Poultry Cross
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Poultry Cross

4.3
·121 reviews·, United Kingdom

A 14th-century market cross, the last of its kind in Salisbury, serving as a historic landmark and vibrant community meeting point.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Tuesday & Saturday mornings

Experience the lively market

CrowdHigh
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Poultry Cross

Poultry Cross

Best Time

Tuesday & Saturday mornings

Experience the lively market

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 14th-century market cross, the last of its kind in Salisbury, serving as a historic landmark and vibrant community meeting point.

4.3
(121 reviews)

"It's one of those things that the locals take for granted. In the town centre so can't be missed."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Capture the archway's beauty, especially during market days for added atmosphere. :camerawithflash:

📍 Central Location

Easily accessible in the city center, you can't miss it while exploring Salisbury. :world_map:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Historic Archway

The Historic Archway

City Centre

A beautiful 14th-century market cross, the last of its kind in Salisbury, serving as a picturesque landmark.

Local Market Buzz

Local Market Buzz

Junction of Silver Street and Minster Street

Experience the vibrant atmosphere as local market stalls set up twice weekly, offering a glimpse into traditional commerce.

A Meeting Point

A Meeting Point

City Centre

Locals and visitors alike use this iconic spot as a central meeting point, perfect for people-watching.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Poultry Cross is a central landmark, so expect crowds during market days (Tuesdays and Saturdays) and peak tourist hours. Consider an early morning or late afternoon visit for a more peaceful experience and better photo opportunities.

Understanding Its Significance

This isn't just an old structure; it's a surviving piece of Salisbury's medieval market history. Appreciate its role as a gathering spot and a testament to the city's commercial past.

Best Times

When
Tuesday & Saturday mornings
Why
Experience the lively market
Crowd
High
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter for photos
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#salisbury in #wiltshire was a tricky one to talk about without getting in Tiktok Trouble. #PlacesToVisit #britishhumour #ukcomedy #LearnOnTikTok #satire #salisburycathedral
@philc84
61.8K likes • 692.1K views

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Capture the archway's beauty, especially during market days for added atmosphere. :camerawithflash:

📍 Central Location

Easily accessible in the city center, you can't miss it while exploring Salisbury. :world_map:

WATCH TIL END…#salisbury #wiltshire
@robcolf
57.9K likes • 643.4K views
#salisbury #fyp #xyzbca #viral #beats
@youisahoelikefr
7.7K likes • 63.4K views

🤝 Local Gathering Hub

Observe locals meeting and chatting; it's a true community hub. :bustsinsilhouette:

🛍️ Market Day Finds

Visit on Tuesdays or Saturdays for a traditional market experience. :shopping_bags:

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Capture the archway's beauty, especially during market days for added atmosphere. :camerawithflash:

📍 Central Location

Easily accessible in the city center, you can't miss it while exploring Salisbury. :world_map:

🤝 Local Gathering Hub

Observe locals meeting and chatting; it's a true community hub. :bustsinsilhouette:

🛍️ Market Day Finds

Visit on Tuesdays or Saturdays for a traditional market experience. :shopping_bags:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(121 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Poultry Cross is a well-loved historic landmark in Salisbury, appreciated for its beauty and central location. Visitors enjoy its role as a meeting point and the lively atmosphere during its twice-weekly market. While some find it a simple monument, its historical significance and picturesque quality are consistently praised.

"You can sit on the benches and enjoy the historic town. Also this arch itself is very beautiful."

John

"The Poultry Cross is the only one remaining of four market crosses that once stood in Salisbury.
This market cross is dated to 1307 and the name Poultry Cross is given about a century later. The structure was built in the 14th century and 1852 to 1854 it's upper parts were rebuilt again. Now people use it as meeting point and a local market twice in a week placed here. Even you can see many old people gathered here for good company."

UK Photo Journey

"It's one of those things that the locals take for granted. In the town centre so can't be missed"

Warren Heath

What People Like

Historic market cross
Central meeting point
Market day atmosphere

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
Just an archway

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Poultry Cross is located right in the heart of Salisbury's city center, at the junction of Silver Street and Minster Street. It's easily walkable from most parts of the city and a short distance from the train station. If driving, look for city center car parks nearby.

Yes, there are several car parks within a short walking distance of Poultry Cross, including the Central Car Park and Ashley Road Car Park. Be aware that parking in the city center can be busy, especially on market days.

Salisbury train station is about a 10-15 minute walk from Poultry Cross. Local bus services also stop frequently in the city center, making it very accessible via public transport.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Poultry Cross is an open-air landmark in the city center and is freely accessible to the public at all times. There are no tickets or entry fees required.

As an outdoor monument, Poultry Cross is always accessible. However, the surrounding shops and market stalls will have their own operating hours.

Yes, Poultry Cross is located on a flat, paved area in the city center, making it easily accessible for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Poultry Cross itself is a historic monument to admire. It's a great spot for photos, people-watching, and experiencing the local market on Tuesdays and Saturdays. It also serves as a central meeting point.

Most visitors spend around 15-30 minutes at Poultry Cross, especially if they are just passing through or using it as a meeting point. If you visit during market days, you might spend longer browsing the stalls.

Poultry Cross is a monument, so there are no direct facilities like restrooms or cafes. However, being in the city center, you'll find plenty of amenities, including public toilets, cafes, and shops, very close by.

Poultry Cross dates back to the 14th century and is the last of four market crosses that once stood in Salisbury. It was historically used for selling poultry and has undergone restorations over the centuries.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Absolutely! Poultry Cross is surrounded by numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants offering a wide range of dining options, from quick bites to full meals.

On market days (Tuesdays and Saturdays), you might find food stalls selling local produce, baked goods, or street food. Otherwise, you'll need to visit the nearby eateries.

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the monument's details. Market days provide a lively backdrop, but can be challenging for unobstructed shots.

You can capture the architectural details of the cross, the bustling market scene, people meeting, and its integration into the charming Salisbury streetscape.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Poultry Cross is a great, accessible spot for families. Its central location means it's easy to incorporate into a day out in Salisbury without much fuss. Kids can enjoy the novelty of a historic market cross and the buzz of the market days (Tuesdays and Saturdays). It's a good place for a quick stop to explain a bit of local history or simply to use as a meeting point before exploring other attractions like Salisbury Cathedral.

There are no specific play areas at the cross itself, but the surrounding streets offer plenty of space to walk. Nearby cafes provide easy options for snacks and refreshments, making it a convenient stop for families on the go. The open nature of the site means you don't have to worry about timed entries or confined spaces.

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Explorers

For solo travelers, Poultry Cross is an ideal starting point or a convenient landmark to orient yourself in Salisbury. Its central position makes it easy to find and a perfect spot to pause, people-watch, and soak in the local atmosphere. You can easily spend a few minutes admiring the architecture or longer if you visit during the market days to browse the stalls.

It's also a fantastic meeting point if you're connecting with others. The surrounding streets are full of independent shops and eateries, offering plenty of opportunities for exploration and discovery at your own pace. The lack of entry fees makes it a budget-friendly point of interest.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Enduring Market Tradition

Poultry Cross is more than just an architectural relic; it's a living piece of Salisbury's history. Dating back to the 14th century, it stands as the sole survivor of four market crosses that once dotted the city. Its name, 'Poultry Cross,' directly reflects its historical function as a place where fowl were traded. This tradition continues, albeit in a broader sense, as the area still hosts a vibrant local market on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Visiting on a market day offers a fantastic opportunity to witness this enduring tradition firsthand. You can browse stalls selling everything from fresh produce to local crafts, all set against the backdrop of this ancient monument. It’s a chance to connect with the local community and experience a slice of authentic Salisbury life, a sentiment echoed by many who appreciate its role as a gathering place.Reddit

Even outside of market hours, Poultry Cross remains a focal point. Its central location makes it a popular meeting spot for locals and a convenient landmark for tourists navigating the city. The archway itself, with its intricate stonework, is a beautiful piece of medieval architecture worth admiring, a sentiment captured in reviews noting its picturesque quality.Reddit

Architectural Significance and Resilience

The Poultry Cross is a Grade I listed structure, signifying its national importance for architecture and history. Built in the 14th century, it has weathered centuries of change, including significant restorations. Notably, its upper sections were rebuilt between 1852 and 1854, preserving its form for future generations.

Its resilience was tested again in 2022 when a car crash during a police chase caused damage. Fortunately, the monument has since been repaired, underscoring its importance to the city and its commitment to preserving its heritage. The cross is constructed from limestone and sandstone, standing approximately 20 feet tall, with four pillars supporting a central octagonal canopy adorned with carvings.Reddit

While the TikTok videos might offer humorous takes on Salisbury, the Poultry Cross itself is a serious historical artifact. Its survival and continued presence in the bustling city center make it a poignant reminder of Salisbury's rich past and its integral role in medieval trade and commerce.TikTok

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