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Old Sarum

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Old Sarum is the site of the earliest settlement of Salisbury in Wiltshire, England, featuring evidence of human occupation dating back to the Iron Age around 400 BC. The location was strategically chosen as a hillfort, later occupied by the Romans, Saxons, and Normans, who transformed it into a major administrative and religious center. Following the Norman Conquest in 1066, a royal castle and a cathedral were constructed within the massive earthworks, making it one of the most important sites in the kingdom. However, the site was plagued by water shortages and exposure to harsh winds, leading to the relocation of the cathedral to New Salisbury in the early 13th century. By the 14th century, the castle and old cathedral were largely dismantled for building materials, leaving behind the impressive ramparts and foundations visible today. Old Sarum is also infamous in British political history as the most notorious 'rotten borough,' as it continued to return two members to Parliament until the Reform Act of 1832, despite having no inhabitants.

Location: United Kingdom, United Kingdom
Top sights: New Hall · Old Sarum Castle · Great Tower
Nearby: Amesbury (9 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	5	5	6	9	12	15	17	17	15	11	8	5
Rain mm	84	65	61	53	58	59	64	70	49	92	92	90

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The ruins of Old Sarum are open to the public and offer a glimpse of the earliest settlement traces from the Bronze Age. You can explore the earthworks and the remains of the Norman castle.

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Typical hours

The site is managed by English Heritage and typically has seasonal hours, usually 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM in summer. Check the official website for exact details.

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Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the site, and the wide view over the Salisbury Plain is remarkable. Avoid drones as the site is a protected monument.

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Time needed

Allow about one hour to view the ruins and walk the circuit. The nearby city of Salisbury with its cathedral can easily extend the visit to a day trip.

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Combine with

Combine Old Sarum with the famous Salisbury Cathedral and the Magna Carta document in the cathedral close. The area also gives the Wiltshire Museum with archaeological finds.

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Getting there

Old Sarum is located north of Salisbury and accessible by car via the A345 road, with a car park on site. Buses routes 20 and 24 run from Salisbury.

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Insider tip

Visit the site on a clear day to enjoy the best view of the cathedral in the distance. Bring a picnic as there is no café on site.

Geography

Coordinates

51.09310, -1.80510

Facts

Human occupation on the hill dates back to the Iron Age around 400 BC.
William the Conqueror built a motte-and-bailey castle here in 1069.
The first cathedral at Old Sarum was completed and consecrated in 1092.
The relocation to New Salisbury began with the foundation of the new cathedral in 1220.
It remained a 'rotten borough' with two MPs until the Reform Act of 1832.
The massive outer earthworks enclose an area of about 29 hectares.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Salisbury3 km · SExplore →

📍Amesbury9 km · NExplore →

Stonehenge10 km · NExplore →

Salisbury Plain12 km · NExplore →

📍Durrington12 km · NExplore →

📍Tidworth19 km · NEExplore →

📍Verwood24 km · SExplore →

📍Romsey24 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Old Sarum (10)

New Hall

Ruins of a medieval building at Old Sarum.

Old Sarum Castle 🏰 castle

Ruins of a Norman castle on the hill of Old Sarum.

Great Tower

Ruins of the main tower of Old Sarum Castle.

Well

Historic well within the Old Sarum castle grounds.

Old Sarum

Site of the earliest settlement of Salisbury in England, with earthworks.

Old Sarum Cathedral

Grade I listed former cathedral in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England.

Mudge Mapping Monument

Monument at Old Sarum commemorating cartographer William Mudge.

St Lawrence Church Stratford sub Castle

Church in Stratford-sub-Castle, Salisbury, Wiltshire, England.

Avon Valley Nature Reserve

Nature reserve in the Avon Valley, habitat for birds and plants.

St Francis Church

Church in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What was Old Sarum originally?

Originally an Iron Age hillfort, it later became a Roman town and finally a Norman fortress.

Can you see the foundations of the old cathedral?

Yes, the outlines of the first Salisbury Cathedral are clearly visible in the grass of the outer bailey.

Why was the site abandoned?

Water shortages and disputes between the military and clergy led to the move to New Salisbury in the 13th century.

Is there a good view from there?

Yes, from the ramparts you have a fantastic view of modern Salisbury and its cathedral spire.

Who manages the historic site?

The site is managed by English Heritage and is free for its members to access.

Old Sarum: where is it located?

Old Sarum is located in United Kingdom, United Kingdom.

Old Sarum: what is there to see?

Highlights include New Hall, Old Sarum Castle, Great Tower.

Old Sarum: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Old Sarum: why is it worth visiting?

Old Sarum is the site of the earliest settlement of Salisbury in Wiltshire, England, featuring evidence of human occupation dating back to the Iron Age around 400 BC.

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