Old Sarum and Salisbury - Saturday 5^th August

We managed to get away at a respectable 9.30 and headed off down the M4, M25 and M3. It proved to be our fastest trip out of London yet! We headed straight to Old Sarum - a raised mound of earth with origins in the Iron Age. We could actually see it in the distance for some way before we arrived. The plan was to stop at Old Sarum and have a look around followed by an early lunch before heading into Salisbury itself. Unfortunately (blame school holidays) it was another venue for a "Special Event", but we managed to dodge the actors and have a good wander around the ruins of William the Conqueror's castle, along with the cathedral (which was the precursor to Salisbury Cathedral).

We enjoyed lunch in the sun, and the grass and stones proved good entertainment for the kids. Rachel took to doing some impomptu rock climbing which kept Adam busy, while Ben was taking the stroller for walks again. We finished our visit with a circuit of the mound before heading the 2 miles into Salisbury.

We found a good car park and eventually found our way to the Cathedral. By this time Rachel was asleep so we could explore the Cathedral at leisure, but had to avoid the many tourist groups. As well as the Cathedral we went through the Chapter House which housed an original of the Magna Carta as well as some fantastic sculptures and old writing. Adam was particularly impressed with the signature of Elizabeth I. By now both kids were awake again and we spent some time on the lawn enjoying the sun and a chance for them to stretch their legs. We then wandered through the town itself before heading off to our B&B.

Once settled in, and watching the end of the cricket, we headed back into Salisbury for tea. The streets were extremely quiet now, and after some unhealthy tea we enjoyed a walk along the river in the Queen Elizabeth Gardens. There were ducks, swans, and a great play area for the kids so we stayed for quite awhile before heading back to the B&B and getting some sleep.

 Thomas the Tank Engine - WaterCress