just a corrective note-- the following part was attributed above to me, but I didn't write it, newyork newyork did:
"You can actually walk up inside of it. It can be quite scary, but the views at the top are so worth it. I SO enjoyed it - oh and I didn't know I was going to, so I was wearing platform shoes when I went (it was about 8 years ago)..."
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I've never been--not tried to go--into the spire. As I understand, I think that is now something one has to have special permission for or something, some special arrangement.
And, actually, I agree with your bf-- a day in Winchester would be better. Though I live in Salisbury, I actually prefer the cathedral in Winchester! LOL That's partly due to the fact that Winchester has connections to the poet John Keats: he stayed there for a time, was there inspired to write his Ode to Autumn...and used to take a daily walk through town and along a path through the watermeadows. That path still exists. But also, he used to walk along the aisles of the cathedral (during a service, no less! he was not religious), reading letters he'd received from his great love Fanny Brawne.
But yes, there is also the Austen connection--she lived there for a time--the house where she lived still exists but is privately owned, so not open to the public. She is buried in the cathedral and there is a touching memorial plaque to her there.
