Page 70 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Great Britain

68 BACK ROADS GREAT BRITAIN

2 Old Sarum
Wiltshire; SP1 3SD
On a windswept hilltop, formidable
earthworks and scanty Norman
remains mark the site of Old Sarum
(open daily), an important settlement
that flourished from around 500 BC.
Occupied later by the Romans and
Saxons, it was then fortified by the
Normans who also built a cathedral
here in the 12th century. The site was
abandoned in the next century, when
Salisbury became the regional centre.
ª Turn left out of Old Sarum onto
the A345, then left onto A303. Turn
right onto A360 following signs for
Stonehenge visitor centre. A shuttle runs
between the car park and the stones.

The riddle of the stones
Above Salisbury Cathedral, with the tallest Composed of a ring of upright stones
spire in the UK Top right Narrowboat on the 1 Salisbury topped with lintels, a horseshoe of
Kennet and Avon Canal, Devizes Bottom Wiltshire; SP1 1EJ trilithons (two uprights and a lintel),
right Ruins of the Bishop’s Palace, Old Sarum One of Britain’s great cathedralw cities, and a ring of bluestones, Stonehenge
Salisbury has a compact centre that is remains a mystery. Why was it built?
How were the stones moved here,
VISITING SALISBURY ideal for a leisurely stroll. Salisbury some from as far away as the Preseli
Cathedral (open daily), built over a Hills in Wales? The most extraordinary
Parking
The best car park in Salisbury is Central period of just 38 years in the 13th fact is that the whole complex was
Car Park (signed) by the Playhouse. century, is an unusually fine example of built without any more sophisticated
tools than picks made from antlers
Tourist Information Early English Gothic. The soaring 123-m and shovels made of bone.
Fish Row, SP1 1EJ; 01722 342 860; (404-ft) tower can be explored on a
www.visitsalisbury.com guided tour and the library holds an
original copy of Magna Carta. Learn 3 Stonehenge
more about the city’s history, as well Wiltshire; SP4 7DE
WHERE TO STAY
as that of Old Sarum and Stonehenge England’s grandest and best preserved
SALISBURY in the Salisbury and South Wiltshire stone circle appears dwarfed by the
Cathedral View moderate Museum (open Mon–Sat; daily Jun–Sep), expanse of Salisbury Plain. Built in
Welcoming B&B behind the Cathedral behind the cathedral. Finally, take a stages between 3,000 BC and 1,600
and with views of it from the front short stroll west of the cathedral to the BC, the huge stones and earthworks
rooms; all four rooms are en suite. water meadows, to enjoy the classic originally formed part of a much
83 Exeter Street, SP1 2SE; 01722 502
254; www.cathedral-viewbandb.co.uk city views painted by John Constable. larger complex. The exact function of
ª From the centre, head north on Stonehenge (open daily) is obscure
Red Lion Hotel moderate–expensive
This characterful coaching inn dates Castle Street onto the A345; park on site. but, given the alignment of the stones
back to the 17th century and is filled relative to the rising and setting sun, it
with curios and period pieces. Below The huge, impressive Neolithic stone is likely to have had an astronomical
Milford Street, SP1 2AN; 01722 323 334; complex at Stonehenge and religious function. Its location at
www.the-redlion.co.uk
DEVIZES
The Bear Hotel moderate
This hotel has included royalty among
its guests. Comfortable rooms, and live
jazz or blues in the cellar at weekends.
Market Place, SN10 1HS; 01380 722 444;
www.thebearhoteldevizes.co.uk
AVEBURY
The Lodge expensive
Wake amid the stones in this lovely
18th-century vegetarian B&B. Only two
rooms so book ahead.
High Street, SN8 1RF; 01672 539 023;
www.aveburylodge.co.uk
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under £80; moderate, £80–£150; expensive, over £150

068-073_Back_Roads_Great_Britain.indd 68 20/07/18 7:44 PM