during their occupation of England. William the Conqueror recognised its strategic importance and had a motte thrown up. Later there were additions including a castle and cathedral. In the twelfth century, Henry I had a stone structure erected to replace the old wooden buildings. But in the first part of the thirteenth century, the buildings were abandoned, and a new cathedral erected in Salisbury, with some Old Sarum stone used to build a boundary wall for the new cathedral. What is left on the site is a mix of the remains of the old buildings. It offers wonderful views over the city and the surrounding countryside and is a very pleasant place to wander.

Where is it?
The raised site is clearly visible as you drive south along the A345 toward Salisbury from Amesbury in the county of Wiltshire, England. The dedicated car park is signposted clearly as you approach the entrance from either direction. The site is run by English Heritage, and members park and enter at no charge. There is a small parking charge for other visitors. The well-maintained toilet facilities are in the car park. The way to the inner enclosure is clear. For those who don’t wish to enter the inner part of this extensive site, the outer parts are free to wander, and many local people walk their dogs there. (Map here)

English Heritage run the site, and tickets for visitors can be purchased at the small office just within the entrance. It’s open from 10:00 to 17:00 on most days, but check online for odd days of closure. An adult ticket for peak times will cost (at the time of reporting, 22/05/24) £10.50 ($13.37) or £7.70 ($9.80) if bought online. Non-peak entrance is reduced, and the online booking calendar will tell you what to expect. A peak-time family ticket, for 2 adults and up to 3 children will set you back £24.00 ($30.56) on the day or £19.40 ($27.40) online. Prices with donations are a little higher, but these are, of course, voluntary.

There’s a small museum on site and refreshments are available from the office, with a seating area outside where you can eat and drink.

You can wander around the remains at leisure, and steps are provided to aid the few climbs. There are magnificent views to be had from different parts of the inner enclosure.

Outside the inner enclosure, there are more remains, including the footprint of the old cathedral, and the walks here are gentle in the main, again with spectacular views over open countryside and parts of the city below with its newer cathedral in the distance.

We were there on a day with blustery winds and occasional showers but thoroughly enjoyed our visit and recommend it without reservation.

One small tip for divers: The exit isn’t easy to negotiate if you’re intending to turn right into Salisbury. You might find it easier to turn left initially and drive the short distance to the nearest roundabout where you can then turn to go back into Salisbury. Enjoy your visit!