Old Sarum Hill Fort and Medieval Cathedral, Salisbury, UK

Last Updated on 25th November 2021 by Sophie Nadeau

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When I was little, Old Sarum seemed like something out of a fairytale. And with evidence of human settlement dating back from as early as 3000 BCE, it’s not hard to see why. Here’s how to visit Old Sarum, a little history, and what to know before visiting this ancient and historical site.

Weathered ruins sit high atop the rolling hills of the Wiltshire countryside just under 2 miles away from the ‘modern’ city of Salisbury. And considering that William the Conqueror chose this as the site for his castle from which to rule England, it must be worth a visit!

Currently managed by English Heritage, much of the site is free for everyone to visit. I would definitely recommend checking the weather before visiting as most of the things to see/ do are outside and (depending on how you feel about getting wet) are probably best seen in good weather!

It can be quite windy so a coat is definitely not a bad idea either…

The old Cathedral at Old Sarum

The original Salisbury Cathedral stood at the top of Old Sarum. This is one of the parts that is completely free to visit and can be accessed by all. You are also allowed to walk dogs in this part of the historical site (just be sure to bring along some doggy bags to clear up any mess).

Due to the fact that most of the original stonework was transported two miles away, down into the nearby Salisbury Plain for use in the construction of a new cathedral, all that now remains is a blueprint laid out in stones.

The original cathedral was eventually abandoned due to a  mass migration of residents from the hills surrounding Old Sarum onto the plains below. Extreme water shortages throughout the history of the settlement had led to eventual altogether abandonment of the site.

The ‘new’ cathedral of Salisbury is already almost 800 years old and lies just over two miles away in the heart of modern day Salisbury. If it’s a clear day when you visit Old Sarum, you’ll be delighted to discover that you can see the spire of the new cathedral in the distance from the site of Old Sarum.

Walking around the historic ramparts/ rings

An entire half day can simply be spent walking along the historic ramparts (it’s also an ideal place for a picnic). There are amazing views over the surrounding countryside and nearby towns and village. This is yet another free activity at Old Sarum where you can also bring your furry friend.

A later Victorian addition comprised of planting of trees around the outer rampart rings to ensure that Old Sarum felt a little more romantic. These have been both a help and a hindrance because whilst their roots are slowly destroying the hillside, they are also holding it together.

Up until the 19th century, the hills were bare and so you have to use your imagination a little to imagine what it would have been like… Indeed, in times gone by, the ramparts and hills surrounding Old Sarum would have been considerably higher. Due to erosion, the ramparts are slowly falling down, and the dirt from the top of the ramparts and hills are filling the moats and ditches below.

The hill fort of Old Sarum

In around 400 BCE an iron age hill fort was constructed on the site. A little while after the Roman conquest of Britain in 43AD, the site was established as the settlement of Sorviodunum.

The hill fort and subsequent settlements became the basis for the Medieval castle that would later follow. While you can see the central hill fort via its exterior for free, you’ll have to pay to access the best-preserved part (more on this below).

The Castle at Old Sarum

Please note that you’ll have to pay to visit the central Castle at Old Sarum. There are reduced tariffs for concessions while members of English Heritage can visit as part of their membership package.

As soon as you cross the wooden drawbridge, you are transported back in time. If you have the time to visit Old Sarum, then I highly recommend heading inside. While most of the old castle is exposed to the elements, it’s here where there are a number of signs explaining the history of the site, as well as how things would have looked in centuries gone by.

Although all that remains of the once grand castle are a few ruinous walls, it’s not hard to imagine the meetings that would have been held by William the Conqueror and the most important men in England about the future of the country in 1086.

In fact, it may well have been these meetings, held at Old Sarum, that encouraged the survey of the later Domesday book.