SALISBURY is being put firmly in the spotlight as one of seven English cities featured in a national marketing campaign.

With recent pages in the Guardian and Mail on Sunday, readers across the country are finding out about the charms of the city. Backed by VisitEngland, the nationwide campaign also features Bath, Oxford, London, York, Stratford and Chester.

VisitWiltshire chief executive David Andrews said: “I’m told Salisbury’s never been in, let alone been so prominent in, a national marketing campaign of this kind. It is particularly pleasing to be in such an illustrious premier league company of English cities in a national campaign.

“We’re working with our ten main campaign sponsors, other campaign partners and our 170 Salisbury members to develop the fulfilment piece, Salisbury app, and other marketing activity to support this – so there is lots more to follow.”

The city is being billed as “the City in the Countryside” and a “perfect mini-break” in the promotion as one of the top romantic heritage cities to visit in the country.

Referred to as a “mystical city” and described as “stunningly beautiful” with “ancient landmarks, idyllic vistas and a thriving culture scene” the only problem for anyone planning a romantic getaway to Salisbury is “what to do first”.

Readers can also enter a competition to win a weekend package involving a stay at Milford Hall Hotel, private tours of Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral, afternoon tea at Fisherton Mill, personal wine-tasting with Cambridge Wine Merchants and an evening at the theatre.

The campaign, which is also running on Classic Fm in addition to a range of social media and online marketing, is the first of four to be launched by VisitEngland this year and will run for three years.