Round The World and other travel

March 2016: Salisbury

Salisbury (population 40,000) is Wiltshire's only city, but is neither its largest settlement nor its county town. It is situated 23 miles northwest of Southampton, on a route that leads to Bath and on to Bristol. Salisbury is only eight miles from the well known prehistoric monument of Stonehenge. I decided not to include this in my plans on this occasion, however, as rightly or wrongly, I thought that it was not the best time of year for an outdoor attraction.

Salisbury's 13th-century cathedral is regarded as an outstanding example of Early English architecture. In contrast to Winchester's stubby central tower, Salisbury Cathedral has the tallest church spire in the United Kingdom, and for me it was the crowning glory on an absolute gem of a building. The cathedral and its extensive precincts occupy an attractive site adjacent to the River Avon, which can be accessed via an arched entrance on High Street. Salisbury has a connection with former prime minister Edward Heath, who lived in the cathedral close for the last 20 years of his life, and whose ashes are interred in the cathedral itself. The cathedral also has a chapel dedicated to St Margaret of Scotland, who grew up in Wessex prior to marrying King Malcolm III of Scotland.

My visit also provided the opportunity for a brief midday catch-up with frequent-flyer friend Peter, who was kind enough to treat me to lunch.