Photo: Travel: United Kingdom: Salisbury

Undeterred by the prospect of foul weather, Tini and I drove to Salisbury on November 22, 2007 to continue the planned tour of medieval English cathedrals. We were lucky as the weather mostly held but this being off-season, the cathedral itself was nearly devoid of tourists. The only distraction was the work being done in the central crossing, probably preparations for Christmas. This is a stunning building, and if Wells has a more impressive West front, this cathedral is nearly perfectly proportioned, as anyone who has the chance to admire it from its marvellous close can attest. The interior is unified, which is quite atypical for a major building of this size (the cathedral was constructed in basicaly one major effort from 1220 to 1258). The Early English Gothic is a bit plain. The guides are quite nice, especially the two older gentlement at the Chapter House with whom we spent nearly 40 minutes. Entrance is free (donation requested). Photography is permitted (except during services) and is not allowed at all in the Chapter House (where the precious copy of the Magna Carta is displayed). Other notable things to see: the tallest spire in Britain (123m) and the oldest working clock in Europe (1326).