Among the earliest settlements in the region, Old Sarum is a protective hilltop fort with evidence of humans dating back to around 3,000 B.C. The hilltop has an inner and outer moat-like ditch, an impressive feat that was created around 400 B.C. Later, the Normans built a castle and a cathedral on this historic land. After exploring the intriguing ramparts, hike with your family in the picturesque countryside.
Walk via a bridge over the deep former moat, now an empty trench, to reach the vestiges at the site’s core. From above, Old Sarum looks like alien crop circles. View the Royal Castle, which was built in 1070. It was the site of a famous ceremony by William the Conqueror during which he asserted his authority. Inspect the remains of the stone castle, now reduced to a series of steps and walls. It was once a majestic complex of towers and halls.
Stand in the former site of Salisbury’s first cathedral, built in 1092. Its outline is visible today. Many of its stones were used in the construction of a new cathedral in the city.
Explore the Wiltshire countryside on foot with your family. Share a picnic with friends on a hill overlooking the region’s lush green terrain. The Old Sarum complex incorporates 29 acres (12 hectares) of picturesque fields and woodland with footpaths. Spot kestrels and other birds decorating the skies.
Entrance to the site requires a small fee, with a discount for kids and families. It opens daily year-round from morning until late afternoon.
Old Sarum is 2 miles (3 kilometers) north of the center of Salisbury. The journey by car along the River Avon and past Victoria Park and Hudson’s Field takes 10 minutes. The site is 9 miles (14.5 kilometers) south of the historic site of Stonehenge. Use the available free parking.