A Guide to Salisbury's Museums
Salisbury is home to a few museums, each with their own focus and rich histories and experiences. Several of them are right in the city center inside the cathedral close, while others are spread further out. This is a brief look at some of the main museums you can find throughout the city!
Salisbury Museum
The Salisbury Museum is located inside the walls of the Cathedral Close, and is primarily focused on histories from around Salisbury, started with artifacts from Old Sarum and working through to the present day. It has many collections spanning archeology, art, fashion, and more, and even contain human remains from prehistoric and Roman times. You can find out more about Old Sarum below:
The History of Old Sarum, The Original Salisbury
Old Sarum's Iron Age and Medieval History
There is a gift shop and café inside the museum. The café offers outside seating, with a wonderful view of the West Face of the Cathedral. The menu can be downloaded here!
The museum is open all week from 10-5, though certain galleries may be closed depending on the date. The museum does not display all of their collection, as it would be impossible given their available space. Because of this, some items go on rotation, and not every artifact will be visible.
Day tickets are priced as follows, and can be booked here!
- Family: £27.25
- Adult: £10.90
- Child (5 - 15): £5.30
The Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum
- Located Inside the Cathedral Close, along the West Walk of the Cathedral
- Primarily focused on military history and objects from within the local region. There are various items from soldiers, their stories, and different weapons.
- The museum has a café and a garden, and it is open Monday through Saturday, 10am - 5pm.
- Entry to the museum is obtained through donations.
The Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum Website
Arundells
Arundells is located inside the Cathedral Close along the West Walk of the cathedral. It was originally home to various Canons of the Cathedral, and Former Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath lived there from 1985 until his death in 2005. It is now open for visits and has had various refurbishments done. There are several art collections within the house, as well as magnificent gardens. The location also hosts various events throughout the year that are worth checking out.
Arundells is open from March to November, with exact dates fluctuating year to year. The site is open Thursday through Monday from 10-5. They offer guided tours on Tuesday, and are closed on Wednesdays.
General admission to the house and gardens is £12, garden access is £4, with children under 12 visiting for free. Guided tours on Tuesdays begin at £15, and can be booked here!
Mompesson House
Mompesson House is a National Trust property, and is located in the Cathedral Close, near the High Street Gate. It is an 18th century home famous for its feature in Sense and Sensibility, with a rich history, glass collection, and intricate details.
There are garden tea rooms, a bookshop, and guided tours.
Mompesson House is open most days of the week, except Wednesday and Thursday. For adults, tickets are available for £1 to access the garden, and £11 to enter both the garden and house. Tickets should be booked in person, and there is no option to pre-book.
Boscome Down Aviation Collection
This is located near Old Sarum Airfield, covering all things aviation, with items of pilots, photographs, uniforms, and numerous aircrafts. There are tours run by knowledgeable volunteers.
Old Sarum Airfield is one of the oldest continually operating airfields, established in 1917 for the Royal Flying Corps. The site features Grade II* listed hangars, and there was secret Spitfire production nearby during WWII.
Boscome Down Aviation Collection contains dozens of real aircraft cockpits, 4 flight simulators and a collection of other exhibits. Additionally, there is a gift shop.
The Museum is open from dates in February to November, 10-5, but subject to change. Standard tickets are £13.50 for adults and £6.50 for children, with concession tickets costing £12.50.
