Located in south of England, the city of Salisbury in Wiltshire is one that is rich in history, and visitors have been travelling here since the 13th century. Easily one of the best places to visit in Wiltshire, at the heart of the city is the stunning Salisbury Cathedral.

The cathedral is indeed a magnificent piece of architecture that has stood the test of time. Its stunning design and rich history make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in medieval history, Gothic architecture, or religious art.

Salisbury Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is an Anglican cathedral located in the center of the city. Its spire stands at a height of 123 meters (404 feet), making it the tallest spire in the United Kingdom making it visible from miles away. The main body was completed in only 38 years, from 1220 to 1258. As a leading example of Early English Gothic architecture, visitors can see several other impressive features, such as stained-glass windows, intricate stonework, and the tomb of William Longspee, the illegitimate son of King Henry II.

For those interested in the history of the Magna Carta, Salisbury Cathedral is a must-visit destination as it houses one of only four surviving original copies of the document from 1215. The document is housed in a specially designed display case and is regularly rotated with the other surviving copies. Visitors can learn more about the history of the Magna Carta and its significance in shaping modern law and government.

The cathedral’s musical tradition is also worth noting. The world-famous choir is renowned for its musical tradition, attracting visitors from around the world.

Today, the cathedral is the mother church of the Diocese of Salisbury and is the seat of the Bishop of Salisbury. The cathedral also houses the world’s oldest working mechanical clock, which dates to the 14th century.

Stonehenge is one of the most famous and enigmatic pre-historic monuments in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and protected under UK law as a scheduled ancient monument.

Located on Salisbury Plain, this World Heritage Site features the famous stone circle but is also surrounded by the remains of historical structures.

It was built roughly between 3000 – 1600 BC, during the Neolithic period, and was part of a larger sacred landscape. According to folklore, Stonehenge was created by Merlin, the wizard of Arthurian legend, who magically transported the massive stones from Ireland, where giants had assembled them. Another legend says invading Danes put the stones up, and another theory says they were the ruins of a Roman temple.

It consists of a ring of standing stones, with each stone standing around 13 feet high, 7 feet wide and weighing around 25 tons. The site also contains several smaller stones, known as bluestones, forming a double circle inside the larger ones, which are believed to have been transported from the Preseli Hills in Wales.

Despite decades of study, the purpose of Stonehenge remains a mystery. Some theories suggest that it was used as a calendar to mark the seasons, while others believe that it was a site for healing or ritual ceremonies. It is also possible that it served as a place of healing or pilgrimage.

Visitors can stroll through the ancient landscapes and take in the fascinating sites as well as viewing the stone circle itself.