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Making the most of the May bank holidays

Bank holidays are the ideal time to enjoy everything our patch has to offer, especially with two Mondays off in May. You could enjoy a peaceful walk through the countryside, grab a coffee at a local café, or relax at home – there’s plenty to do over the long weekends.

If you’re stuck for ideas, here are a few things that might inspire you.

Wander through history

You can’t beat a good walk on a sunny bank holiday, and here in Salisbury, we’re absolutely spoiled for choice. A visit to Salisbury Cathedral is always special and you could make it a little longer by walking from Cathedral Close down to Harnham Water Meadows. It’s an easy stroll, and the view of the Cathedral across the meadows is stunning, especially in springtime when everything is lush and green.

For a longer walk, head over to Old Sarum, just a couple of miles north of the city. Explore the remains of the original Cathedral and enjoy stunning panoramic views across the Wiltshire countryside. It’s a great spot for a picnic too!

There are so many great walking routes across Salisbury and in wider Wiltshire. We follow @circularwiltshirewalks on Instagram, who has some great, easy-to-follow guides for all walking abilities.

Mooch around a farm shop

Just a short drive away in the beautiful village of Berwick St James, you’ll find The Old Forge Farm Shop packed with fresh local produce, homemade cakes, and delicious coffee. It’s great for supplies for a lazy afternoon in the garden or even a barbecue if the weather’s kind.

Cholderton Farm Shop is another good one, and if you’re bringing little ones along, the farm park next door is full of friendly animals and activities to keep them happy while you enjoy a cup of tea.

Ansty PYO & Farm Shop is another lovely family-friendly option. You can currently pick your own rhubarb until the strawberry season starts, then relax in the tea room with a well-deserved drink and slice of cake, brownie or flapjack!

Garden centres worth a visit

With everything blooming in May, you could spend your bank holiday weekend giving your garden a bit of love. There are some good ones close to Salisbury that we would recommend.

Landford Garden Centre, less than half an hour from Salisbury, sells plants, flowers, gifts, garden furniture and has a lovely restaurant – Charlotte’s. You could treat yourself to a big breakfast, luxury afternoon tea or homemade pizza. Wilton House Garden Centre is another favourite of ours, especially if you’re interested in walking around the historic grounds of beautiful Wilton House after your visit.

Make a coffee and cake stop

A long weekend calls for coffee and a slice of something sweet! Luckily there are tonnes of coffee shops and cafés on our doorstep worth a visit.

Boston Tea Party on Salisbury High Street has lots of cosy seating and a menu full of hearty brunches, great coffee, and tempting cakes. Culture Coffee on Fisherton Street is a stylish spot with a relaxed vibe. They serve excellent cake, coffee and brunch, including vegan options. We had a matcha latte on our last visit, which even came with a tiny cake!

If you don’t mind a short drive, The Stalls Café in Sutton Mandeville is a lovely countryside spot. Set in a converted barn on a working farm, it serves coffee, fresh local food, and homemade cakes.

If you fancy something a little more tucked away, head to Bird & Carter in Wilton, about twenty minutes outside the city. In addition to cakes (you must try their famous chocolate digestive!) you could enjoy sausage rolls, quiche, paninis soups and salads. You might even come away with a few bits from the farm shop to take home.

Spend time at home

Of course, you don’t have to go anywhere to enjoy the bank holidays. Sometimes the best days are spent pottering around the house and garden.

If the weather turns, as it sometimes does, you could have a good clear out or tackle a DIY project? We have some great spring-cleaning tips in our recent blog. Nothing beats that fresh, sorted feeling once you’re done!