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Red Lion Hotel, Salisbury, Wiltshire

The Red Lion Hotel was built over seven hundred and fifty years ago, originally to house the draughtsmen working on the design of nearby Salisbury Cathedral and is believed to be the oldest purpose built hotel in Britain.

Prior to the Napoleonic Wars and during the First World War troops were billeted at hotel and during the Second World War it was used as a temporary Army Corps Headquarters in preparation for embarkation to France. Subsequently, especially in the run up to D-Day the hotel has been host to VIPs such as cabinet ministers and American generals.

The Red Lion Hotel has been in the same family for nearly 100 years. During recent times, it has undergone extensive refurbishment, and now offers guests the delightful ambience and character of the original building whilst incorporating modern comforts and the latest facilities.

In 2002 the Red Lion won the "Best Historic Inn in Britain" accolade - as voted upon by readers of British Heritage Magazine.

During recent refurbishment of the original wing of the hotel, a medieval fireplace was exposed. Believed to date from around 1220 AD, it is surmounted by a magnificent stone carved fire mantle and is of similar construction to a fireplace at Old Sarum, the site of the original Cathedral.

For further details and to book the Red Lion Hotel, contact a South West England Specialist travel agent. Click here for suggested itineraries from the Red Lion Hotel.