It may be only a short drive away, but Salisbury is whole new world for Steven Smith. Pictures Sally Adams

When it’s so easy to go abroad for a break, often you can forget what’s practically on your doorstep.

I grew up in Winchester and have lived, studied and worked in Poole and Bournemouth for more than a decade, yet I can’t remember the last time I went to Salisbury.

But it’s worth remembering that a weekend away from it all doesn’t have to mean travelling that far.

Less than an hour away from Bournemouth, Salisbury is of course famous for its cathedral, which dates back to the 13th Century and boasts the UK’s tallest spire at 123m (404ft).

It was here that we started our weekend in Wiltshire, meeting cathedral guide Paul Smith.

He took us on an informative tour that elevated us to the top of the building, with plenty of stops along the way to explain lots of interesting details about the cathedral, how it was built and its history.

It culminated with a chance to view Salisbury and the countryside beyond looking north, south, east and west. At £10, including entry to the cathedral, it is well worth doing – you even get a badge to commemorate scaling the heights.

The cathedral is also home to the best-preserved of just four surviving copies of the Magna Carta. All in all, it would be easy to spend the best part of the day here.

We stayed at Rollestone Manor, a beautiful country house B&B and restaurant at Shrewton, about 20 miles out of Salisbury. Although it is 950 years old, it has been treated to a modern makeover, which manages to give guests contemporary comfort while preserving many original features.

There was a warm welcome from Cyrille and Paula Portier before heading back into Salisbury to continue a somewhat cultural weekend.

In a testament to the enduring popularity of theatre, the Playhouse was packed out for a performance of Alan Ayckbourn’s comedy Joking Apart, an excellent show and a reminder that live theatre can be a great way to spend an evening.

Before curtain-up we dined at the Encore restaurant inside the theatre, which again was very busy, and enjoyed an excellent meal – you can even save your dessert for the interval.

After a nightcap at the hotel, we awoke next day to enjoy a hearty breakfast at Rollestone.

We headed to Stonehenge – another place I’ve not been since I was small.

No pun intended, but not a lot has changed here for years. But, later this year, a state-of-the-art visitor centre will open, transforming the experience for the scores of visitors who come from all over the world each year.

After being blown about walking around the ancient site, we headed to the village of Edington, towards Westbury and its famous chalk white horse, for the last stop.

The Three Daggers pub is hidden gem in this small village and is worth a visit.

The operators have big plans. The pub has had – much like our hotel – a modern but traditional makeover and, as well as offering a very tasty Sunday lunch, has a stunning B&B.

What’s more, next door a farm shop and brewery is being built, due to open ahead of the summer. It should help to set the Three Daggers apart from other pubs and restaurants and, given that we spent a good few hours enjoying a leisurely lunch, could become a destination that you’d want to spend at least half a day at.

We had just a taste of one of Dorset’s neighbouring counties, but next time you’re thinking about a weekend away, perhaps you’ll find yourself closer to home than you think.

Getaway

We stayed at Rollestone Manor, Shrewton, SP3 4HF 01980 620216, rollestonemanor.com english-heritage.org.uk
0870 333 1181
Three Daggers Westbury Rd, Edington, Westbury, BA13 4PG 01380 830940, threedaggers.co.uk
Plan your visit at visitwiltshire.co.uk