Old Sarum

Historic SiteWiltshireEnglish Heritage4.5(3,620 on Google)

Book tickets Website

£9

non-member

Free

EH members

4.5

on Google

Open

see times

Old Sarum traces the beginnings of Salisbury on a hilltop whose great outer earthworks were raised in the Iron Age, around 400 BC. William the Conqueror established a castle on the central mound, and a medieval city grew around it before settlement moved downhill to the present Salisbury. Today you can follow the outer ramparts, cross into the castle ruins and look across the foundations of the earlier cathedral. Interpretation panels help explain buildings that survive chiefly as outlines and low walls. Reviewers value the wide countryside views and recommend comfortable walking shoes for a circuit of the earthworks. Bring water and protection from the weather, since much of the visit is exposed. Dogs need leads inside the castle but may be off lead under control in the outer bailey. The shop currently has step access only while its ramp is repaired.

Walking routes

Old Sarum outer ramparts

Start from the visitor car park in the outer bailey. Outer earthworks are separate from paid castle admission; parking charges still apply. Dogs may be off lead under control in the outer bailey. Steep banks, exposed ground and rabbit holes require care.

Dogs allowed with restrictions

Checked 2026-09-10

Opening times

Spring & summer hours

Old Sarum10:00 - 17:00

Opening time details

The shop ramp is closed for maintenance with steps only; no confirmed reopening date. Outer ramparts are separate from paid inner castle admission.

Open daily 10am-5pm until 24 October, then 10am-4pm from 25 October to 1 November. Daily 10am-4pm from 2 November to 20 December. Check the official calendar for holiday and event exceptions.

Last entry is normally 30 minutes before closing.

EH members receive free standard admission with their membership card. National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Advance booking is optional for ordinary admission; special events may differ.

Shop ramp unavailable during maintenance: wheelchair, buggy and mobility-scooter users currently cannot enter the shop. Main route has tarmac and bonded gravel, with a steep wooden bridge. Arrange accessible drop-off with the site; one accessible parking bay cannot be reserved.

Parking: Visitor car park in the outer bailey, approximately 200 metres from admissions, with tarmac and grass overflow spaces. Free for EH members displaying a valid sticker; non-members pay. Current tariff not confirmed. Tight driveway bends prevent coach access.

Image: Aerial view of the earthworks and castle ruins at Old Sarum. MARKEDWARDS, CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aerial_photograph_of_Old_Sarum_site,_on_departure_from_Old_Sarum_airfield.jpg

Dogs at the location: Allowed with restrictions. Dogs must be on leads inside the castle. Dogs may be off lead in the outer bailey if kept under control; dog bins and water bowls are provided.

Dog walks in the grounds: Allowed with restrictions. Dogs must be on leads in the paid inner castle. The outer bailey can be walked without castle admission; dogs may be off lead under control. Parking charges are separate.

Dog walks in the surrounding area: Not confirmed. Not confirmed: no complete outside dog-walking route with verified access, parking and seasonal restrictions was established in this review. Nearby green space does not establish permission.

Leads: Leads in the castle; off lead under control is allowed in the outer bailey.

Seasonal dog restrictions: Not confirmed: no additional dated seasonal dog exclusions were established. Follow current site signs; the stated access rules apply regardless of season.

Assistance dogs: Assistance dogs are welcome according to EH access guidance. Contact the site about specific inaccessible areas or equipment.

Pricing

Free entry with English Heritage membership

Entry

Non-member prices

Adult

£9.00

Child (5-17)

£4.50

Concession

£8.10

Family (2 adults, up to 3 children)

£22.70

Family (1 adult, up to 3 children)

£13.60

Pricing details

Standard-day walk-up tariff without voluntary donation; seasonal prices vary. EH members receive free standard admission with their membership card. National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Advance online tickets save up to 15%; under-5s enter free. Adult walk-up range: £8.10 off-peak to £10.00 peak.

Parking

Parking not known

The Trust's page does not say how parking is charged.

Parking details

Visitor car park in the outer bailey, approximately 200 metres from admissions, with tarmac and grass overflow spaces. Free for EH members displaying a valid sticker; non-members pay. Current tariff not confirmed. Tight driveway bends prevent coach access.

Driving pin is Old Sarum Car Park, matched to the visitor parking guidance at https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/old-sarum/plan-your-visit/directions/. Main attraction listing identity is stored separately. Walk from this arrival point to admissions.

Pins

Enamel pin badges sold in the shop here, photographed by visitors.

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Facilities

ParkingShopToiletsBaby changingPicnic areaDogs on leads in castle