
Discover Salisbury's rich past, from prehistoric finds to local art, housed in a historic building near the magnificent Cathedral.

Must-see attractions
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Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing.

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing.

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."

Ask about late entry fees; you might get a discount if you arrive close to closing time.
Enjoy coffee and cake on the lawn with a great view of Salisbury Cathedral.

4.6 · 885 reviews
Museum
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ground Floor
Journey through the Stone Age with a jade axe head and other ancient artifacts.

Wessex Gallery
See key finds from Stonehenge and the famous Amesbury Archer, offering context to the iconic site.

Various Galleries
Discover fascinating displays including a mummified cat and ancient human remains.

Temporary Exhibition Space
Explore works by the renowned artist Elizabeth Frink, featuring sculpture and 2D art.
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Ask about late entry fees; you might get a discount if you arrive close to closing time.
Enjoy coffee and cake on the lawn with a great view of Salisbury Cathedral.
The museum is not fully wheelchair accessible, but key areas are reachable.
Stock up on postcards and unique souvenirs at the museum's gift shop.
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Ask about late entry fees; you might get a discount if you arrive close to closing time.
Enjoy coffee and cake on the lawn with a great view of Salisbury Cathedral.
The museum is not fully wheelchair accessible, but key areas are reachable.
Stock up on postcards and unique souvenirs at the museum's gift shop.
Discover local history with books like 'Tales of Two Cities' available for purchase.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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