New homes in Salisbury

Whether you’re exploring historical sights, enjoying a walk through beautiful landscapes or shopping at the local market, it’s little wonder why Salisbury was named one of the ‘Top 10 Cities to Visit’ by Lonely Planet in 2015. If you’re looking for a quaint and picturesque place to live, surrounded by the Wiltshire countryside, Salisbury could be the right place for you and your family.

A quick history

Salisbury dates back to the Iron Age, with the remains of a fort located on Salisbury Hill just a couple of miles from the modern-day town centre.

A wooden castle was built on Salisbury Hill in Norman times, but when the Bishop moved away from Old Sarum in the early 13th century, he started to plan gridded streets and plots of land in what is now the modern-day city of Salisbury. The town, known as New Sarum, was given a charter in 1227. 

With its market and an annual fair, Salisbury continued to grow. It was also a stopping point for travellers, especially those en route from London to Exeter, which helped the town to prosper. Salisbury Cathedral was built in the mid 13th century and is still the city’s most iconic sight to this day.

Business and industry

Tourism is a major industry in modern day Salisbury, but the local area is also home to employers including insurance company Friends Life, finance company James Hay Partnership and felt manufacturers Naish Felts. In nearby Andover, employers include Simplyhealth, Co-op Food, Britax Excelsior, Abel & Cole, Ocado and Le Creuset.

Things to do in the area

Salisbury is a cultural city, perfect if you enjoy watching shows, experiencing live music and getting involved in the performing arts with venues including Salisbury Playhouse, Salisbury Arts Centre and City Hall. For a little retail therapy, the city is home to lots of independent boutiques, along with high street stores at Old George Mall. There is a regular charter market, a farmer’s market every fortnight, and a vintage market every month.

If you’re a history buff, the gothic Salisbury Cathedral is home to one of just four original versions of the Magna Carta, dating back to the early 13th century. The impressive stately homes, Arundells and Mompesson House, are near the cathedral, while Salisbury Museum and The Rifles Military Museum are also close by and well worth a visit to find out more about the city through the ages.

There are lots of events in Salisbury throughout the year, including Salisbury International Arts Festival, the St George’s Day Pageant and the annual Christmas Market. Other attractions near to the city include
Stonehenge, Boscombe Down Aviation Collection, Salisbury Racecourse, River Bourne Community Farm and Longleat Safari Park.

Travel and commuting

Salisbury is well-connected by road and rail, ideal if you’re travelling to see family and friends or commuting for work. Salisbury to Andover is a popular route, with the train taking just 15 minutes and the drive taking around 35 minutes. Southampton is 45 minutes away by car or 30 minutes by train, while the journey to Bath takes 55 minutes by train or one hour 10 minutes by car.

If you’re travelling from Salisbury to London, the journey takes two hours 15 minutes by car or just one hour 30 minutes by direct train. Southampton Airport is a 40-minute drive away, convenient if you’re going on holiday or taking a business trip abroad.