The city was founded in the early 13th century, when the bishopric was moved from Old Sarum, an ancient Iron Age fort, which now stands on the northern outskirts of town, about 3 km from the city centre. This place was inhabited already 5000 years ago. The double ditches of this fort are still visible, however there was nothing left from the city inside the walls. Old Sarum was settled by the Romans, Anglo-Saxons and the bishops of Sherborne. But over time, they seemed uncomfortable, as this place was plagued by drought and strong winds, therefore, they requested the pope to move to Salisbury. This city is still called New Sarum. In the 19th century Old Sarum had been completely abandoned.

Domination of the city is its Cathedral, which is situated in the beautiful and peaceful district of The Close. There are also located schools, hospitals, theological colleges and hostels clerics. Salisbury cathedral, also known as Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was built between 1220 – 1258. Today it is a beautiful example of early English Gothic architecture, characterized by high lancet windows. The uniqueness of the cathedral is primarily in its perfectly uniform architectural concept. The only exception is a majestic tower that was built in the years 1280 – 1310. With its 123 meters it is the tallest spire in the United kingdom. It is quite surprising that the tower still stands, its foundations are only about 2 meters deep and the measurement found that the tower leans up to 77 cm.

But it is not everything that Salisbury Cathedral can offer. You can also see here the oldest working clock in the world from the year 1386, which are exposed on the left side of the cathedral. However the most important monument is the English charter Magna Carta from 1215, which is stored in the Chapter House. It is the best-preserved of the four surviving original copies of Magna Carta.

Salisbury Cathedral is famous also for its organ choir. The List of all Organists sorted chronologically in a row from the very beginning can not be overlooked in the cathedral. I must say that the cathedral has much to be proud of. I was lucky enough to hear the choir which was an amazing experience. I definitely recommend you to listen to (they do practice about 1 hour before Mass).

More info you can find at Salisbury Cathedral official website.

View Salisbury Cathedral with the tallest church spire in the United Kingdom in a larger map

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Inside the five-story tall dome, you will find a massive size replica of the Angkor Temple. There are suspension bridges and towers throughout the park that offers some of the most amazing views and access to some of the most popular rides. You will find a number of pools and flowing streams situated throughout the theme park that will provide you with hours of entertainment.

Needless to say, the first moment that you step foot into Aquaworld Budapest, you would realize that you are in for an exciting day. There are swimming pools and streams as well as a number of saunas within the park grounds. You will be able to spend hours relaxing in the water regardless of what the weather is like outside.

You will find the Aquaworld waterpark located along the northern edge of Budapest just off the Megyeri Bridge abutment. It is easily accessible via its own exit on the Budapest M0 ring. There is more than a sufficient amount of parking available at the theme park, with a carpark capable of handling more than 1000 cars throughout the day. It is also extremely close to downtown Budapest which means it is only a couple minutes away from virtually every hotel and motel within the city.

Do not worry if you cannot spend all day at Aquaworld, because it is open up early every single day, and closes late. The park itself opens at six in the morning; but only one of the swimming pools and two saunas is available before 9:30. On most occasions the park stays open until 10 o’clock at night; but there are rare occasions in which it will stay open later.

Splash Night Slide Party

If you wish to enjoy some more fun, then you should plan your visit to aquapark when it is open throughout the night. There is a Night Slide Party with live DJ organized once a month, which is some kind of a dance show. The party starts at 22:00 PM and lasts till 03:00 AM with the water slides and pools opened. But even more you can also enjoy Specialty cocktails, watch the Light show or Salsa dancers.

Splash Night Slide Party in Aquaworld Budapest

To get on the party you can take a free party bus from Nyugati which runs hourly from 21:00 till 24:00 and stops on several other locations on its way to the aquapark. It’s good to check programme of aquapark and plan your visit accordingly.

Adventure Park

If you have already enjoyed lots of water fun and want to try something different, do not look elsewhere. The Aquaworld Budapest does not offer water attractions only, there is also the challenging Adventure Park that is waiting for you and your courage. The Park is located outside and the opening times are depending on the weather.

Adventure Park in Aquaworld Budapest

Sauna World

Sauna World is a part that you also should not miss once you are in the aquapark. Have you ever heard about Russian sauna, bio-sauna or crystal sauna? If not, be aware that you can enjoy these in Budapest along with all other sauna types you can even imagine, including the popular high-temperature Finnish sauna with snow chamber.

Admission to the Aquaworld Budapest

The prices vary and there are lots of discounts for children, students and seniors. The basic adult admission is 4990,-HUF on weekdays and 5690,-HUF on weekends, which is around €16 – €19 (valid on March 2013).

Hungary is a major aquapark and spa leader in Europe and there are countless aquaparks in Hungary that offer high class services including thermal water pools, sauna worlds and spa centres.

For more information visit the official site of Aquaworld Budapest.

Pictures delivered by aqua-world.hu and published with their kind permission.

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