Salisbury Cathedral

The spire cuts through the Wiltshire sky like nothing else around here - 123 metres of limestone that's been doing the same thing since 1320. Walking into Salisbury Cathedral stops you dead. The light through those stained glass windows hits the floor in pools of blue and red, and suddenly you understand why medieval builders got so obsessed with height and space. Inside, the cloisters are genuinely peaceful, even when tourists are milling about. You can actually see one of the four original Magna Carta copies, which is properly extraordinary when you think about it.

This is primarily for history types and anyone serious about medieval architecture. Kids might manage twenty minutes before asking if they can leave - there's not much to touch or interact with, and the sheer quietness can be unsettling for younger ones. Adults who appreciate craftsmanship and the sheer ambition of the thing will spend a good hour here, longer if you're the sort to read every information board.

Admission charges vary but there's usually a donation option if you're tight on cash. Allow ninety minutes to really take it in without feeling rushed.

Based just 1.5 miles away, Salisbury Camping and Caravanning Club Site puts you within walking distance of the cathedral itself - you can head into town for an afternoon visit without the car hassle. Summerlands Caravan Park, four miles out, offers more space if you're after something quieter, though you'll need transport to get back into Salisbury.