Old Sarum in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, is a deserted hillfort and cathedral city. It was established by the Iron Age Celts around 400 BC, and was later occupied by the Romans, Saxons, and Normans. In the 11th century, William the Conqueror built a castle at Old Sarum, and it became an important center of government and religion.

The Norman cathedral at Old Sarum was one of the most important in England, and it was the site of many important events, including the coronation of Henry II in 1154. However, the cathedral was plagued by water problems, and in the early 13th century, it was decided to move it to a new site on the nearby Avon floodplain. The new cathedral, Salisbury Cathedral, was completed in 1258, and Old Sarum gradually declined in importance.

Today, Old Sarum is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the ruins of the Norman castle and cathedral, and climb to the top of the hillfort for stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Here are some of the things you can see and do at Old Sarum:

Visit the ruins of the Norman castle and cathedral.
Climb to the top of the hillfort for stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Explore the Iron Age earthworks.
Visit the museum to learn more about the history of Old Sarum.
Take a guided tour.

Old Sarum is a fascinating and historic site that is well worth a visit. It is a place where you can learn about the rich history of England, and enjoy stunning views of the Wiltshire countryside.

Address

Old Sarum, Castle Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 3SD

Useful Links

Old Sarum (English Heritage) (Opens in new window) The English Heritage website for Old Sarum offers a variety of resources to help visitors plan their trip and understand the site's 2,000-year history. Key offerings include:

Visitor Information

Practical details such as current opening times, ticket prices, and advance booking discounts.

Site Highlights

A guide to the "Things to See and Do," including walking the Iron Age ramparts, exploring the ruins of the Norman royal castle, and viewing the stone foundations of the original cathedral.

Educational Resources
Interactive Tools
Nearby Attractions

Recommendations for other local English Heritage sites like Stonehenge and Woodhenge, which are less than 7 miles away.

Guidebook
Membership

Information on English Heritage membership for free entry.

Facebook: Old Sarum (Opens in new window) Provides essential trip-planning tools, including discounted advance tickets, opening times, and maps. It also features historical guides to the site's castle ruins and ramparts, expert podcasts, and information on group visits and nearby heritage sites like Stonehenge.

Private chauffeur-driven tour to Old Sarum (Opens in new window) Experience the ultimate London getaway with a luxury chauffeur-driven tour to Old Sarum, featuring door-to-door service and the flexibility to explore scenic UK landmarks along the way. Your private guide can seamlessly extend your itinerary to include the medieval majesty of Salisbury and the iconic stone circle at Stonehenge, ensuring a bespoke and unforgettable journey through England’s ancient history.