Attractions and Places To See around Martin - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Martin, a region in the UK, include historical sites and natural earthworks. This area, situated near the border of Dorset and Hampshire, offers a blend of cultural heritage and outdoor exploration. Visitors can explore ancient fortifications, historic city centers, and significant religious buildings. The landscape provides opportunities for discovering prehistoric boundaries and scenic trails.
Best attractions and places to see around Martin
- The most popular attractions is Salisbury Cathedral, a religious building and historical site. It is known for its English Gothic architecture, dating back to the 1200s, and housing one of the four original copies of the Magna Carta. It features the tallest church spire in the UK and the largest cloister in Britain.
- Another must-see spot is Bokerley Dyke, a trail and historical site. This substantial linear earthwork, approximately 5.75 kilometers long, is believed to have originated in the Bronze Age or Early Iron Age as a significant boundary. It runs along part of the border between Dorset and Hampshire.
- Visitors also love The Moot and Moot House, Downton, a historical site. It features the remains of an 11th-century motte and bailey castle, with earthworks that can still be explored today. The impressive Moot House was built in the 1600s.
- Martin is known for its historical sites, religious buildings, and ancient earthworks. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from city centers to prehistoric boundaries.
- The attractions around Martin are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 260 upvotes and over 245 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 16, 2026
Salisbury Cathedral
Highlight • Religious Site
Think that’s enough? Not for Salisbury. The cathedral is home to the most well-preserved of four copies of the Magna Carta and has a verge and foliot clock, one of the oldest working clocks in the world. The subject of several John Constable paintings, it’s a beautiful sight and surrounded by stunning historic buildings.
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Salisbury Market Square
Highlight • Settlement
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Queen Elizabeth Gardens
Highlight • Viewpoint
Take a stroll along the river, enjoy a picnic, or simply admire the scenery. The park is open year round.
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Bokerley Dyke
Highlight • Trail
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The Royal Oak and New Forest Wildlife
Highlight (Segment) • Pub
When you visit The New Forest there are a group of about 5,000 locals that you can't but help noticing. They have been hanging around for about 2,000 years and what they don't know about the forest is not worth knowing. We are talking about the wonderful New Forest Ponies of course!
All of the ponies found in the forest are wild in the sense they can roam freely but in fact they are owned by New Forest Commoners.
The commoners have the right to graze their ponies and cattle on the open forest throughout the year. It is the animals’ grazing which helps to keep the New Forest’s landscape and rare species which you can enjoy today. The ancient tradition of commoning dates back from before the days when William the Conqueror made this area his private hunting reserve and imposed strict laws on the locals. In return for this, the locals were given the rights to graze their animals on the ‘common’ (this being the land which is now known as the New Forest). Think of the New Forest as one large farm!.
thenewforest.co.uk/explore/wildlife-and-nature/ponies
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Tips from the Community
The Market Square in the historic center of Salisbury is one of England's most characteristic market squares. Trade has been regularly conducted here since the 13th century; the square remains the economic and social heart of the city to this day. Particularly defining are the medieval atmosphere, the historic half-timbered houses, and the famous Poultry Cross, one of the few surviving market crosses in England. The square impressively connects history and the present, as traditional weekly markets still take place and attract both locals and visitors.
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Queen Elizabeth Gardens is a well-maintained park on the River Avon in the heart of Salisbury. With its colorful flowerbeds, old trees, and quiet walking paths, it offers a pleasant place to relax. The views of the river and the proximity to the historic old town are particularly beautiful.
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Still very original and with a lot of charm - it is a pleasure to stroll here or just sit in a café and watch the hustle and bustle on the market square
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Bokerley Dyke is a substantial linear earthwork, approximately 5.75 kilometers (3.6 miles) long, located on Cranborne Chase. It runs along part of the border between Dorset and Hampshire, specifically between Woodyates and Martin. It is part of a larger Scheduled Monument that also includes Grim's Ditch and other earthworks. The dyke has a multi-period history. It is believed to have originated in the Bronze Age or Early Iron Age as an important political and cultural boundary. In the 1st century, it was cut through by a Roman road, Ackling Dyke, which ran between Old Sarum and Badbury Rings. In the 4th century, the dyke was remodeled and brought back into use. During this period, the Roman road was blocked. A coin of Valens found during excavations dates this activity to shortly after 364 AD, with some sources suggesting it was built between 367-368 AD. This remodeling may have been a defensive measure against attacks on Britain by Picts, Scots, and Saxons. The Roman road was eventually reopened, but the dyke may have continued to be used as a boundary after the Roman administration ended. Today, it still forms part of the border between the counties of Dorset and Hampshire.
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"The story of this great Cathedral is a tale of defiance and ingenuity that begins back in 1218, when the Bishop of Salisbury abandoned the original cathedral at Old Sarum, and moved down to the banks of the Avon, where the Cathedral stands today. You can learn the reasons for this move and about the people who made it happen by following the new family-friendly trail inside the Cathedral." (Text from https://www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/salisbury/things-to-do/salisbury-cathedral-and-magna-carta-p130493 )
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Follow the path next to the river from weatherspoons
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This is a beautiful riverside park with splendid views towards Salisbury Cathedral. Created in the early 1960s to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's coronation, it's been a popular spot for locals ever since. You can run through the park to pick up the Town Path, which ventures across Salisbury's water meadows to the suburb of Harnham.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of attractions can I expect to find around Martin?
The area around Martin, situated near the border of Dorset and Hampshire, is rich in historical sites, religious buildings, and ancient earthworks. You can explore significant landmarks like Salisbury Cathedral and Historic City Centre, the ancient linear earthwork of Bokerley Dyke, and the historic St Thomas’s Church, Salisbury. The region also offers natural beauty, including parts of the New Forest.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Martin area?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Salisbury Cathedral and Historic City Centre is considered family-friendly, offering a chance to explore history and architecture. St Thomas’s Church, Salisbury also welcomes families. Additionally, The Royal Oak and New Forest Wildlife provides an opportunity to see wild ponies and enjoy the natural environment, which can be a great experience for children.
What historical sites are a must-see near Martin?
You should definitely visit Salisbury Cathedral and Historic City Centre, home to one of the four original copies of the Magna Carta and the remains of Old Sarum. Another significant historical site is Bokerley Dyke, a substantial linear earthwork with a multi-period history dating back to the Bronze Age or Early Iron Age. Also, explore The Moot and Moot House, Downton, which features the remains of an 11th-century motte and bailey castle.
Are there opportunities for outdoor activities and hiking near Martin?
Absolutely. The area around Martin is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including routes like the 'Martin Down loop' and 'Pentridge Hill loop via Bokerley Ditch'. For more options, explore the hiking guide for Martin. The New Forest, with its wild ponies, also offers scenic walks and a chance to connect with nature.
Can I go cycling around the attractions near Martin?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity in the region. There are various routes available, such as the 'Marshwood Farm Campsite – Coffee Darling Café loop' and the 'Fordingbridge (Great Bridge) loop'. For detailed cycling routes and guides, you can check the cycling guide for Martin.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Martin?
Visitors frequently appreciate the rich historical significance of the area, particularly the impressive architecture of Salisbury Cathedral and the ancient earthworks like Bokerley Dyke. The blend of cultural heritage and opportunities for outdoor exploration, such as scenic trails and encounters with New Forest wildlife, are also highly valued. The komoot community has shared over 60 photos and given more than 110 upvotes to the attractions, highlighting their appeal.
Are there any religious buildings worth visiting in the Martin area?
Yes, the region features significant religious architecture. Salisbury Cathedral is a magnificent Gothic structure renowned for its historical importance and impressive scale. Additionally, St Thomas’s Church, Salisbury, located in the heart of the city, is a beautiful building with a long history and many treasures from across the centuries.
Are there any hidden gems or unique places to discover near Martin?
While not exactly 'hidden,' The Moot and Moot House, Downton offers a unique glimpse into an 11th-century motte and bailey castle's remains, set within extensive landscaped gardens. It's a fascinating spot with a rich history, including a Roman Villa nearby and an earthen amphitheater where Shakespeare's plays were once performed.
What is the best time to visit the attractions around Martin?
The attractions around Martin can be enjoyed year-round. For outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, spring and summer offer pleasant weather. Historical sites and religious buildings like Salisbury Cathedral and St Thomas's Church are accessible in all seasons. If you wish to see the New Forest ponies grazing, they are present throughout the year.
Are there running trails available near the attractions?
Yes, there are several running trails in the vicinity. You can find routes like the 'Running loop from Martin' and the 'Bokerley Ditch – Bokerley Dyke loop'. For more options and detailed information on distances and difficulty, refer to the running trails guide for Martin.
Where can I experience nature and wildlife near Martin?
The area offers excellent opportunities to experience nature. The Royal Oak and New Forest Wildlife is a great starting point, where you can observe the famous New Forest Ponies roaming freely. The New Forest itself is a vast natural area perfect for walks and enjoying the local flora and fauna. Additionally, the linear earthwork of Bokerley Dyke is set in a natural landscape, offering scenic views.
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