Location: Salisbury
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The 7 Best Museums in Salisbury, England
If you saw Chevy Chase's masterpiece European Vacation, you'll recognize Stonehenge's massive formation. (As a citizen of the world, you should recognize Stonehenge anyway.) The prehistoric stone circle is eight miles from Salisbury, and its visitors provide a boost to the local economy. With a history dating back over 5,000 years, there is no shortage of significant places to visit in and around Salisbury. On the "must see" list are Salisbury Cathedral, Longleat and Stourhead gardens (and Stonehenge, of course).
Restaurants in Salisbury
1. Boscombe Down Aviation Collection
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 582 reviews
Whether you're a serious aviation enthusiast or a kid who wants to sit in fast jet cockpits, this is for you! Please note - We are at Old Sarum Airfield - NOT at the Boscombe Down airfield.
Reviewed By thorpoticus - Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
What a fantastic place to get up close to a large part of Britain’s military aviation history Most of the cockpits are open and you are allowed to climb inside and use the controls The staff are very friendly and informative with anything you may want to know Recommended for kids of all ages(I’m 59) If you’re near Salisbury this is a must!
2. The Young Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Young Gallery Salisbury is on the 1st floor of the central library in Salisbury Market Square. We have four galleries newly refurbished to international standards which now attract touring shows of international significance. We also house five art collections of our own, including the Edwin Young Collection, the John Creasey Museum, and the Edgar Barclay, Robin Tanner and Mick Maslen collections.
3. The Salisbury Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 444 reviews
Salisbury Museum is based in the Grade 1 listed building, The King's House, just opposite the west front of Salisbury Cathedral. It houses a significant archaeological collection relating to nearby Stonehenge, as well as costume, fine art (including Turner watercolours) and ceramics.
Reviewed By T1m0te1 - Bath, United Kingdom
My daughter and I had visited Old Sarum and were on our way to the Cathedral, so popped in here for a quick visit beforehand. Half price entry thanks to our English Heritage membership meant that the entry price was very good value (other discounts are available- check the website) and we began in the Wessex gallery, which takes you from Old Sarum back in time to the mesolithic era by way of the Romans and Iron Age. There is a huge amount of archaeology on display, and we spent a long time here. It is a very hands-on gallery, with drawers and cupboards to open, pottery to sort, and prehistoric burials on display, including the Amesbury Archer. There is a lot of information about General Pitt-Rivers, who was a prominent figure in the science of archaeology, and about the work he did in and around Salisbury Plain. Further into the museum you'll find a bewildering array of treasures including lacework, coins and a giant, plus a gallery of costume and several of more modern art. There is a wonderful room crammed with china upstairs, and a bustling café downstairs. This is the sort of place one could easily while away a whole day- perfect for a rainy day, and there are are family trails for the little ones too. We will be back!
4. Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 109 reviews
A military museum for the infantry regiments of Berkshire and Wiltshire from 1743 to the present day. Please note we close annually during the months of December and January.
Reviewed By mickczl
Really interesting museum, very informative and huge number of artefacts from the eras of the various campaigns, together with supporting explanation. Also brilliant value for money. Those interested in military history could easily spend an agreeable afternoon here; even the casual visitor will find an hour too little.
5. Arundells
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 324 reviews
Bringing together six architectural periods, Arundells is one of the finest houses in Salisbury’s Cathedral Close, with parts of the property dating back to the 13th Century. It was acquired in 1985 by Sir Edward Heath KG MBE, Prime Minister, Statesman, sailor and musician, who bequeathed Arundells to the Charitable Foundation set up in his name following his death in 2005. Arundells is presented today as it was when Sir Edward lived here, with gifts from leaders such as Nixon, Chairman Mao and Fidel Castro sitting alongside beautiful collections of ceramics, glassware and sculpture. Arundells hosts a number of events and exhibitions throughout the year, including outdoor theatre, historical and political talks and intimate concerts. We are also available for private events and parties. Please visit our website or Facebook page for more details.
Reviewed By GadgetGalG - Woburn Sands, United Kingdom
Arrived at 12:30 and when we left the house and checked our watches, we were amazed to see it was 16:30. For four hours we had wandered the house, delighted by the room stewards who had such fascinating insights and information, we were just enthralled. We learned so much and left with a much deeper understanding of both Sir Edward Heath and his life and interests as well as the politics of the time and the relationships between Sir Edward and other political figures. The political cartoons were hilarious. The house felt really lovely and you could really imagine living there. So pleased to have seen this.
6. Fisherton Mill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 112 reviews
Explore a treasure trove of amazing artwork in the largest independent art gallery in the South West.Spread over two floors and overflowing into a sunny courtyard, our ever-changing, contemporary collection brings together the work of leading artists, sculptors and furniture makers from across the UK as well as carefully selected, unique gifts which are sourced from the UK and further afield.Discover a selection of beautiful handmade cards and jewellery, as well as original glassware, ceramics, woodwork, and textiles - and take time to enjoy some of the finer things in life in a uniquely historic setting. Tempting cream teas, generously filled sandwiches and main meals for the most discerning palates - our relaxed and friendly café is a slice of foodie heaven in the heart of Salisbury Thanks to fresh, quality ingredients and the care and creativity of chef proprietor Michael Fox, we're a culinary treat worth talking about - winner of the 2015 Observer Food Monthly Awards 'Best Cheap Eats in the West'.
Reviewed By 45deborahsmith - Bognor Regis, United Kingdom
Very attractive setting in an very interesting gallery with lots of tempting art and craft work for sale. Lovely little cafe - very popular so expect to queue at lunchtime even mid-week. Food was very reasonable and exceptionally good value - I honestly think the citrus and za'atar chicken sandwich I had was the best sandwich I have ever had. Lovely staff and very good service.
7. New Art Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
The New Art Centre is a sculpture park and gallery set in over sixty acres of parkland in the Wiltshire countryside. We specialise in 20th and 21st century works of art that are on view both in the park and in prize-winning contemporary indoor spaces. We have longstanding relationships with the artists that we show, many of which stretch back over the past six decades. All works are for sale.
Reviewed By shazza4024
Fantastic sculpture park, well spread out so no social distancing issues, but compact enough to spend an hour or so wandering around. You currently need to book in advance but this process is easy. There are good, clean toilet facilities near the car park. Useful tip, when you arrive at the gates you need to drive up closer to the gates and they will open automatically. All in all a great day out!
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