Salisbury: what's it like for a short break?

Wonderful - thank you all very much! I am convinced. Been to Avebury many times and love it there, but probably will focus on some of the other interesting places this time. Now we just have to find somewhere delightful to stay.... it's not till mid-March so plenty of time to research that :-)

I think Sulgrave is north of Oxford? Quite a distance unless it is en route.

I have only been for a day which included a service in the Cathedral but I would certainly like to have spent longer there.

Avebury is nearly an hour away but well worth a visit - opt for the guided tour around the stones as the guide is very informative and interesting.

Not very far from the north side of the New Forest as well

Salisbury Cathedral, The Cathedral Close, including Mompesson House (NT) and Arundells (Edward Heath's home), Salisbury Museum, Old Sarum (the original site of Salisbury), Wilton House, The town centre and market, Stonehemge, Avebury, Amesbury.......I could go on and on.

Depending on the length of your stay, a side trip to Bath may be in order. Also love Sulgrave, not sure the distance.

The Cathedral is spectacular, I could spend a day wandering hither and yon, looking in every nook.

I thought Salisbury looked a very attractive small city when I visited it is fairly near other old cathedral city Winchester also lovely. As others have stated New Forest and Bournemouth not far away. There's a lovely old Georgian house near the cathedral, Mompessan House which is a National Trust property, unfortunately it was closed when I was there, but looked worth a visit. Attractive towns in the general area Peter's field, Bishops Waltham in Hants and Marlborough, Wilts.

Salisbury is indeed a lovely city, though we haven't visited there for many years.What about Marlborough? It's only a half hour drive north of Salisbury and is well worth a visit. We stayed there for my DH's birthday a couple of years ago and fell in love with the town. It has a lovely wide high street with so many interesting shops, and a really good market every Saturday. It is a beautiful old market town - I really want to go back as it was bitterly cold when we were there, so I want to enjoy it in warmer weather when I can saunter about more comfortably!

I like Salisbury ( also Winchester) but then I love cathedrals, and can spend ages looking around.Both places have good shops ( Salisbury has more) and really Mamie has said it all. Go there Rowan perfect for a short break. pretty villages around ( almost moved to Mere once.)

Avebury Manor is really interesting as everything in it is reproduction and you can sit on the chairs and lie on the beds. Salisbury Cathedral is very interesting. There is a Factory Outlet (small) at Wilton.
There is a great car boot sale every Sunday morning at the Salisbury Livestock Market. It's one of the best we have ever been to.
Salisbury itself has a small market and nice shops.
I wouldn't advise going round Wilton House. We saw very little of the house itself and were very disappointed although the guide was very helpful and friendly.

What about Winchester ? Quite small and very interesting history.

We live close enough to Salisbury for a day out, and it is a lovely city. I think Mamie said it all really. Well worth a visit.

It is a lovely city; lots to see and do and the shopping is great. I haven't been for a few years, but when we lived nearby we used to go every Saturday for the market. You also have lovely countryside all around. The Wiltshire countryside to the North, lovely Cranborne Chase and Dorset countryside to the west and the New Forest to the south. Bournemouth and the Dorset coast are an easy drive away. The traffic around the city is heavy so it is worth staying inside the ring road if you can. It used to be very good for food too, I can't imagine that has changed.
I miss Salisbury.

The Salisbury Cathedral, Avebury Stone Circle and manor, gardens, Stonehenge. Lovely area.