Salisbury Sports and Outdoor Activities

(Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, UK)

During the course of the year, crowds of visitors come to Salisbury to shop and admire the fine architecture of the cathedral. Others, however, choose to enjoy some of the local spectator sports available here.

Founded way back in 1947, the Salisbury City Football Club plays regular matches at their home ground, the Raymond McEnhill Stadium on Partridge Way at Old Sarum. This stadium is to be found approximately 4 miles / 6.5 km to the north of the city centre, just past the suburb village of Stratford-sub-Castle. Rugby, tennis, swimming, golf and horse racing are all popular sporting alternatives based around the city, as well as summer cricket.

For cricket matches, head to the Salisbury and South Wiltshire Sports Club on Wilton Road, which is to be found on the city's westerly outskirts, some 2 miles / 3 km from the city centre. Keep-fit fanatics will find that the Five Rivers Leisure Centre on Hulse Road will more than meet your needs, being a popular launching site for early morning hot-air balloon flights.

Football (Soccer)

The success of the Salisbury City Football Club has been rather up and down over the years, although during the 2005 to 2006 season. the club did manage to reach the top of the prestigious Southern League Premier Division - for amateur and semi-professional teams.

Rugby

The Salisbury Rugby Football Club is based on Castle Road, on the northern side of the city and just past Victoria Park. The club began its life in 1923 and has steadily grown to attract a healthy following. As you watch a match, you may well be distracted by the views of Old Sarum and also the cathedral spire.

Cricket

The Wiltshire County Cricket Club is one of the county's most historic sports clubs, being established as long ago as 1893. Regular matches are played at the cricket ground of the Salisbury and South Wiltshire Sports Club, as well as at other county towns such as both Corsham and Trowbridge.

Five Rivers Leisure Centre

Address: The Butts, Hulse Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 3NR, England
Tel: +44 (0)1722 339966
Lying only five minutes from the city centre and just off the Churchill Way West (A36), the Five Rivers Leisure Centre features a wide range of sports facilities. These include a 25-metre / 80-foot swimming pool, water slides, a health and fitness club, regular fitness classes, a sauna, a steam room, a large sports hall with different courts, a crèche, and a number of activities for children - including 'Camp Activate' during school holidays. There is also a café area and an onsite car park.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 06:00 to 22:30, Saturday and Sunday - 07:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

Horse Racing

Address: Netherhampton Road, Netherhampton, Wiltshire, SP2 8PN, England
Tel: +44 (0)1722 326461
The historic Salisbury Racecourse remains one of England's oldest racecourses, dating back to the 16th century. This scenic and picturesque course is particularly popular during the summer months and is located within the suburb of Netherhampton, being just under 5 miles / 8 km to the south-west of the city. The course comes with spectator areas, a café, car parking and a free crèche.
Open hours: April to September - specified race days only
Admission: charge, children under 16 years old are free

Old Sarum Flying Club (OSFS)

Address: Hangar 3, Old Sarum Airfield, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 6BJ, England
Tel: +44 (0)1722 322525
The Old Sarum Flying Club offers flights over the surrounding countryside and Salisbury Plain, in a small light aircraft with either two or four seats. There are a range of aircraft available at the airfield and these include microlights. Pleasure flights provide some of the most spectacular views possible, while there is a café area for those watching below. Flying lessons are also available, along with various events, such as the OSFS Open Day each May.
Open hours: daily - 08:30 to 20:00
Admission: free

Avago Karting and Laser Shooting

Address: Windrush Cottage, West Dean, Salisbury, England
Tel: +44 (0)1794 884693
The Avago Karting and Laser Shooting attraction is situated on the outskirts of Salisbury, in the Wiltshire countryside. Highlights include outdoor laser clay pigeon shooting, indoor target shooting, digger challenges, blindfolded 4x4 driving, archery, team-building courses and hen / stag events, amongst other sports and activities.
Open hours: daily, by appointment
Admission: charge

Cameron Flights Southern Ltd

Morning and evening champagne balloon flights are available from the Five Rivers Leisure Centre throughout the summer, on fine days, being operated by companies such as Aerosaurus and Cameron Flights, while Virgin Balloon Flights depart from the Salisbury Racecourse. On a fine day, those taking a balloon flight will be able to enjoy views across Salisbury Plain and the ancient circle of Stonehenge, as well as the New Forest to the far east, and possibly even the Isle of Wight to the south-east. Balloon flights need to be booked in advance and most pilots provide champagne and souvenir photographs.