Longleat Safari Park
45 minute drive from The Red Lion Hotel Salisbury
If a trip to Kenya is a bit of a stretch at the moment, you’re not settling for second best at Longleat Safari Park. If you think warm thoughts, you could be right there on an African savanna, but even without the sun, this is a fantastic day out for the whole family.
Enjoy the safari drive-through experience or jump on the safari bus if you’re not keen on taking your own car. There are regular feeding shows throughout the day and you can even book onto the Koala Creek VIP Experience if you have any koala fans in your midst.
When you get a little peckish, there are plenty of spaces for a picnic or you can enjoy a quick meal at one of the restaurants on site.
If you’re looking for hotels near Longleat, The Red Lion Hotel Salisbury is a pleasant 45 minute drive away.
Stonehenge
20 minute drive from The Red Lion Hotel Salisbury
One of the top things to do in Salisbury UK is without a doubt visiting Stonehenge and what better thing to do for families than this?
One of the most iconic sights worldwide, Stonehenge is steeped in mystery even to this day, and it’s a wonderful place to visit during the sunset or sunrise too. Head to the Visitor’s Centre to learn more, but certainly gaze in wonderment at what is before you.
You can reach Stonehenge easily by car or the Stonehenge tour bus leaves Salisbury just a few metres from our doorstep. It’s situated around nine miles away from The Red Lion Hotel Salisbury.
River Bourne Community Farm
15 minute walk from The Red Lion Hotel Salisbury
The kids will love exploring this working farm, visiting the farmyard animals and also learning about conservation and sustainability via the things they’re seeing. You can also purchase some delicious fresh produce from the farm shop whilst you’re there, as well as getting plenty of fresh air.
Best of all, River Bourne Community Farm is completely FREE to visit! You can even take your own picnic and enjoy the (hopefully) pleasant weather.
They also sell feed pots so that you can hand feed some of the animals. This is definitely one of the most fun things to do in Salisbury for children.
Old Sarum
10 minute drive from The Red Lion Hotel Salisbury
Kids love space to run and roam, and in that case, the Old Sarum is the ideal spot. Surrounded by stunning Wiltshire countryside, the ramparts of the Old Sarum (the first cathedral) are still in place and kids will love running around them and exploring the history in person.
Keep an eye out for events nearer to the time of your visit as you might be lucky enough to be visiting when there’s a medieval tournament going on; who doesn’t love a spot of jousting before lunch!
You can reach the Old Sarum from the centre of Salisbury via bus, which runs every hour.
Salisbury Museum
10 minute walk from The Red Lion Hotel Salisbury
One of the best things to do in Salisbury for families is to learn something new together and in that case, head to Salisbury Museum.
Featuring various different exhibitions and displays, you’ll be able to learn about the city throughout the centuries, including fascinating finds from Stonehenge.
Kids will get to learn something without even realising it and adults will love exploring days gone by in very comfortable surroundings.
Explore the beauty of the New Forest
20 minute drive from The Red Lion Hotel Salisbury
The New Forest is a great place to visit for some fresh air and exploring the wonder of nature. From stunningly beautiful woodlands teeming with wildlife, including deer, donkeys, cattle and ponies, to sweeping clifftop vistas and wild moorlands.
Hire a bike and head off to explore or simply walk and wander. It’s the ideal family day out.
Peppa Pig World, Paulton’s Park
30 minute drive from The Red Lion Hotel Salisbury
Hands up who has a child who can’t get enough of Peppa Pig? Whether you’re sick of the sight of this rather iconic character or not, the kids are sure to love a day out at Peppa’s very own home!
Part of Paulton’s Park, Peppa Pig World has lots of different rides for kids to enjoy as well as the chance to meet Peppa in person.
This is sure to tire out your little ones and fill them with plenty of fun to tell their friends about when they return home!
If you’re planning a Peppa Pig World break, The Red Lion Hotel Salisbury is the perfect place to stay as we’re just 30 minutes away by car.
Burn off some energy at Jumpin Fun Inflatable Park
10 minute drive from The Red Lion Hotel Salisbury
There are lots of things to do with kids in Salisbury, but one thing that your little ones will adore is Jumpin Fun Inflatable Park.
The name gives it away, this is essentially a theme park of bouncy castles! Packed wall to wall with inflatables and soft play, simply take off your shoes and enjoy bouncing around for a few hours.
It’s sure to tire the kids out for a good night’s sleep and you can get involved in the bouncing action too, or you can sit in the cafe instead!
Outburst, Salisbury
13 minute walk from The Red Lion Hotel Salisbury
Whether it’s raining or you simply need to let the kids run around like crazy, Outburst is a fantastic way to spend an hour or two. Of course, it also means you get to sit down and relax too!
There is an indoor soft play area plus ten pin bowling and laser tag too. It’s suitable for all ages and it also has a toddler area so your little ones can play in total safety.
If your kids don’t have a good night’s sleep after a few hours running around here, we don’t have any other suggestions!
Paint the town red, blue and green at Splash of Colour
10 minute walk from The Red Lion Hotel Salisbury
Have you ever been to a pottery painting cafe? Yes, the name is literally what this fantastic attraction involves and it’s the best way to get your kids to be a little creative on their holiday. The best thing? You can take their new creation home with you once it’s dry!
You simply choose your piece of pottery and then get creating a new look for it. Because this is also a cafe, there are some delicious refreshments on hand at the same time. Splash of Colour in Salisbury is a great way to spend a couple of hours bonding with your children.
Salisbury Cathedral
8 minute walk from The Red Lion Hotel Salisbury
The most famous spot in Salisbury is without a doubt the cathedral. When it’s raining, you can head inside and explore history and architecture without getting wet in the slightest.
Of course, England is full of cathedrals but few are as jaw-dropping as Salisbury Cathedral.
Dating back to the 13th century and designed in Gothic style, you’ll fill your phone with photographs, but be sure to head to the crown jewel of your visit – the original 13th century copy of the Magna Carta.
Did you know that The Red Lion Hotel was actually built at the same time as Salisbury Cathedral 800 years ago? Our hotel was built to house the stone masons who were building the cathedral.
Wilton House
15 minute drive from The Red Lion Hotel Salisbury
Whilst you might not want to head outside and view the gardens if the weather is bucketing it down, you can certainly explore the interior of this beautiful stately home, which has been home to the various Earls of Pembroke since the mid-1500s.
Since its first origins, Wilton House has been renovated and improved several times over but many of the original details persist.
You can reach Wilton House via bus, which runs every one to three hours from the centre of Salisbury.
Afternoon Tea at The Red Lion Hotel
If the weather is a little wet, why not enjoy a delicious afternoon tea until the rain stops?
Sit in our sheltered courtyard or indoors by our cosy fireplace and enjoy delicious scones and jam, pots of tea, sandwiches without the crusts and everything else you can expect from the best afternoon tea in Salisbury.
Learn about military history at The Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum
10 minute walk from The Red Lion Hotel Salisbury
What are you going to do in Salisbury in the rain? The Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum, affectionately known as ‘The Wardrobe’ is a great choice.
This is a grade II listed building which is located in a beautiful countryside setting. Once inside, you can learn all about the military serving in many of history’s most important wars, including the First and Second World Wars.
You can also pop into the tea rooms next door and enjoy a delicious meal or snack too.
Test your nerves at Go Skydive
12 minute drive from The Red Lion Hotel Salisbury
Close to Stonehenge you will find a centre that will test your nerves and allow you to tick something off your bucket list. Yes, if you’ve ever wanted to skydive (or you have a sneaking desire but you’re still scared), Go Skydive is the place to be.
You can do tandem skydiving here with a quick pre-book and you also get to do your jump over one of the most historic spots in the country! You’ll certainly remember your vacation by doing something as epic as this.
Back a winner at Salisbury Races
10 minute drive from The Red Lion Hotel Salisbury
Between May and the middle of October, Salisbury Racecourse is the site of many top quality horseraces. And who knows, you could back a winner and earn some extra cash!
Salisbury races is a great day out for all the family and it’s an experience you’ll never forget. Whether it’s bright and sunny or a little dull, it won’t matter as you immerse yourself in cheering on your horse and enjoying the refreshments that go alongside such a day out!
Live Escape Salisbury
6 minute walk from The Red Lion Hotel Salisbury
Live Escape Salisbury is one of the best things to do in Salisbury if you love solving puzzles and looking for hidden clues!
Open right into the early evening, it’s the perfect thing to do before heading out for dinner, giving you the chance to work up an appetite with all that problem solving and running around!
Live Escape Salisbury is located quite centrally, so there are plenty of bars and restaurants close by to finish off your evening’s entertainment.
Enjoy the wonders of nature at Stourhead
45 minute drive from The Red Lion Hotel Salisbury
Along the picturesque River Stour you will find the beautiful Stourhead estate. This is a huge area of countryside and beautiful images that will no doubt fill up your phone instantly.
There is a restaurant and cafe on site so you can enjoy lunch in such stunning surroundings. Check out Stourhead House, the home of the Hoare family and the gardens which are jaw-dropping in their beauty.
If you’re with kids, they’ll adore running around the open spaces and playing hide and seek in the trees.
Salisbury City Hall
8 minute walk from The Red Lion Hotel Salisbury
City Hall often has some big named shows taking place, including famous stand-up comedians, so make sure to check ahead of time before visiting.
The likes of Craig Charles and Sarah Millican have graced the stage in the past and there’s a packed programme of events throughout the year. There is sure to be something to tickle your fancy!
City Hall has been standing for more than 50 years and is an iconic feature on the Salisbury nightlife scene. Located in central Salisbury, City Hall is around half a mile from The Red Lion Hotel.
Experience some culture at Salisbury Playhouse
9 minute walk from The Red Lion Hotel Salisbury
There are many things to do in Salisbury in the evening but heading to Salisbury Playhouse could be one of the best. Dating back to 1976, the theatre houses 517 people in the main hall, with another 149 seater section upstairs.
There is also a community and education space which has the occasional exhibition you can attend too. There are many shows here throughout the year so simply check what’s on before your visit and enjoy an evening of culture.
Salisbury Market
3 minute walk from The Red Lion Hotel Salisbury
If you want to enjoy a spot of weird and wonderful shopping in the centre of Salisbury, be sure to head to Salisbury market, where stalls have been in residence since 1219.
Every Tuesday and Saturday you’ll hear fishmongers screaming about their prices, jewellery sellers trying to catch your attention, and everything else in-between!
It’s certainly different and a great way to spend a few hours, grabbing some bargains along the way when you visit Salisbury.
Roly’s Fudge Shop
8 minute walk from The Red Lion Hotel Salisbury
Who doesn’t love a chunk of fudge!? If you have a particularly sweet tooth, be sure to drop into this quirky and rather wonderful old fashioned fudge shop, with a huge range of different flavours to choose from.
Located on the way to Salisbury Cathedral, you can drop in here and grab some supplies for the rest of the day whilst also purchasing a few souvenirs to take home for your loved ones (if the fudge actually lasts that long!).
You might even be able to watch it being made if you manage to time your visit just right.