Updated March 2024

The medieval city of Salisbury encompasses both the old and new, with its magnificent cathedral and architecture dating back to around 1300 sitting alongside a vibrant café and bar culture.

The city and surrounding area appeals to a wide range of buyers, with beautiful countryside on the doorstep, excellent schools and good transport links, particularly for those looking to commute to London. There is also a thriving new build market and we’ll pass some of the newest developments on a stroll through the city centre.

A good place to start is Milford Hill, one of the oldest established areas in Salisbury. The original settlement, often referred to as Old Town, predates the creation of the modern-day city and has transformed multiple times over the years. Most notably, it was where Milford Hill House was built in 1831, a Grade II listed former prestigious family home which later became a guest house before becoming the centrepiece of Howarth Park, a stylish retirement development of houses and apartments. The development is set within landscaped grounds with mature trees and beautiful views of the cathedral and cityscape.

From here, we’ll head down the hill, past a row of Victorian terraced houses, and under Milford Street Bridge, with its colourful murals. The south side shows a scene from life in the area before the ring road above was built, while the Jubilee mural opposite was created in 2012 to show how the city celebrated Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee.

We’ll continue down Milford Street, past the Savills office on the left, and turn right to head along Pennyfarthing Street. This will take us past one of the entrances to The Old Brewery, which has recently been transformed into 21 new and refurbished listed homes, the last of which has just been sold. The development has breathed new life into one of the city’s faded landmarks.

Soon we’ll come to Winchester Street, where we’ll turn left to wander past a number of independent shops and towards the city centre. After a couple of minutes, we’ll take a detour via  Rollestone Street to take in some of the city’s newer developments. Here, Rollestone House, the Grade II listed former Salisbury Journal offices, is being developed into 11 apartments.

As we continue down this road, we’ll turn left into Salt Lane where we’ll pass Tinga, a very popular Mexican restaurant. A short distance further on is The Greencroft, one of Salisbury’s many popular parks and children’s play areas, close to the council offices and Salisbury Arts Centre. At the end of Salt Lane, we’ll head straight across to Chipper Lane, where we’ll pass Ludlow House, a collection of 12 high specification one and two bedroom apartments with incredible attention to detail.

At the end of Chipper Lane, we’ll turn right into Castle Street where, after a short stroll, you’ll find Riverside Court, a former office building which is being stylishly converted into one and two bedroom apartments.

We’ll turn left now into Mill Stream Approach and follow the pedestrian footpath along the River Avon to The Maltings. From here, we’ll go through the walkway past the library and head into the Market Place, which is at the heart of the city centre. The square is lined by cafés and pubs, with a variety of markets and events held here and in the neighbouring Guildhall Square throughout the year.

We’ll exit the square from the right – past award winning Henderson’s Artisan Bakery - and pass the Poultry Cross as well as one of the city’s oldest pubs, The Haunch of Venison, which dates back to at least the 15^th century, with its striking medieval half-timbered exterior. The famous ‘haunted’ pub is home to a smoke-preserved mummified hand, allegedly chopped from the arm of a card player in the 18th century.

From here we’ll continue along Silver Street where, above the shop exteriors, you’ll be able to see glimpses of the city’s ancient past. We’ll turn left into the High Street but if you were to continue up Bridge Street opposite, in turn leading to Fisherton Street, you would reach the railway station in just a few minutes, where direct trains to Southampton take about half an hour and to London from an hour and a half. Not far beyond the station is The Ramparts, comprising 14 new apartments which are perfect for the commuter. 

The High Street will take us past the city’s bustling shopping area and along to the cathedral gates, which were built between 1327 and 1342.

From the beautiful Cathedral Close, you can gaze up at Britain’s tallest spire. Then we’ll end our foot tour of Salisbury by exploring the cathedral, the cathedral close and the cloisters, as well as observing the world’s oldest mechanical clock and the best-preserved of the four original copies of the 1215 Magna Carta.

Further information

View all property currently available in Salisbury

In Focus and On Foot – expert views on local neighbourhoods