Salisbury Museum
Discover Salisbury's rich past, from prehistoric finds to local art, housed in a historic building near the magnificent Cathedral.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing.
Salisbury Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Salisbury's rich past, from prehistoric finds to local art, housed in a historic building near the magnificent Cathedral.
"Excellent museum, very well laid out and informative. Child friendly with plenty to keep the young ones engaged."
⏳ Late Entry Discount
Ask about late entry fees; you might get a discount if you arrive close to closing time.
☕ Cafe with a View
Enjoy coffee and cake on the lawn with a great view of Salisbury Cathedral.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wessex Gallery
Ground Floor
Journey through the Stone Age with a jade axe head and other ancient artifacts.
Amesbury Archer & Stonehenge Artifacts
Wessex Gallery
See key finds from Stonehenge and the famous Amesbury Archer, offering context to the iconic site.
Mummified Cat & Skeletons
Various Galleries
Discover fascinating displays including a mummified cat and ancient human remains.
Elizabeth Frink Exhibition
Temporary Exhibition Space
Explore works by the renowned artist Elizabeth Frink, featuring sculpture and 2D art.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Combine with Cathedral Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Late Entry Discount
Ask about late entry fees; you might get a discount if you arrive close to closing time.
☕ Cafe with a View
Enjoy coffee and cake on the lawn with a great view of Salisbury Cathedral.
♿ Accessibility Info
The museum is not fully wheelchair accessible, but key areas are reachable.
🛍️ Gift Shop Finds
Stock up on postcards and unique souvenirs at the museum's gift shop.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Late Entry Discount
Ask about late entry fees; you might get a discount if you arrive close to closing time.
☕ Cafe with a View
Enjoy coffee and cake on the lawn with a great view of Salisbury Cathedral.
♿ Accessibility Info
The museum is not fully wheelchair accessible, but key areas are reachable.
🛍️ Gift Shop Finds
Stock up on postcards and unique souvenirs at the museum's gift shop.
📚 Local History Books
Discover local history with books like 'Tales of Two Cities' available for purchase.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Salisbury Museum for its well-laid-out, modern galleries and diverse collection, particularly its prehistoric and local history exhibits. The displays are informative and engaging for all ages, with many appreciating the context provided for sites like Stonehenge. The cafe and its view of the Cathedral are also noted positives, though some mention accessibility limitations.
"Lovely modern museum, good lighting and layout. Many exhibits, in fact the better than the interior exhibition at Stonehenge by some margin. Neolithic era and Bronze age exhibits. Its holding many of the pieces from all the famous local sites including the Amesbury archer. And the Salisbury drainage collection of lost personal items is excellent. Multiple eras covered all presented in a modern way. Recommended."
Jools UK
"Their Wessex gallery takes you back in time to the Stone Age. My favourite item is a jade axe head: perfectly formed, with a polished finish, yet about 6000 years old.
In another part of the museum, learn about local spitfire manufacture during WW2.
And there's loads more...
Currently there is a small but excellent exhibition about Elizabeth Frink showing something of her life, a few pieces of smaller scale sculpture and her 2D art work.
If the weather is good you can have coffee and cake on the front lawn with a excellent view of the cathedral.
Well worth a visit, in fact worth several visits."
Nick Gallop
"I came in late, about 45 minutes before closing, after hearing a rumor about a mummified hand being displayed here. The docent informed me that, sadly, there was no hand, but there were LOTS of skeletons and a mummified cat. I felt seen! This man has matched my freak. I was charged a minimal late entry fee (around £5). The staff here was wonderfully informative and I enjoyed tooling around the museum and asking questions as I saw fit. The museum has quite a diverse collection of artifacts as well as art. I think it houses the largest collection of Stonehenge artifacts, which was nice to see right after Stonehenge. It really completed my little tour of the area and I will probably come back. There's a cafe on site, closed while I was there, and a nice gift shop where I stocked up on postcards."
Millie Hayes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a train from London Waterloo to Salisbury (approx. 1.5 hours). The museum is a short walk from the train station, located within the Salisbury Cathedral grounds.
While there isn't dedicated museum parking, there are several public car parks in Salisbury city centre. The closest to the museum would be those near the Cathedral Close.
Yes, it's possible. Stonehenge is about a 30-40 minute drive from Salisbury. Many visitors combine a trip to the museum with Stonehenge, especially since the museum houses many Stonehenge artifacts.
Salisbury is very walkable. The museum, Cathedral, and city centre are all within easy reach of each other. Consider a guided walking tour for deeper insights.
Salisbury has a local bus service, but most attractions, including the museum, are easily accessible on foot from the city centre and train station.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Salisbury Museum typically opens around 10 AM and closes at 5 PM, with the last entry usually an hour before closing. It's always best to check their official website for the most current opening hours.
Admission prices can vary, but general adult tickets are around £8-£10. Concessions and family tickets are often available. Check their website for current pricing and any special offers.
Yes, booking your tickets online in advance is recommended, especially for special exhibitions, to guarantee entry and potentially save time.
Occasionally, Salisbury Museum offers free entry days to celebrate events or new gallery openings. Keep an eye on their social media and website for announcements.
Yes, the museum has a gift shop selling a range of items, including books, souvenirs, and local crafts.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Highlights include the Wessex Gallery with Stone Age to Bronze Age artifacts, the Amesbury Archer, Stonehenge finds, a mummified cat, and rotating art exhibitions like the Landscape Open.
Yes, the museum is child-friendly with interactive displays and engaging exhibits that can keep younger visitors entertained.
A typical visit can take 2-3 hours. If you combine it with Salisbury Cathedral, you could easily spend a full day.
The museum covers a vast range of history, from early man and the Neolithic period, through the Bronze and Iron Ages, Roman and Saxon times, up to more recent local history and art.
Yes, the museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions, including art shows like the Landscape Open and displays on specific historical themes.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum has a cafe that offers coffee, cake, and light refreshments. It's a pleasant spot to relax, especially if you can sit on the front lawn.
The cafe typically serves lunch items, but it's advisable to check their current menu and opening hours.
Salisbury city centre, a short walk away, offers a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and pubs catering to different tastes and budgets.
Besides the museum cafe, popular spots include Gail's Bakery for pastries and coffee, and numerous pubs and restaurants around the Market Square and Guildhall Square.
Generally, outside food and drink are not permitted inside the museum galleries. However, you might be able to consume your own food in designated outdoor areas if available.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is usually permitted in most galleries, but flash photography is typically prohibited to protect the artifacts. Always check for specific signage.
The Wessex Gallery with its ancient artifacts, the display of the mummified cat, and any temporary art exhibitions offer great photo opportunities. The exterior views of the King's House are also picturesque.
Yes, the museum is located within the Cathedral Close, offering excellent vantage points for photographing the magnificent Salisbury Cathedral.
Drone photography is generally not permitted within the Cathedral Close or over historic sites like Salisbury Museum due to privacy and safety regulations.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Given the lighting conditions and potential restrictions on flash, a camera with good low-light performance is beneficial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Interactive elements and clear, accessible explanations make the history come alive for younger visitors. Consider combining your visit with a picnic on the lawn overlooking the Cathedral, weather permitting, for a relaxed family experience.
🏛️ History Buffs
Don't miss the opportunity to explore the museum's art exhibitions, such as the Landscape Open, which often feature local artists inspired by the region's rich history and scenery.
+1🎨 Art Lovers
+2 Keep an eye out for temporary exhibitions, which have included works by renowned artists like Elizabeth Frink. The museum's setting within the historic King's House also provides a beautiful backdrop for viewing art, and the surrounding grounds offer picturesque views of Salisbury Cathedral, perfect for sketching or photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Treasures of the Wessex Gallery
This gallery also houses significant finds from Stonehenge and the surrounding landscape, including the renowned Amesbury Archer. Seeing these artifacts up close provides a tangible connection to the people who built and used these iconic prehistoric monuments, offering a richer understanding than a visit to the site alone.
Beyond the prehistoric eras, the museum also delves into the Roman and Saxon periods, presenting a diverse collection of local finds that illuminate daily life, trade, and culture during these transformative times. The displays are thoughtfully curated, making complex history accessible and engaging for all visitors.
Artistic Expressions at Salisbury Museum
+2Past exhibitions have featured artists like Elizabeth Frink, with displays of her sculpture and 2D artwork, offering a glimpse into her artistic journey.
+1These art exhibitions add another layer to the museum's appeal, drawing in art enthusiasts and providing a dynamic contrast to the historical collections. They demonstrate the museum's commitment to engaging with the arts community and offering a varied cultural experience.
Exploring Salisbury's Medieval Heritage
The museum's displays often touch upon the development of Salisbury as a significant medieval centre, including its connection to Old Sarum and the eventual move to the current Cathedral site. The Salisbury drainage collection is also highlighted as an excellent display of personal items found from various eras, likely including medieval finds, offering intimate glimpses into everyday life.
Visitors interested in medieval history can also explore the Salisbury Cathedral itself, which is adjacent to the museum. The Cathedral, a masterpiece of Early English Gothic architecture, contains tombs of historical figures and offers a profound sense of medieval grandeur.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit