The shuttle service from Chandler’s Ford Railway Station is great for commuting into Eastleigh and Southampton but is also a wonderful way of visiting Salisbury. The total journey time is just over an hour and there are some fantastic views of the country en route, particularly after Romsey. Most images for this post were taken by me.
I’ve seen egrets on this route (just outside Southampton in fact), something that would have been unheard of only a few years ago. But then this is one of the great joys of train travel. I’ve seen views and wildlife I certainly wouldn’t have seen if driving (or if being driven).
(This latter point is especially true for my recent holiday in North East Scotland where the train to Wick is right on the sea edge in places with the A9 higher up and further back. This has meant seeing seals sunbathing as the train passes right by the beaches at Golspie and Brora. There is no chance of seeing the animals from the A9.).
The other great advantage of train travel, especially in a historic city like Salisbury where the need for car parking was never anticipated when the place was built, is that parking the train is someone else’s problem!
The only thing I would like to see available on board our shuttle service is a refreshment facility (though this can be available at Chandler’s Ford Railway Station now thanks to Three Rivers Community Rail, but this is not always open when the station itself is and I would love to see the station itself open for longer hours).
Salisbury is a lovely place for a day out and so easy to reach from Chandler’s Ford. I have visited the Cathedral several times, Sir Edward Heath’s home, Arundells, a couple of times, one or two of the smaller museums and enjoyed the walks in and around Salisbury as set out in the Station Walks book I reviewed some time ago.
Stonehenge
It is also possible to pick up a coach directly outside Salisbury Railway Station to take you to Stonehenge. This service runs seasonally but means you can get to the stones by public transport, spend some time there before catching another coach back, and know you will be taken to the door of the railway station on your return.
Even if you don’t get out at Stonehenge, if you just want to look at the stones and have a nice run in the Wiltshire countryside without having to drive this is a great way of doing this.
Arundells
For anyone thinking of visiting Arundells, I would recommend going on the guided tour which are at regular intervals. It pays to pre-book (this can be done online) as the tours are limited to about 10 people per tour. There is a wealth of information given on the tours and the house and gardens are stunning.
I can understand only too well why Sir Edward Heath wanted to live here (and have no doubts as what his views would be on the recent EU referendum!). My son and I also loved his collection of political cartoons (many of which were directed at himself!).
Salisbury Cathedral
A magnificent building with a steeple recognizable from miles away on a good day. Years ago when visiting family in Wiltshire, my younger sister and I tried to outdo each other in seeing who could spot Salisbury Cathedral’s famous steeple first. I didn’t always win!
My favourite things in the Cathedral are the Medieval Clock, the stained glass windows, being able to see one of the original copies of the Magna Carta close up, the beautiful model of the Cathedral itself and the lovely cloisters.
Being a keen fan of a decent cup of tea/hot chocolate (my seasonal variations!) and cake, I also recommend the Refectory (though it is not cheap. I take the view I’m not here every day and using the Refectory is another way of supporting the Cathedral. Admittance is free though obviously they welcome donations which go to the upkeep of the building. They do suggest a recommended amount though this is not compulsory).
The Tower Tour
The Tower Tour is not for the faint hearted and anyone worried about heights as you climb half way up the famous steeple (it’s not possible to go higher than that, unless you are a steeplejack with the necessary equipment!). The stairs get narrower as you go further up and bulky items like handbags have to be left in lockers at the bottom. The Tower Tour does incur a separate cost (see the link) and has to be booked but the views are magnificent.
I hope to take this tour again at some point as the last time I went I used what would now be considered an old fashioned camera to take photos and left my spare batteries in the locker. Guess whose camera suddenly needed batteries as I stepped out on to the viewing platform hoping to take some shots of the splendid views!
Guess who just couldn’t face going all the way down and back up again (even if I had been allowed to do so)! (I went and bought a few postcards from the Gift Shop to make up for my faux pas – and this idea means you can still enjoy the views without the unforgettable climb!).
The next time I go up I will use my camera phone to take shots and ensure it is all charged up the day before. I’m not planning on being caught out a second time! On a good day you can see three counties, Wiltshire, Hampshire and Dorset, from the viewing platform (though beware this is very narrow and again you really must have a head for heights).
The Medieval Clock is one of the oldest working time pieces in the world. And the copy of the Magna Carta is housed in a beautiful chapter house. I “felt” the weight of history as I looked at this precious document which is in remarkably good condition. The Cathedral provides translations from medieval English into a variety of languages including modern day English (it is needed)! The rest of the chapter house here looks at human rights around the world and is thought provoking.
The stained glass windows are magnificent as are the choir stalls. I am so glad I don’t have to clean any of them!
I particularly enjoyed the Station Walks book tour 1 which takes you through the water meadows to get to the cathedral. While a small section of this (Harnham Road) is a little boring as you are walking close to houses etc, the vast majority of this walk is pleasant and the water meadows are as beautiful now as when Constable painted them.
At some point I may try and take in a play at Salisbury Playhouse as that is a very short walk down from the railway station but whether this comes about or not, I do know I would not plan to visit Salisbury in any other way than the train. From our part of the world, it really couldn’t be more convenient.
Related Posts:
Read interviews with Chandler’s Ford writer Allison Symes: Part 1 and Part 2.
Read blog posts by Allison Symes published on Chandler’s Ford Today.
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Mike Sedgwick says
That post made a very enjoyable read first thing this morning. We are fortunate to have two of the best cathedrals nearby.
I enjoy the contrast between Salisbury Cathedral and Winchester. Salisbury is tall, slender and graceful. Winchester is solid, stocky and handsome. Salisbury is the maiden of cathedrals and Winchester the man.
I had a privileged view of Salisbury during a glider flight. I spent an hour circling over the city. God’s eye view, for that is what I had, of the cathedral is disappointing as the spire is foreshortened and roofs are boring but the layout of the precinct is pleasing. The five rivers, Nadder, Ebble, Wylye, Bourne and Avon all glinted in the sunlight.
Egrets are becoming common in the South of England. Many years ago an egret appeared on a farm where I lived. Word got around and the next weekend there were twitchers hiding in every hedge, behind walls and up in trees hoping to catch sight of this rare bird. Now they can be seen easily.
Allison Symes says
Many thanks for your kind comments, Mike. Yes, Winchester Cathedral is also wonderful. The Winchester Bible is a magnificent sight and the stained glass windows there (one of which I believe was made up of the remains of other windows smashed by Cromwell’s men) are also beautiful.
Janet Williams says
Like you, I do hope Chandler’s Ford station opens for more hours during the day. It’s lovely when it is open – you get to buy a drink, browse the books and find a card. It’s nice to be able to buy tickets from a human, and ask questions.
Once my train to Eastleigh was cancelled (no announcement, luckily some youngsters checked their mobile phone and told everyone there would be no train) and I was unable to claim my fares back – the station closes too early for me to get a form or ask question, and the link online was wrong …… in the end I didn’t claim.
On a positive note, now there is a new ticket machine near the platform – a much better location and the machine looks more modern.
Allison Symes says
The second ticket machine does make sense (and it will help cut queues when the station is open) but for me I will always prefer being served by a real human being behind the counter! Same goes for supermarkets! I also like the fact there is now a book donation/CD donation corner where you can select an item but you either donate something back or give a small donation in money. You have to use this when the Three Rivers people are there though. Would be useful to know when they are at CF station. Does anyone know?
Mark Miller says
Great comments and articles!
In relation to providing a donation for the book stall this doesn’t have to be direct to one of our volunteers, but can be left with the ticket office clerk who has a donations box behind the window. Opening hours are 0630 – 1230 Mon – Fri and 0730 – 1330 Sats.
Volunteers only staff the tea stall Mondays to Fridays from 0700 – 1030 and of course would receive donations then.
I hope that helps.
Best wishes and keep up the good work!
Mark Miller
Three Rivers Community Rail Partnership Officer
Allison Symes says
Many thanks, Mark, for your kind comments and for sharing the information about being able to give donations to the ticket clerk as I, for one, had not known that. Sadly I’m rarely at the station early enough to take advantage of the tea stall though!