Salisbury isn’t just famous for its stunning cathedral and medieval charm. It’s also a fantastic base for exploring some really interesting tours that cater to a variety of interests. Whether you’re after an adrenaline rush, a deep dive into ancient history, or a leisurely city walk, Salisbury offers options that stand out. Among these, the Basingstoke iFLY Indoor Skydiving Experience is perfect for thrill-seekers wanting the sensation of freefall without jumping out of an airplane. Meanwhile, bespoke private tours of Stonehenge and Avebury let you explore some of the UK’s most iconic prehistoric monuments in a flexible, personalized way. And for those enchanted by history, the Full-Day Stonehenge and Avebury tour provides a comprehensive look at England’s ancient sites. For a taste of Salisbury’s local charm, the Private Walking Tour offers an intimate look at the city’s landmarks. We’ve rounded up the best Salisbury tours to help you make the most of your trip.
Quick Overview of Salisbury Tours
This list covers a variety of experiences, including adrenaline-filled indoor skydiving (Basingstoke iFLY Experience), bespoke private day trips (Stonehenge and Avebury), full-day archaeological adventures (Stonehenge, Avebury, and West Kennet Long Barrow), city walking tours (Salisbury Private Walking Tour), self-guided audio experiences (Stonehenge Private Immersive Audio Guide), and luxury transfer and sightseeing packages (Post Cruise Tour Southampton to London). Each offers something different—whether you want adventure, history, or a relaxed city stroll.
1. Basingstoke iFLY Indoor Skydiving Experience – 2 Flights & Certificate
For adrenaline junkies or anyone wanting a safe but exhilarating thrill, the iFLY Basingstoke indoor skydiving experience is a top pick. You don’t need a plane or parachute—just a tall, vertical wind tunnel propels you into the sensation of freefall. With this tour, you get two flights that mimic the free-fall of three tandem jumps, all under the watchful eye of a one-on-one instructor. The wind speeds can reach up to 175 mph, making it a truly adrenaline-pumping activity.
What makes this experience particularly appealing is the safety and professionalism involved. The instructor will start with simple instructions, gradually increasing the wind’s strength to make sure you’re comfortable. It’s suitable for most ages and skill levels, and the fun is amplified by your personal flight certificate at the end. Reviewers love the friendly staff and the fact that everyone, even kids, can give it a try. The activity lasts about 1.5 hours, making it a quick but memorable highlight of your trip to Salisbury area.
Bottom line: If you’re after a high-energy activity that’s safe and fun, this indoor skydiving experience is hard to beat. It’s particularly great for families or groups looking for something different. Cost-wise, at $109.80 per person, it offers a fantastic thrill for the price.
2. Bespoke private tours of Stonehenge and Avebury by car with local guide
For a personalized, flexible way to explore the ancient wonders of Wiltshire, the Bespoke private tour of Stonehenge and Avebury is perfect. This tour is designed for groups of up to six people and lasts anywhere from 3 to 8 hours—so you can tailor it to your interests and schedule. Your guide, an archaeology graduate, will pick you up at your accommodation and take you on a journey through history, stopping at sites like Stonehenge, Avebury, Silbury Hill, and even the Wiltshire Museum.
What makes this tour stand out is the ability to customize your itinerary. Whether you want more time at the stone circles or prefer to explore Salisbury Cathedral, your guide will adapt accordingly. The guide’s extensive knowledge of each site’s story adds an enriching layer that’s often missing from self-guided visits. A highlight for many travelers is wandering Avebury’s enormous stone circle and peering into West Kennet Long Barrow, a 5,500-year-old tomb.
Many reviews mention the guide’s personal touch and tailored experience. One reviewer praised Laurence, saying, “He customized our tour for our group of 6 to Stonehenge and Salisbury and was so informative.” The tour provides excellent value for those wanting a private, detailed approach and avoiding the hassle of public transport or self-driving.
Bottom line: If you prefer a flexible, private day with a knowledgeable guide who can tailor the experience, this tour offers an engaging deep dive into Wiltshire’s Neolithic sites. It’s ideal for history enthusiasts and small groups wanting a personal touch.
3. Stonehenge, Avebury, and West Kennet Long Barrow from Salisbury
Looking for a full-day adventure that hits all the major prehistoric sites? The Stonehenge, Avebury, and West Kennet Long Barrow tour is a fantastic choice. It covers four UNESCO World Heritage sites in one day—Stonehenge with its fascinating visitor center, the impressive Avebury stone circles, Silbury Hill, and the West Kennet Long Barrow.
The tour includes admission to Stonehenge and a guided visit, giving you plenty of time to explore and ask questions. Visitors love the opportunity to walk around the burial mound at West Kennet and appreciate the scale of Avebury’s stone circle, the largest in Northern Europe. The guide’s detailed commentary helps explain the purpose of these monuments, which remain mysterious even after thousands of years.
Starting from Salisbury, this tour is great for those with a keen interest in archaeology or ancient culture, offering a rundown of Neolithic Britain. The fixed itinerary allows for a relaxed pace, and the group size keeps it intimate. As one reviewer put it, “We had a great time on our tour…the guide made sure we saw what was most important and tailored the experience.”
Bottom line: If you want a well-rounded, full-day trip exposing you to England’s most iconic prehistoric sites, this tour offers excellent value and a rich experience.
4. Stonehenge, and Avebury in One Day
This full-day tour combines two of the most famous Neolithic sites—Stonehenge and Avebury—with a visit to Salisbury Cathedral and the Magna Carta. It’s designed for travelers who want to see a lot in a single day, with the itinerary carefully planned to maximize your time.
Starting with Stonehenge, you’ll receive guided insights into its construction and purpose. Then, you’ll explore the Salisbury Cathedral, home to the historic Magna Carta and renowned for its stunning architecture. The tour incorporates a visit to Silbury Hill, as well as the Avebury stone circle, which is larger and less crowded than Stonehenge. This tour is perfect for history lovers eager to understand the evolution of ancient to medieval England.
Reviewers appreciate the comprehensive nature of this trip, calling it “a wonder and excitement-filled day.” The inclusion of admission tickets makes it convenient, and the professional guides ensure you get the most out of each site.
Bottom line: For travelers wanting a full overview of Wiltshire’s most iconic landmarks in one day, it’s a reliable, well-organized choice.
5. Salisbury Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide
Want to get a real feel for Salisbury without the rush? The Private Walking Tour of Salisbury offers a personalized, in-depth look at the city’s landmarks, including the world-famous Salisbury Cathedral. This 2-hour tour is flexible, allowing you to start early or late, fitting easily into any schedule.
Your guide will take you past the Market Square, Guildhall, Old Sarum, and other hidden corners, sharing stories about Salisbury’s past from the Iron Age through the Norman invasion and beyond. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy soaking in local atmosphere and detailed history at their own pace, with tailored commentary.
The reviews highlight how knowledgeable and personable guides bring the city’s stories alive. One reviewer noted, “Andrew was a great guide, gave a good overview of the city, and was a lot of fun.” The small group size means you get plenty of attention, and the tour’s private nature makes it perfect for families, couples, or small groups.
Bottom line: If you want an intimate, customizable introduction to Salisbury’s highlights, this walking tour offers a personal and informative experience.
6. Stonehenge Private Immersive Audio Guide
On a tight schedule but still eager to learn about Stonehenge? The self-guided audio tour provides a budget-friendly, flexible alternative. You can download it in advance to avoid the crowds and explore at your own pace.
This audio guide—narrated by an archaeologist—takes you from the entrance through key features like the Stonehenge Cursus and burial sites. It offers about 20-minute segments per site, complete with interesting theories and historical insights. Reviewers mention how easy it was to use even if tech isn’t their forte, and they appreciated the ability to take their time.
The main advantage is the cost—just $6.84 per person—and the freedom to wander independently. It’s particularly suitable for travelers who want a quick, educational experience without joining a larger group. The GPS feature ensures you’ll find good photo spots and learn interesting facts along the way.
Bottom line: Perfect for budget-minded travelers and those wanting to explore at their own speed, this audio guide turns Stonehenge into a personal classroom.
7. Post Cruise Tour Southampton to London via Stonehenge and Windsor
For travelers arriving by cruise, this post-cruise transfer and sightseeing tour combines the convenience of door-to-door service with a sightseeing itinerary. Your driver will meet you at Southampton cruise terminal and take you to visit Stonehenge—with pre-booked tickets and audio guides—and then to Windsor Castle.
The 8-hour journey allows you to experience two of England’s most iconic sites without the hassle of planning. You’ll get skip-the-line access to Windsor Castle and time to explore its historic interiors and grounds. The air-conditioned vehicle and private tour setup mean you can enjoy a relaxed day with personalized attention.
Reviewers praise the professionalism of the driver and the seamless experience. One said, “Driver was very professional, knowledgeable, and thoughtful,” highlighting how this tour suits anyone with limited time but a desire to see the highlights.
Bottom line: If you’re arriving in Southampton and want a comfortable, efficient way to see Stonehenge and Windsor before heading to London, this tour offers excellent value and convenience.
$699.43 per person
How to Choose the Right Salisbury Tour
When selecting your ideal experience, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. If you crave adventure, the indoor skydiving (iFLY experience) is unmatched. Planning a historical deep dive? The full-day archaeological tour (Stonehenge, Avebury, and West Kennet) offers extensive insights. For a personalized city experience, the private walking tour (Salisbury City Walk) is perfect. And if you’re on a budget, the self-guided audio tour (Stonehenge) provides a lot at a low cost.
For those arriving on a cruise, the worry-free transfer and sightseeing package (Southampton to London via Stonehenge and Windsor) offers convenience. Remember to book early, especially in peak season, to secure preferred times and availability.
In Summary
Salisbury’s variety of tours means there’s something for all—from adventure lovers and history buffs to city explorers and budget travelers. If you want a quick thrill, the indoor skydiving experience delivers big fun. For a tailored, immersive day with expert insights, the private Stonehenge and Avebury tour stands out. And if you prefer a comprehensive archaeological journey, the full-day tour covers everything you’d want to see.
No matter which tour you choose, booking early will ensure you get your preferred time and experience. Salisbury’s rich tapestry of history and fun activities makes it a perfect place to tailor your trip to your interests. Now, all that’s left is to pick your adventure and get ready to enjoy this charming city and its surroundings.