Old Sarum
Salisbury, Wiltshire
About Old Sarum
Are you looking for a fun, educational, and memorable day out with the kids? Look no further than Old Sarum! Nestled in the heart of Wiltshire, the English Heritage site is an ancient site bursting with history, adventure, and breathtaking views of the bustling city below. It’s a place where the past comes alive, making it the perfect destination for families eager to explore England’s rich heritage while enjoying a day in the great outdoors.
What is Old Sarum?
Old Sarum is a historic site that predates even the famous iconic stone circle, Stonehenge, with its origins going back over 5,000 years. It was once a thriving Iron Age hillfort, later becoming a Roman settlement and eventually a bustling medieval city with a royal castle and cathedral. Today, it stands as a testament to England’s layered history, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past for visitors of all ages.
With a broad range of historic England history, it not only has ancient monuments to discover, but don’t let its ancient roots fool you, Old Sarum is not just for history buffs. It’s a fantastic, family-friendly destination where kids can let their imaginations run wild, pretending to be knights, kings, and adventurers, all while learning about the past in a fun and engaging way.
Their efforts of vital conservation and preservation keeps this site protected for future generations to enjoy!
Things To Do at Old Sarum
Old Sarum is the ultimate playground for curious kids and adventurous adults alike - making it an action-packed day out! The prehistoric monument is surrounded by earthen banks, providing plenty of space for children to run around, explore, and burn off energy. The hilltop location offers unrivalled views of the Wiltshire countryside, making it a beautiful spot for a family picnic or simply enjoying the fresh air. Being built on these huge chalk-white Iron-Age banks meant that it would be seen everywhere, which was the desired purpose of William the Conqueror.
Kids will love exploring the ruins of the medieval castle, where they can climb over ancient stones and imagine what life was like for the people who lived there centuries ago. The site is well-signposted, with plenty of information boards that provide fascinating facts in a way that’s easy for children to understand. It’s history brought to life in a way that’s interactive and engaging for all ages.
Visiting Old Sarum is not just about having fun—it's also a brilliant educational opportunity. The site’s history spans several key periods of British history, from the Iron Age through to the medieval period. This makes it a great place to introduce children to different historical eras in a way that’s far more exciting than any classroom lesson.
Kids can learn about the construction of the original hillfort, the strategic importance of the site to the Romans, and the dramatic story of the medieval cathedral that once stood here. Did you know the original cathedral was Salisbury's first and was built in the 11th century in 1092? There are also regular events and reenactments that bring history to life, making learning fun and interactive. The cathedral ruins now act as an important ancient monument - so it's worth visiting!
Old Sarum’s hilltop location provides not just stunning views but also an opportunity for families to connect with nature. There are 29 acres of beautiful grass chalkland to explore, and the surrounding landscape is home to a variety of wildlife! So, it's a great spot for budding young naturalists, plus for any bird watchers out there, it's also a haven for birds!
Family-Friendly Facilities
When planning a day out with the kids, practical considerations are important, and Old Sarum doesn’t disappoint. The site is well-equipped with family-friendly facilities, including a picnic area where you can enjoy a packed lunch with a view, and a small shop where you can pick up refreshments and souvenirs.
There are also clean and accessible toilets on site, and plenty of parking available, making it easy for families to enjoy a stress-free day out. The site is open all year round, so whether you’re visiting in the summer sunshine or on a crisp winter’s day, Old Sarum is ready to welcome you.
Explore The Area
A visit to Old Sarum can easily be combined with other nearby attractions to create a full day of family fun. The historic city of Salisbury, with its stunning cathedral and charming medieval streets, is just a short drive away. Salisbury Cathedral is home to one of the best-preserved copies of the Magna Carta, making it a must-see for families interested in history.
For those who want to continue exploring the past, Stonehenge is also nearby, offering another chance to delve into England’s ancient history. These nearby attractions make Old Sarum a perfect starting point for a day of exploration and discovery.
Why We Suggest Visiting Old Sarum With The Kids
Old Sarum is more than just a historical site—it’s a place where families can come together to learn, explore, and create lasting memories. Whether your kids are history enthusiasts or just love a good adventure, they’ll find something to enjoy at this remarkable site. With its blend of educational fun, natural beauty, and family-friendly facilities, Old Sarum is a must-visit destination for families looking to spend quality time together in a truly unique setting.
So, if you’re searching for a day out that’s both fun and educational, look no further than Old Sarum. It’s a place where history and adventure meet, promising a day out that your family will treasure for years to come.
Explore Ancient Ruins
Old Sarum site is a treasure trove for young adventurers, with plenty of opportunities for the kids to climb over ancient stones, peer through crumbling archways, and imagine themselves as knights or royalty from centuries past!
With information boards scattered throughout, kids can learn about the castle’s storied past, from its construction to its role in medieval society. It’s a hands-on, interactive experience that makes history come alive.
Admire Stunning Panoramic Views
Perched on a hilltop, Old Sarum offers some of the most stunning panoramic views in Wiltshire. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted by sweeping vistas of the surrounding countryside, stretching out as far as the eye can see. It’s a picture-perfect spot for a family picnic, where you can relax and soak in the natural beauty while the kids play nearby.
Dive Into Educational Fun
Old Sarum isn’t just about exploring and enjoying the scenery - it’s also an educational day out for families. The site’s history spans several key periods of British history, from the Iron Age through to the medieval period.
Whether your kids are just beginning to learn about history or are already budding historians, Old Sarum provides a rich, immersive experience that’s both enjoyable and enlightening.
Facilities
Onsite Parking
Gift Shop
Toilets
Dog Friendly
Baby Changing
Pushchair Friendly
Opening Times
- Monday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Tuesday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Wednesday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Thursday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Friday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Saturday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Sunday, 10:00 - 17:00
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (5-17) : £3.10
- Adult (17-18+) : £5.90
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to Old Sarum by visiting our attraction tickets section.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 1 - 2 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
Contact Details
Transport Information
By Car
From London: Take the M3 motorway towards Southampton. At junction 8, take the A303 westbound towards Andover. Continue on the A303 until you reach the A345, where you’ll turn left towards Salisbury. Follow the signs for Old Sarum, which is clearly marked from this road.
From Bristol: Head east on the A36 towards Salisbury. Once in Salisbury, follow the A345 northbound towards Amesbury. Old Sarum will be signposted along this route.
From Southampton: Take the A36 towards Salisbury. Once in Salisbury, follow the signs for the A345 north towards Amesbury. Old Sarum is well-signposted from the A345.
By Bus
From Salisbury City Centre: Take the Salisbury Reds bus service R10 or R11 towards Old Sarum. The journey takes about 10 minutes from the city centre. You’ll need to get off at the Old Sarum bus stop, which is just a short walk from the site’s entrance.
From Amesbury: If you're coming from the Amesbury area, you can take the Salisbury Reds bus service 8 towards Salisbury. Get off at the Old Sarum stop and follow the signs to the site.
By Train
From London: Take a direct train from London Waterloo to Salisbury. The journey takes around 90 minutes. Once you arrive at Salisbury Station, you can catch a bus (as mentioned above) or take a short taxi ride to Old Sarum, which is about 3 miles from the station.
From Bristol or Bath: Trains run regularly from Bristol Temple Meads and Bath Spa to Salisbury. The journey takes about an hour. From Salisbury Station, you can either take a bus (as detailed above) or a taxi to reach Old Sarum.
From Southampton: There are frequent trains from Southampton Central to Salisbury, with a journey time of around 30 minutes. From Salisbury Station, follow the bus or taxi options to reach Old Sarum.
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