Summer Events in Salisbury, 2025
There’s lots to do in Salisbury this summer and it’s a scenic place to enjoy the warm weather and longer days. With its soaring cathedral spire and rich heritage, the city and surrounding area transforms into a vibrant hub of activity. There’s an extraordinary blend of cultural festivals, sporting excitement, and ancient mysticism that makes Salisbury the place to be this summer. From passionate history buffs to horse racing enthusiasts and those seeking spiritual connection, Salisbury’s summer events promise unforgettable experiences that celebrate both tradition and contemporary culture.
Chalke History Festival
From 23rd to 29th June 2025 the Chalke History Festival stands as one of Britain’s “biggest and best history festival”. The festival draws renowned historians, authors, and enthusiasts to the picturesque 70 acre Chalke Valley near Salisbury. This annual celebration of our past brings history to life through engaging talks, interactive exhibitions, and immersive experiences that appeal to all ages.
What sets this festival apart is its unique approach to making history accessible and exciting. Distinguished speakers share fascinating insights into everything from ancient civilisations to modern conflicts, while hands-on activities allow visitors to experience historical crafts and traditions firsthand. The festival’s intimate setting creates opportunities for meaningful conversations with experts and fellow history lovers, making it feel more like a gathering of friends than a formal academic conference.
There is so much to see and do, you’ll never be stuck for ideas.
Summer at Salisbury Racecourse
Salisbury Racecourse brings the thrill of horse racing to life throughout the summer season, offering a perfect blend of sporting excitement and social elegance. The 2025 fixtures promise spectacular racing action set against the backdrop of Salisbury’s stunning countryside, creating an atmosphere that’s both exhilarating and quintessentially British.
On the 25th June the racecourse hosts Whitsbury Manor Stud Bibury Cup Day. The historic Bibury Cup Day stands as one of Salisbury’s most prestigious race meetings, with a legacy stretching back to 1899 at the racecourse. Racegoers can arrive when gates open at 12:45pm, with the opening race beginning at 2:25pm. The day’s excitement continues through seven scheduled races, culminating with the final race at 5:35pm.
The 12th July sees Ladies Evening return to the course. This marks the 22nd year of Ladies’ Evening, consistently ranking among Salisbury Racecourse’s most anticipated events of the season. The evening begins with gates opening at 3:30pm, followed by the first race at 5:40pm. Racing continues throughout the evening, with the final race scheduled for 8:20pm.
From 13th to 14th August is Salisbury Racecourse’s two-day August Summer Holiday race meeting. As it’s right in the middle of the summer holidays, a day or two at the races can be a great idea for a day out with all the family!
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Mark the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge
Every year the Summer Solstice is the highlight of the summer in the Salisbury area. From the evening of 20th June to the morning of Saturday 21st June, Stonehenge plays host to crowds that gather to celebrate the shortest night of the year and the sunrise on 21st June 2025 marking the longest day of the year.
Stonehenge is just outside of Salisbury and is a world famous prehistoric monuments, that people flock to from all over to see – especially during the solstice. Many communities still use Stonehenge in various ways, and plenty of them come to the area during this time of spiritual significance. What makes the summer solstice so special in this space is the fact that it has been experienced as a spiritual event by people for thousands of years. It’s the highlight of the summer and so if you’re around, head to Stonehenge to celebrate the Solstice.
Need a place to stay?
Looking to book a place to stay for a trip to Salisbury or South Wiltshire this Summer? Get in touch with our team here at Brades Acre, make sure you book one of our campsite spaces or log cabins. Our cabins sleep four in a double bed and two singles, so it’s ideal for a small family or friends get-away. Read more here about our camping and touring site. Call us on 01980 620 402, email us at bradesacre@hotmail.co.uk or visit our contact us page. Don’t take our word for it, read our reviews here!
For other detailed guides visit our local attractions pages including Rainy Day Guide to Salisbury, Events in Salisbury Summer 2024, Ten of the Best Local Restaurants to Try, Historical Site Around Salisbury and our Quick Guide to Larkhill.