Old Sarum

4.5(8 reviews)
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Castle Rd, Salisbury SP1 3SD
Photo of Old Sarum – a popular tourist attraction
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About

*Please check the Old Sarum website for the official opening hours. Climb the mighty ramparts for views over the Wiltshire plains and imagine the once thriving town of Old Sarum. Stand in the footprint of Salisbury's original cathedral, conquer the royal castle which stood high on the motte, and discover the awe-inspiring Iron Age hill fort where it all began. Unearth over 2,000 years of history and find out how the Romans, Normans and Saxons have all left their mark on this impressive landscape.

Location

Reviews

What people are saying

Based on8 reviews
4.8
8 reviews

Rating Distribution

5
88%
4
0%
3
13%
2
0%
1
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3
7 months ago

Included with stonehenge ticket, has nice views, the gate it's not completely destroyed but not more than the foundations of the castle. You can do a quick visit not to miss the spot.

5
9 months ago

Very interesting ancient site. FYI there are a couple of free car parking spaces on the road up to the English Heritage pay car park. You can park here to save on their car parking charge or when they close their car park at 5pm you can park there and still walk around both sides of the outer ramparts cost free. Toilets are in the car park and are locked in the evening. Entry charge is for the motte/high point with most of the ruins. Great views are to be had of the local countryside. I loved the Western section of the bailey. It's a very beautiful walk amongst large oak trees, butterflies and wild flowers.

5
8 months ago

An impressive site that is worth visiting. With much to see for young and old. Kids can do a treasure trail around the site that is free, unlike some of the 'National Trust' sites. Staff very friendly and knowledgeable. Toilets accessible from car park.

5
10 months ago

Very interesting site with the ruins of an ancient castle. Only some of the walls remain but the signage does a good job explaining life in the castle. One can also take beautiful panoramic pictures from Salisbury from Old Sarum. If you have a tight schedule and only have time to visit Stonehenge, don't feel bad about missing it. However, there is a bus stop there on the way back from Stonehenge and it is worth about one hour of your time.

5
10 months ago

Old Sarum is one of the oldest castle of England. This amazing place is a good mixture of iron age fort and medieval castle. This iron age hillfort was erected around 400 BC, controlling the trade paths and after that continued to be occupied during the Roman period, when the paths were made into roads. It has a long interesting history. Even it's just ruins left and still has power to show you how it was strong and standing there with pride. Even I was walking around and enjoying it as well as wondering how they built this strong castle at high stage with the best defence. Its run by English Heritage and they did their job very well. There's a gift shop, a coffee machine, and toilets. There's cheap parking. Entry is PS5.90 which is nothing. Not far from Salisbury Cathedral or Stonehenge.

5
a year ago

Old Sarum is one of the oldest place that you can visit in England. Its been existed since the neolithic period and the history is fascinating. Others, they say that there's nothing to see in the site, just ruins, old rocks and grass. Its not that though, its the history. You have to live in their time. You have to imagine what it looks like back in the day. And its just surreal. Anyway, the site has a gift shop, a coffee machine, and toilets. Parking is PS3 i think, and entrance is PS6.50 for adults and PS3.50 for kids. The fees i think is just fair because Old Sarum is an English Heritage and they have to maintain the place and its surrounding. I reckon that this place it gonna be really nice in the summer as it has beautiful grounds for picnic, for dogs, and for family. I recommend Old Sarum for those who are into English history. I mean, even my 6 years old son enjoyed the place.

Features

Service options

  • On-site services

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible car park

  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Children

  • Good for kids

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