The best things to do in Salisbury with kids

Forget London, move over Manchester, bye bye Birmingham, because according to Lonely Planet, the only English (and UK) city to make it into the top 10 to visit in 2015 is… Salisbury.

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I’ve been to Salisbury a couple of times, visiting the astonishing cathedral with the world’s oldest mechanical clock and one of the few remaining copies of the Magna Carta, celebrating its 800th anniversary next year. And with a history-loving daughter, I’ve always planned to see what there is to do in Salisbury with kids too.

I’ve since been back to the city with her – check out what I discovered on a visit to Salisbury with kids…

The last time I went was before Minnie was born, staying at the very funky Lazy Cow hotel with its fantastic steak restaurant [EDIT: NOW CLOSED ALAS] – although I was on the mocktails at the time – and having a grown-up weekend of history, culture and wandering.

It’s only a short drive away, so would make an easy day out with a toddler though just as with our recent Winchester jaunt. So what else is there to do with kids in Salisbury?  

Depending on their age and tolerance of quiet old buildings, the cathedral is definitely worth a visit, however short – it’s free to enter, although donations are requested. There are Cathedral trails for eight to 12-year-olds, Explorer bags for younger kids, and a Ghost Knight trail based on the Cornelia Funke book.

There’s also a separate fun treasure trail with a murder mystery theme which looks like it would help bring the city and cathedral area to life. Self-guided, it’s also suitable if you’re pushing a buggy.

The city has several museums, including Salisbury Museum with workshops for under fives in half-term, plus collections from Stonehenge and prehistory through to costumes and Victorian paraphernalia. While children are welcome at The Wardrobe Military Museum, I suspect you’d need a particular interest to include it on your list though.

Or Salisbury Arts Centre has family workshops and performances, which range from theatre productions for three to seven-year-olds and animated films to Tibetan monks.

Just outside the city is Old Sarum, the site of the former castle and Iron Age Fort. I remember having to use my imagination a lot to bring the ruins to life, but it’s a great spot to explore on a sunny day especially if your kids are studying the period at school.

So what else have I missed? Anyone visited Salisbury with kids and has tips to share? Do let me know in the comments…

 

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Images courtesy of Depositphotos;  jitchanamont/AdobeStock

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