Salisbury among the world's top 10 cities to visit in 2015

Lonely Planet has included Wiltshire city, Washington, El Chalten, Milan, and Zermatt to its list of place to visit in 2015.

16:22 21 October 2014

Salisbury City, which is usually visited as a stop-off on the way to Stonehenge, has somewhat unexpectedly made it to Lonely Planet’s top 10 cities to visit around the world in 2015, beating the Austrian capital of Vienna and Canada’s biggest city, Toronto, to take seventh place in the rankings. Meanwhile, Washington topped the list followed by El Chalten in Argentina, Milan, Zermatt, and Plovdiv. 

 

The cities are judged on criteria that include whether there is something special going on during the year. In Salisbury’s case, the Wiltshire city will play an important role in the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta. 

 

“The 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta gives a great excuse to visit,” says Tom Hall, Lonely Planet editorial director and contributor to the Best in Travel guide.

 

“Like most visitors I headed straight for the cathedral, but found that I liked exploring Salisbury’s historic old centre, green spaces with a relaxed atmosphere and exploring some historic pubs as much as the big-name sights.”

 

Mark Bramley, general manager at the Red Lion – the oldest purpose-built hotel in Europe, defends Salisbury’s ranking with more passion. 

 

“The secret’s getting out,” he says. “But people should come and explore the city – there’s more than enough to do for four or five days here. I think it’s got more to offer than Bath; they’ve just got the Royal Crescent, the Pump Room and once you’ve had a drink of the water you’re done. You can do it in half an hour.

 

“We’ve got the Cathedral, Old Sarum, Stonehenge, Ted Heath’s house and you can walk from the city centre into Constable’s countryside in five minutes. It’s a hidden treasure.”

 

The top 10 cities in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2015

 

Washington DC – USA

El Chaltén –Argentina

Milan – Italy

Zermatt – Switzerland

Valletta – Malta

Plovdiv – Bulgaria

Salisbury – UK

Vienna – Austria

Chennai – India

Toronto – Canada

Source: Lonely Planet - Best in Travel 2015