Why Salisbury and Wiltshire?

We have chosen Salisbury to host our debut conference as it will undoubtedly be Britain’s hottest city to visit in 2015.

Travel guide publisher Lonely Planet lists Salisbury among the top 10 cities in the world to see next year, beating Vienna and Toronto to take seventh place in the rankings. The cities are judged on criteria that include whether there is something special going on during the year.

Well, clearly there is, with the Social Travel Britain 2015 conference at Sarum College, which is situated in historic Grade 1 listed buildings in Cathedral Close and with car parking on site.

But admittedly, there are other reasons for the buzz about Salisbury, the only British city to make Lonely Planet’s list.

The city will play an important role in the 800th anniversary of the sealing of the Magna Carta, in June. Of the four original copies of the document that remain, Salisbury Cathedral holds what is perhaps the best preserved. Delegates will enjoy a private viewing of the Magna Carta, a tour inside the Cathedral roof and bell tower.

There is a second huge event in 2015 that will pull in crowds. Salisbury has strong links with the Battle of Britain as many Spitfires were constructed here – and September marks the 75th anniversary of the battle with a series of events in Salisbury Wings Week.

There are a host of other reasons to visit the city. One of the world’s most recognisable tourism icons, Stonehenge, is just outside Salisbury and delegates will be offered the chance to see the new visitor centre and go inside the stone circle.

Wiltshire is also well known as being the home of Castle Combe, Lacock, Avebury, Stourhead, Longleat, White Horses and Caen Hill Locks. For more information visit www.visitwiltshire.co.uk

So, added reasons to book up quickly for our conference, as accommodation in Salisbury is already booking up fast for 2015.