The city has its own treasures, most notably it's Cathedral. With the tallest spire of any cathedral in the country, it cuts an imposing and dramatic figure on the skyline and the building itself is considered a true masterpiece of early English architecture. The library of the Cathedral houses the best preserved copy, and one of only four in existence, of the Magna Carta, the legal charter and foundations of English law dating from 1215. King's House, adjacent to the Cathedral dates from a similar time and is home to the Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum. Permanent displays include archaeological collections from the areas notable history incorporating interactive displays on Stonehenge and also the skeleton of the Amesbury Archer, an early Bronze Age man, whose grave was discovered locally in 2002.
In a city steeped in history it is no surprise that a great many historical events have taken place in Salisbury. The site of James II unsuccessful attempt to halt the Glorious Revolution which resulted in King William III taking the throne, the city was also the meeting place much earlier for Robert the Bruce of Scotland and Edward I who devised the Treaty of Salisbury. Charles II also held court there during the great plague of London.
The most obvious connections with the past are shown throughout in the architecture, streets and buildings of the city, much of which remains largely unspoiled. Many Salisbury hotels are historic buildings in their own right and exude all the charm and aged elegance of the city. Guests can enjoy all the hospitality and character that centuries of previous visitors have experienced but with the added benefits of all the modern conveniences expected from contemporary travellers.
Although the historic sites and the surrounds form a major part of the attraction for visitors this is no living museum but a thriving bustling town full of life and activity. Street markets held every Tuesday and Wednesday have been a feature of the town centre since the 13th century and continue today to draw the crowds in search of a bargain or some fresh local produce. There are also the shopping centres of Winchester Street, The Maltings, and The Old George Mall.
Salisbury also has a thriving arts and music scene. Providing inspiration for both Handel and John Constable, the city hosts regular arts, dance, theatre, and music festivals. The local Odeon cinema is the oldest building in which a cinema is housed and is said to be haunted. Ghost tours provide a popular local activity in the city.
The pubs have their own historical contributions, most notably in the Haunch of Venison, dating from the 14th century. The pub has on display a mummified hand, said to have been severed during a game of cards. It is also claimed that the Haunch of Venison played host to Winston Churchill and Dwight Eisenhower whilst planning the D-Day landings of World War II.
The traditional pubs and inns of the city represent a quintessentially English form of accommodation establishments where coaching inns and hostelries have offered lodgings for travellers for many centuries. Full of character they are certainly pleasant places to stay and infused with all the renowned hospitality honed through generations they offer all the history and culture, both in the comfortable accommodation and within the lively bars and lounges which form a permanent feature. Most Salisbury hotel options are offered on a bed and breakfast basis and within the traditional inns and hostelries there is usually the opportunity to indulge in some classic pub food too throughout the day.
In additional to the many traditional inns, there are a selection of fine grand old hotels and some newer ones too. These will offer the kind of luxury accommodation which can be found in most major cities and will have a good selection of contemporary and classic features, services and facilities. Many hotels will offer internet access as standard and some will have additional facilities for business including access to work stations and meeting rooms. There may also be leisure facilities such as swimming pools and gymnasiums.
Other Salisbury hotels will be small family run type establishments where the levels of personal service are geared towards getting the most from the local and wider attractions. Bed and breakfast will be in a homely environment in a classic English style. Many others will offer special deals for short breaks and longer holidays and wherever in the city they are located will form the ideal base from which to explore the surrounding Wiltshire countryside and attractions.