Wiltshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>This cathedral city is full of medieval splendour, windy streets, gothic architecture and a large market square that plays host to festivals and markets. There’s also a decent clutch of independent shops and restaurants, plus a racecourse. Of course you’re also a skip and a hop from the ultimate heritage attraction, Stonehenge. <strong></strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/09/The-Great-Bustard-interior-Dave-Watts.jpg" alt="The Great Bustard, Dave Watts" class="wp-image-34253" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/09/The-Great-Bustard-interior-Dave-Watts.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/09/The-Great-Bustard-interior-Dave-Watts-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/09/The-Great-Bustard-interior-Dave-Watts-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dave Watts </figcaption></figure>



<p>You won’t go hungry here – there’s an abundance of intimate, quirky and independent eateries. For fine dining, head to <a href="https://alliumsalisbury.restaurant/">Allium</a>, a Muddy-Award-winning, family-run restaurant by the Market Square. Mexican bar and restaurant,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tingasalisbury.com/">Tinga</a>, with its giant painting of Frida Kahlo and small plates menu, is perfect for cocktails and catch ups.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nolepizza.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nole Pizza&nbsp;</a>are the cool kids on the block – you’ll find them in Salisbury’s Market Square, Wilton and popping up in various boozers in the area. <a href="https://www.charlieskitchensalisbury.co.uk/">Charlie’s Kitchen</a> has also earned rave reviews since opening earlier this year, thanks to its winning combo of Mediterranean dishes, mezze and cocktails.</p>



<p>For coffee, you’re spoilt for choice. On Fisherton Street pop into&nbsp;<a href="https://culture-coffee.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Culture Coffee</a>&nbsp;for Greek-influenced flavours and great breakfasts, or visit Muddy award-winning&nbsp;<a href="https://fishertonmill.co.uk/the-cafe/">Fisherton Mill Cafe</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theyardsalisbury.com/gallery">The Yard</a>&nbsp;also has a shop and exhibition space too or, if you fancy co-working, log in to your emails at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sondercoffee.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sonder Coffee</a>, where you’ll find exposed brickwork and artisan roasts. Check out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thewoodbaruk/">The Wood Bar</a>&nbsp;outlets at Parkwood Health &amp; Fitness and Five Rivers Leisure Centre too.</p>



<p>Some of our favourite nearby country pubs include The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.queensheadbroadchalke.co.uk/">Queen’s Head</a>&nbsp;in Broad Chalke and <a href="https://thegreatbustard.uk/">The Great Bustard</a> in Great Durnford (above). The latter has a pub, restaurant and a sun-drenched courtyard. Food is very much of the farm-to-table ethos, with the Great Durnford Estate’s venison, lamb and pigeon breast topping the menu.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<p>There are some inspirational indie&nbsp;treasures&nbsp;tucked away if you know where to look. Womenswear boutique&nbsp;<a href="http://osoboutique.co.uk/">OsoBoutique</a>&nbsp;(on the High Street) is packed full of top quality finds, while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dinghams.co.uk/">Dinghams Cookshop</a>&nbsp;is worth a snoop too.&nbsp;<a href="http://splashofcolourcafe.net/">Splash of Colour</a>&nbsp;in Fisherton Street will deliver you&nbsp;flat whites while&nbsp;the kids&nbsp;get creative with pottery. Market Square often hosts art and food fairs, plus festivals. It’s the site of Salisbury Christmas Market too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>Gym bunnies are well covered here. Parkwood offers a 20metre pool, gym and more classes than you could possibly squeeze into your day.&nbsp; There’s a popular PureGym too, plus the council run River Rivers Health Centre has a recently revamped gym and cycle studio. Beauty more your bag? You’ll find an infrared sauna and impressive treatment list at Vita Skincare – their spa days are also a great shout if you’re looking for something to do with your bestie. Check out Wiltshire’s annual Wellness Weekend too, which is held in the grounds of Farley Hospital and includes talks and workshops.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/05/Chalke-Valley-History-Festival-Martin-Cook-2.jpg" alt="Chalke Valley History Festival" class="wp-image-33529" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/05/Chalke-Valley-History-Festival-Martin-Cook-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/05/Chalke-Valley-History-Festival-Martin-Cook-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/05/Chalke-Valley-History-Festival-Martin-Cook-2-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Martin Cook </figcaption></figure>



<p>Community vibes are strong here, and Salisbury’s many outdoor events draw a crowd. The summer season sees al fresco cinema and theatre come to locations including Churchill Gardens, Salisbury Cathedral and Arundells.&nbsp;The city’s annual funfair also attracts hordes to the market square every October. For serious family friendly vibes, take the kids to the annual Chalke Valley History Festival. They can do everything from exploring a WW2 trench to being transported to the Victorian ‘Wild West.’ Of course, there’s tons there for adults too. <strong></strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<p><a href="http://www.salisburymuseum.org.uk/">Salisbury Museum</a>&nbsp;hosts great activities during holidays and half-terms, from musical workshops to treasure trails &#8211; plus the permanent galleries&nbsp;are pretty interesting. See the city from the water with&nbsp;<a href="http://salisburypunting.co.uk/">Salisbury Punting</a>&nbsp;or, of course,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge">Stonehenge</a>&nbsp;is a mere stone’s throw away too. Salisbury Cathedral is unfailingly impressive too, plus it plays host to everything from al fresco cinemas to magical light shows. Little ones in tow?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.riverbournecommunityfarm.org.uk/">Riverbourne Community Farm</a>&nbsp;is perfect for a family day out, while<a href="https://www.salisburyracecourse.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;Salisbury Racecourse</a>&nbsp;offers lots of different race days and events all year round. If golf is your bag, head to&nbsp;<a href="https://372bfe8d-c856-49f4-8174-208e7479ff54/Hamptworth">Hamptworth</a>, a seriously impressive course with an oh-so-stylish club house. <strong></strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/Dick-Whittington-resized-3.jpg" alt="Wiltshire Creative " class="wp-image-32257" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/Dick-Whittington-resized-3.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/Dick-Whittington-resized-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/Dick-Whittington-resized-3-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/12/Dick-Whittington-resized-3-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Wiltshire Creative </figcaption></figure>



<p>Salisbury Playhouse Theatre, Salisbury Arts Centre and Salisbury International Arts Festival all now come under the banner of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wiltshire Creative</a>. The upshot? A cracking year-round calendar of high-quality entertainment, from film to comedy, theatre, art and dance.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/whats-on/festival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salisbury International Arts Festival</a>&nbsp;also takes place in May and June, with recent guest speakers including the likes of Ruby Wax and David Baddiel. You’ll find opera, swing and rock too, plus the popular <a href="https://www.plainartssalisbury.co.uk/salisbury-art-trail.html">Salisbury Art Trail</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-price">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE</h2>



<p>Properties in Salisbury have an overall average price of £336,132. Detached homes sell for an average price of £498,801, while terraced properties sell for an average of £285,649. Semis fetch on average £345,009.<strong></strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1200" height="800" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/09/60223179-ab19-44e2-bf25-80b586b7b606-0-2.jpg" alt="Wiltshire country estate A private, ring fenced 286 acre amenity estate with an beautiful Grade II listed country house situated on the northern edge of the New Forest. Knight Frank" class="wp-image-34324" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/09/60223179-ab19-44e2-bf25-80b586b7b606-0-2.jpg 1200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/09/60223179-ab19-44e2-bf25-80b586b7b606-0-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/09/60223179-ab19-44e2-bf25-80b586b7b606-0-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/09/60223179-ab19-44e2-bf25-80b586b7b606-0-2-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Big budget and a <em>Bridgeton</em> fantasy? Snap up this 286 acre estate, 12-bed mansion. <a href="https://www.knightfrank.co.uk/properties/residential/for-sale/landford-salisbury-wiltshire-sp5/cho012343059" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market with Knight Frank for £12m</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>There’s a wide range of nurseries to tempt you and your toddler, including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.topsdaynurseries.co.uk/nursery/tops-salisbury/?utm_source=Google&amp;utm_medium=Yext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tops Day Nursery</a>&nbsp;(based at Salisbury District Hospital),&nbsp;<a href="https://kindrednurseries.co.uk/salisbury-day-nursery-pre-school" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kindred Salisbury Day Nursery and Pre-School</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.busybeeschildcare.co.uk/nursery/salisbury-yorkhouse">York House</a>&nbsp;Day Nursery and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.busybeeschildcare.co.uk/nursery/salisbury">Busy Bees</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>This city is blessed with plenty of excellent options when it comes to your progeny. We can recommend&nbsp;<a href="https://www.leehurstswan.org.uk/">Leehurst Swan</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.godolphin.org/">Godolphin</a>, both prep and senior (check out our review of&nbsp;<a href="https://wilts.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/godolphin-school-salisbury/#:~:text=THE%20MUDDY%20VERDICT,thrive%20in%20a%20larger%20cohort.">Godolphin</a> here).&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chafyngrove.co.uk/">Chafyn Grove</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salisburycathedralschool.com/">Salisbury Cathedral School</a>&nbsp;are popular independents, plus there are two great grammar schools,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bishopwordsworths.org.uk/">Bishop Wordsworth’s</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.swgs.wilts.sch.uk/">South Wilts.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>Salisbury’s autumn fair has happened every year since 1227, when King Henry III granted a Charter to the Bishop of Salisbury to hold a fair on the third Monday in October.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p> A doable 1hr 36mins direct train from Salisbury to London. Driving to London takes 2hrs. </p>



<p><em>View the full <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 300 Places to Live</a></em></p>


Salisbury

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