Paper crafts at Salisbury Cathedral Picture: Salisbury Cathedral

Arts & Entertainment News Wiltshire Magazine

Summer in Salisbury: What’s on in and around the city to keep families entertained

Jamie JonesAugust 5, 20260 Comment0

SUMMER is in full swing in and around Salisbury and there’s lots going on to keep the whole family entertained.

Whether you’re looking for something little ones will love, an educational visit to keep young minds active over the holidays, or want to find something with a slightly slower pace, you should find what you’re after.

Running throughout the six week break until September 5 is the Salisbury Bear Hunt challenging families to spot a cuddly hoard of 100 teddy bears hidden around the city centre. Entry forms are available from Salisbury Information Centre and Julia’s House Charity Shop – so why not see how many you can spot in the coming weeks.

On Tuesday (August 11), artist Emma Kerr will be on hand at The Young Gallery in Salisbury Library for a free Travelling Monsters Workshop. Suitable for adults, families and children of all ages, participants will be able to make monster collages and adventure books inspired by the Mick Maslen Urban Scene’s exhibition in Gallery 2 with activities ranging from collage and drawing to book making.

A spellbinding adaptation of a children’s classic is also happening on Tuesday when Quantum Theatre takes on The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny. Families are invited to grab a blanket and a picnic for the much-loved production, and join the bunnies on a hair-raising adventure.

Salisbury Museum has a variety of Discovery Days running on Tuesdays throughout August. On August 11, go on a Barmy Burial Making adventure to learn all about the things left in graves through history, on August 18 the Animal Amulet Art day invites visitors to create their very own animal amulet to take home, inspired by the figurines and jewellery within the museum, and on August 25, the Book of Me! activity will have bookbinder Tamsin Loveday on hand guiding participants through making their very own book all about their lives, hopes and dreams.

Salisbury Cathedral is hosting arts and crafts activities every Wednesday in August, inspired by their Joyful Noise programme. The next two topics are ‘rhythmic ribbons and bell bracelets’ followed by ‘windchimes’ finishing up with ‘back to school bags’ at the end of the month.

Visitors are invited to get creative and can also experience sound in different ways with their ‘Super Sounds’ outside trail.

Also at the cathedral this month is an opportunity to dance the afternoon away at the free event, Swing Unlimited: Music on the Lawns. Just turn up with your picnic blanket, enjoy an ice cream, head to the bar and soak up the Sunday sun on August 16.

At another event on Tuesday, children aged three to 10 can enjoy a free, interactive storytelling session with Kristina Stephenson at Amesbury Library. Children’s tickets will need to be booked via the library in advance.

Proving the summer holidays don’t need to break the bank, lots of activities that won’t cost you a penny are happening on Guildhall Square this summer. Fayre on the Square, which runs until September 6, is bringing the seaside to the heart of the city including a wide range of activities, such as mini golf, boules, skittles, swingball, table tennis, table football, chess, sandpits, giant jenga and Connect 4, as well as food & drink, and live music and entertainment from morning to evening.

If you fancy heading further afield, the Great British Summer at Stonehenge is also running until September 6, inspired by timeless holiday traditions and a fun day out for the whole family.

Knock down the tin can alley at the fairground games, pick up new tricks at the circus skills station and dive into some puppet antics. Kick back in a deck chair with a delicious ice cream, then grab a bucket and build an epic sandcastle. Kids can grab a Great British Summer activity passport and collect special stamps to complete their summer adventure.

What’s on in Salisbury and surrounds

Salisbury Bear Hunt – Salisbury City Centre
When: Until September 5
Cost: Free
For more information, visit the Julia’s House website.

Travelling Monsters Workshop – The Young Gallery, Salisbury Library
When: August 11, 11am-1pm
Cost: Free
For more information, visit the Young Gallery website.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny – The Wardrobe (Rifles Museum), 58 The Close, Salisbury
When: August 11, 3-4:30pm
Cost: Adults £18, concession £15, children £14, family ticket £50
For more information, or to buy tickets, visit The Wardrobe website.

Discovery Days – Salisbury Museum
When: August 11, 18 and 25, 10am-4pm
Cost: Free with museum entry – Adults £10.99, Children £4.95, family ticket £24.99
For more information, visit the Salisbury Museum website.

Family craft sessions – Salisbury Cathedral
When: August 12, 19 and 26, 9.30am-3pm.
Cost: Free with Cathedral entry – adults £12.50 in advance or £14.50 on the day, children under 12 free, children aged 12-16 £8.50 in advance or £9.50 on-the-day, local residents free with valid proof of address
For more information, visit the Salisbury Cathedral website.

Interactive storytelling session with Kristina Stephenson – Amesbury Library
When: August 11, 2.30-3.30pm
Cost: Free
Booking required via Amesbury Library on 01980 623491.

Swing Unlimited: Music on the Lawns – Salisbury Cathedral
When: August 16, 1-4pm
Cost: Free
For more information, visit the Salisbury Cathedral website.

Fayre on the Square – Guildhall Square
When: Until September 6
Cost: Free
For more information, visit the Salisbury City Council website.

Great British Summer at Stonehenge – near Amesbury
When: Until September 6, 10am-5pm
Cost: £29 for adults, £14.50 for children (ages 5–17), £26.30 for concessions, £72.70 for family ticket. Members go free.
For more information visit the English Heritage website.