Red Lion Hotel

Held to be one of the oldest hotels in Britain, The Red Lion Hotel in Salisbury is a traditional 13th century coaching inn which today offers modern accommodation facilities in this historic setting.

Situated in the heart of Salisbury city centre the Red Lion lies in the shadow of Britain's tallest spire, that of Salisbury Cathedral. Surrounded by the shops and eateries of the town the Red Lion also offers easy access to the Wiltshire countryside and some of England's iconic landmarks including Old Sarum and Stonehenge just over 15mins away by car. The hotel is less than a mile from Salisbury Railway Station and there is payable parking directly behind the hotel.

The Red Lion is a popular name with many a hostelries and public houses up and down the country sharing the name, however this one has a truly unique claim. Built over 750 years ago to house draughtsmen working on nearby Salisbury Cathedral, this Red Lion claims to be the oldest purpose built hotel in Britain. Fittingly much of the hotel's original features still stand, from its charming timber frames and black and white exterior to the medieval fireplace inside found during recent excavations. Another interesting facet to the Red Lion is that it has been owned by the same family for almost 100 years, ensuring a firm pride in its standards and hospitality.

Guest rooms at the Red Lion are set around a central courtyard offering a peaceful atmosphere and comfortable night's sleep. Each room is individually styled and decorated in tradtional fashion with many rooms containing original features and antique furnishings such as ornate fire places and four poster beds. Whilst retaining their historic charm the bedrooms now offer all modern comforts and facilities including crisply decorated en-suite bathrooms, satellite television and wireless broadband internet connection.

The Red Lion boasts a truly welcoming and atmospheric lounge area with comfortable seating, open fireplace, wall hangings and historic "Act of Parliament" clocks of particular interest. The lounge areas overlook the tranquil courtyard with its 'Virginia Creeper' hanging vine, thought to be one of the oldest specimens of its kind in Europe. Morning teas and coffees and snacks are served in either the cosy lounge in the winter months or al fresco in the courtyard when the weather is fine. For evening drinks enjoy the hotel's "1220" Bar whilst a more formal dining experience is available in the Vine Restaurant which is renowned for its mix of traditional English cooking and Continental cuisine and is awarded an AA rosette for its quality menu.

Boast that you have stayed in England's original hotel after a night or two in the atmospheric Red Lion Hotel, perfectly placed in central Salisbury and close to Stonehenge.