30s Site Review – Salisbury C&CC Site

The Salisbury Camping and Caravanning Club Site is located on the A345, just north of Salisbury, under the iron age ramparts of Old Sarum.

This blog is dedicated to Jenny and Marco, who want to see Stonehenge. However, it also has special relevance to us, since it is the first place that we stayed with Caravan Kismet and is inextricably linked to how we accidentally bought a caravan! (Click on this link to see How to Accidentally buy a Caravan)

• For the Canine Crew

  • Hudson’s Field – a large dog-friendly sports field, is adjacent to the site.
  • Old Sarum – spectacular views and extensive off-lead dog walks straight from site over and around the iron age hill fort of Old Sarum. The site is managed by English Heritage; it is free to walk the ramparts but if you are not a member, there is an entrance charge for the castle keep. (Dogs need to be on leads when, occasionally, there is livestock in some of the fields.)
  • River Walk to Salisbury – Exit Hudson’s Field at the end furthest from the campsite reception to find a flat, 30 minute walk along the river into the centre of the medieval city of Salisbury. (It is a mixture of on and off lead, as the path does cross some roads.)

• For the Humans to Do

  • Cycle to a Pub – there is plenty of cycling in the area on quiet, country lanes and forestry roads. There are many pretty village pubs to explore.

• Sightseeing – Don’t Miss:

• 

  • World Heritage Sites
    • Stonehenge has got to be done. My top tip is that if you want the stones to yourself, you can book a Special Access Visit with English Heritage or a Private Tour Company (who provide a guide) very early in the morning or late in the evening and walk among the stones. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed beyond the main entrance point. No more than 30 people are allowed on each access visit and with it being a site of such importance, it is worth booking well ahead even for an ordinary visit!
    • In my opinion, Avebury (a village set in a stone circle) and the extensive Neolithic sights around West Kennet Long Barrow are much better than Stonehenge – you can get up close and personal with these stones and even go inside the Long Barrow. A very rewarding (and dog friendly) walk through pre-history.
  • The Wessex Ridgeway – if you want to walk on a 4000 year old drovers’ trail, part of this long-distance footpath is within driving distance. Click here for more information.
  • Salisbury Cathedral – see Britain’s tallest spire and an original 1215 copy of Magna Carta, one of only 4 in the world! Dogs are permitted on leads in the cathedral grounds, but not inside the cathedral church. Click here for more information.
  • Breamore House and the Miz Maze – A beautiful, off lead country walk which takes in the majestic Elizabethan Breamore House and Museum, a 10^th Century Saxon Church and the Miz Maze, one of only eight surviving English turf mazes. Click here for details of the walk.
  • Salisbury Tourist Information – for other things to do in Salisbury, check out the local Tourist Information.

• You May Not Have Thought Of:

  • Ibsley – it’s a bit further afield, but a pub called The Old Beams in the village does excellent food and the church next door is the quirky St Martin’s Gallery, where you can enjoy a coffee and browse an eclectic selection of GORGEOUS things. (Check opening hours – at the time of writing, the gallery is not always open.)
  • Near to Ibsley
    • From Ibsley, you are close to one of the more beautiful and quiet parts of the New Forest. There is some lovely off lead walking around The Alice Lisle pub.
    • If you like shopping, there are some interesting and independent shops in the The Furlong Centre and market town of Ringwood.

  • Salisbury Campsite Highlights

    • A friendly, well organised site with very clean facilities.
    • Beautiful views over Old Sarum.

To read about our Epic Maiden Voyage of 1.5 miles and how we turned up with “All the Gear and No Idea!” check out Carry On Caravanning – Part 2; The Maiden Voyage