Old Sarum Iron Age Fort, near Salisbury, Wiltshire
If you climb up the ramparts of Old Sarum you’ll have the most incredible views of the Wiltshire plains; it’s worth a visit just for that, but boy, there’s some history here. Over 2,000 years of it in fact and it may be hard to imagine, but this was once a thriving town where Salisbury’s original cathedral stood in the outer bailey. High up on the motte in the middle of the old earthworks was a royal castle built by William the Conqueror in 1070.
The site covers 29 acres of grass chalkland so whilst you’re here explore the footpaths, play ball games, fly a kite; in the summer months there are traditional games on the lawn, like Giant Jenga and croquet. There’s no café at Old Sarum so it’s best to take a picnic and find a peaceful spot to spread the rug. If you’re desperate for a drink or a chocolate bar there’s a vending machine and there’s a shop selling souvenirs; the loos are novelly set in Second World war bunkers in the bank.
Open: April-Sept 10.00am-6.00pm everyday Oct 10.00am-5.00pm Nov-Mar 10.00am-4.00pm
Dogs welcome on leads All information correct at the time of writing