The Salisbury Museum
The Salisbury Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Salisbury Museum tells the story of a unique landscape which has been the cradle of continuous human achievement for over half a million years. The main strength of the museum rests in its archaeological collections with prehistoric material from South Wiltshire, including Stonehenge; the Pitt Rivers’ Wessex collection; and a fine medieval collection including finds from Old Sarum, Clarendon Palace and the city itself. Discover the Amesbury Archer whose early Bronze Age grave dates back to around 2,300BC and contained the richest array of items ever found from this period. Or meet the Salisbury Giant who stands 12ft tall and has survived since the medieval period. Based in the King’s House, a Grade I listed building located opposite Salisbury Cathedral, the museum building formerly housed a teacher training college and was the inspiration for an episode in Thomas Hardy’s novel Jude the Obscure.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- Ellen WWeymouth, United Kingdom6 contributionsFAB U LOUSAbsolutely fantastic place. It was half price to get in because part of the museum is being renovated at the moment. The best £4.50 i've spent for years. The archaeology area is open and we spent nearly two hours looking at and reading about the exhibits. I'm not particularly a 'museum person' so this was a marathon for me. Fascinating.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 March 2023
- polartrekBuckinghamshire, United Kingdom285 contributionsSimply marvellous @Salisbury museumSimply marvellous at the Salisbury museum, the span of archeological time covered by viewing the exhibits is like being within a tardis & covering over half a million years. There are friendly volunteers who will happily address questions posed . A worthwhile couple of hours can be spent here. The Amesbury archer was a favourite of our group. Reduced fee entry on our visit due to modifications in process , which did not impinge on the visit .Visited May 2023Written 2 July 2023
- Daisy WGlasgow, United Kingdom44 contributionsA lovely little museum!Decided to visit after my trip to stone henge! Took me roughly 20 minutes to get there. The staff were very friendly and welcoming and the prices were reasonable! However it is a small museum (took me 1 hr to go around) so I would recommend booking a couple other museums in the area aswell! But I definitely wouldn’t miss this one off your list! They also have a nice seating area and cafe outside!Visited July 2023Travelled soloWritten 2 July 2023
- Amelia DBath, United Kingdom179 contributionsGreat museumVisited, they are being refurbished so only half of the museum open, which lead to a generous discount in ticket price. Was still able to see the archaeology my main reason for visiting so that was fab. Great exhibits and an informative staff member who gave extra insight. In a lovely location right near the cathedral, and all staff encountered were lovely. I will go back when the full museum is open.Visited May 2023Travelled with familyWritten 3 July 2023
- Emma RLondon, United Kingdom115 contributionsLovely museum - amazing volunteersA really lovely museum - half closed for refurbishment when I visited but it'll just give me an excuse to come back next time. Big shout out to a lovely volunteer called Ann! She came over to chat when I got to the archaeology section and she explained how the exhibition has laid out, the best way to explore it, all the cupboards and drawers with more exhibits hidden away, and then let me get on with exploring. About half way round, she came back to chat about the Amesbury Archer (I guess this might be her favourite bit!) and we ended up chatting about the discover of Richard III as well - always a joy as I went to university in Leicester. She was so knowledgeable and clearly passionate about the Museum - really a highlight of the visit.Visited July 2023Written 21 July 2023
- Zoe HDerbyshire, United Kingdom3 contributionsGreat for archeology enthusiasts!Although half the museum is currently closed, they are only charging half entrance (£4.50). The archeology section with the Amesbury Archer is still open. I spent about an hour, but could have easily spent a bit longer looking at all the finds. A fantastic gallery full of incredible finds that were really brought to life by one of the room attendants, Nigel. He was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable and I could have listened to him all day. It was like having a personal tour guide. Thank you so much!Visited August 2023Travelled soloWritten 26 August 2023
- Wilts traveller6 contributionsA gem of a place! Well worth a visitThe museum is a lovely, air conditioned space and very well laid out. Currently undergoing some refurbishment, the part that is open was very impressive. Roman finds, a beautiful mosaic floor, pots, jewellery. Lots of Stone Age finds too including the famous Amesbury Archer, some great detail about everything. It was very quiet and it felt a real shame that people don't know about it. It's well worth a visit. Highly recommended, lovely staff who are very knowledgeable. Oh and ask about the roof tile with the pawprint !Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 September 2023
- Nicola C10 contributionsVolunteer Kate brought museum to lifeOur trip to Salisbury Museum was brought to life by the joy and enthusiasm volunteer Kate gave to our experience. We really appreciated the effort she went to, to enhance our understanding of the exhibits and the characters of the people behind them. Thank you Kate - you’re a gem!Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 December 2023
- MikeGlossop, United Kingdom616 contributionsReally good archeological collectionEven though much of the museum is currently closed for refurbishment the Wessex Gallery is open and there’s a reduced entry charge. Definitely worth visiting if you’re interested in archeology as there are some amazing exhibits like the Amesbury archer and a great collection of Neolithic finds. The Roman saucepan set and the Warminster jewel are also particularly fine. The displays are generally well laid out and labelled. I would have liked to see a small map next to each display to show where each site was though and also QR codes would be a great addition to give more information.Visited January 2024Travelled soloWritten 13 January 2024
- HannahSkipton, United Kingdom57 contributionsFree with Art PassVisited with my parents so I got in for free with my Art Pass while they got a discounted ticket due to part of the museum being closed. I loved getting to see the Amesbury Archer and thought the archaeology collection was very well displayed with not too much text to read and helpful timelines to put things in perspective. The lady in the shop was very friendly and welcoming despite the cold weather and the museum was very easy to find just across from the cathedral.Visited January 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 16 January 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
492 reviews
Excellent
318
Very good
140
Average
27
Poor
5
Terrible
2
AvidTraveler12
Winchester, UK1,832 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
Hiding in plain site opposite the Cathedral is the highly interesting Salisbury Museum. The museum itself is a Grade I listed building visited by King James in the 17th century.
It is not so busy at the moment due to renovations and some exhibits are closed. That said what remains is very interesting and at the bargain price of £4.50 entrance fee (once renovations are completed scheduled for end of May 2024, the price reverts to £9) and still a bargain.
The highlight was the archeological exhibits which includes skeletons several centuries old including the Amesbury Archer.
This is a great place to spend a couple of hours.
It is not so busy at the moment due to renovations and some exhibits are closed. That said what remains is very interesting and at the bargain price of £4.50 entrance fee (once renovations are completed scheduled for end of May 2024, the price reverts to £9) and still a bargain.
The highlight was the archeological exhibits which includes skeletons several centuries old including the Amesbury Archer.
This is a great place to spend a couple of hours.
Written 29 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim Hearson
London, UK155 contributions
Feb 2024 • Solo
Only a couple of parts are currently open, but even still, it's definitely worth visiting.
It should be noted, that until the place is fully open again (due to be May 2024), they're only charging half price for entry, but even full price wouldn't have been too much for what was on show.
There's a thought-provoking exhibition about fast fashion, but the crown jewel is the gallery covering the period from pre-Stonehenge to post-Old Sarum.
The quality of the exhibits from all periods is sensational - in many museums, there's small print saying things are replicas or casts of originals, but probably 99% of the ones here are the actual objects that were dug out of the ground.
It should be noted, that until the place is fully open again (due to be May 2024), they're only charging half price for entry, but even full price wouldn't have been too much for what was on show.
There's a thought-provoking exhibition about fast fashion, but the crown jewel is the gallery covering the period from pre-Stonehenge to post-Old Sarum.
The quality of the exhibits from all periods is sensational - in many museums, there's small print saying things are replicas or casts of originals, but probably 99% of the ones here are the actual objects that were dug out of the ground.
Written 25 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rod D
2 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Excellent archeology exhibits, we had a chat with the wonderfully knowledgeable volunteer Roy, who gave fascinating insights into the ongoing Southampton University project. The museum is fortunate to have volunteers with expertise and good communication skills and the richness of the region's human and natural history makes for a good visit, thank you.
Written 24 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hannah
Skipton, UK57 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
Visited with my parents so I got in for free with my Art Pass while they got a discounted ticket due to part of the museum being closed. I loved getting to see the Amesbury Archer and thought the archaeology collection was very well displayed with not too much text to read and helpful timelines to put things in perspective. The lady in the shop was very friendly and welcoming despite the cold weather and the museum was very easy to find just across from the cathedral.
Written 16 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike
Glossop, UK616 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
Even though much of the museum is currently closed for refurbishment the Wessex Gallery is open and there’s a reduced entry charge. Definitely worth visiting if you’re interested in archeology as there are some amazing exhibits like the Amesbury archer and a great collection of Neolithic finds. The Roman saucepan set and the Warminster jewel are also particularly fine.
The displays are generally well laid out and labelled. I would have liked to see a small map next to each display to show where each site was though and also QR codes would be a great addition to give more information.
The displays are generally well laid out and labelled. I would have liked to see a small map next to each display to show where each site was though and also QR codes would be a great addition to give more information.
Written 13 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicola C
10 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Our trip to Salisbury Museum was brought to life by the joy and enthusiasm volunteer Kate gave to our experience. We really appreciated the effort she went to, to enhance our understanding of the exhibits and the characters of the people behind them. Thank you Kate - you’re a gem!
Written 4 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Madeline B
14 contributions
Sept 2023 • Solo
The Salisbury Museum was undergoing construction when I visited so only three exhibits were open (and the entry fee was half-price). One exhibit was Fifty Years of the Salisbury Journal photo archives, from 1953-2003. What a delight to see what has been going on in Salisbury, from local parades, festivals and floods to political and cultural changes. Royals have visited; the Beatles filmed HELP here; and Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman filmed Sense and Sensibility here. I thoroughly enjoyed this glimpse into the recent history of Salisbury.
A few Rex Whistler paintings on on display, although the larger collection is in the part of the museum that was closed. The archeology exhibit is extensive and impressive. I highly recommend.
A few Rex Whistler paintings on on display, although the larger collection is in the part of the museum that was closed. The archeology exhibit is extensive and impressive. I highly recommend.
Written 20 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wilts traveller
Westbury6 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
The museum is a lovely, air conditioned space and very well laid out.
Currently undergoing some refurbishment, the part that is open was very impressive.
Roman finds, a beautiful mosaic floor, pots, jewellery. Lots of Stone Age finds too including the famous Amesbury Archer, some great detail about everything.
It was very quiet and it felt a real shame that people don't know about it. It's well worth a visit. Highly recommended, lovely staff who are very knowledgeable.
Oh and ask about the roof tile with the pawprint !
Currently undergoing some refurbishment, the part that is open was very impressive.
Roman finds, a beautiful mosaic floor, pots, jewellery. Lots of Stone Age finds too including the famous Amesbury Archer, some great detail about everything.
It was very quiet and it felt a real shame that people don't know about it. It's well worth a visit. Highly recommended, lovely staff who are very knowledgeable.
Oh and ask about the roof tile with the pawprint !
Written 11 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zoe H
Derbyshire, UK3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
Although half the museum is currently closed, they are only charging half entrance (£4.50). The archeology section with the Amesbury Archer is still open. I spent about an hour, but could have easily spent a bit longer looking at all the finds.
A fantastic gallery full of incredible finds that were really brought to life by one of the room attendants, Nigel. He was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable and I could have listened to him all day. It was like having a personal tour guide. Thank you so much!
A fantastic gallery full of incredible finds that were really brought to life by one of the room attendants, Nigel. He was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable and I could have listened to him all day. It was like having a personal tour guide. Thank you so much!
Written 26 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma R
London, UK115 contributions
Jul 2023
A really lovely museum - half closed for refurbishment when I visited but it'll just give me an excuse to come back next time.
Big shout out to a lovely volunteer called Ann! She came over to chat when I got to the archaeology section and she explained how the exhibition has laid out, the best way to explore it, all the cupboards and drawers with more exhibits hidden away, and then let me get on with exploring. About half way round, she came back to chat about the Amesbury Archer (I guess this might be her favourite bit!) and we ended up chatting about the discover of Richard III as well - always a joy as I went to university in Leicester. She was so knowledgeable and clearly passionate about the Museum - really a highlight of the visit.
Big shout out to a lovely volunteer called Ann! She came over to chat when I got to the archaeology section and she explained how the exhibition has laid out, the best way to explore it, all the cupboards and drawers with more exhibits hidden away, and then let me get on with exploring. About half way round, she came back to chat about the Amesbury Archer (I guess this might be her favourite bit!) and we ended up chatting about the discover of Richard III as well - always a joy as I went to university in Leicester. She was so knowledgeable and clearly passionate about the Museum - really a highlight of the visit.
Written 21 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
justmeinsanjose
San Jose, CA72 contributions
Does the museum have a store?
FiofBucks
Gerrards Cross, UK32 contributions
Yes it does - memorablia echoing what's in the museum, books,, children's stuff etc
geographyguy_11
Brisbane, Queensland518 contributions
How long should I allow for a visit to the museum? Is it very big?
Paul G
Dallas, TX25 contributions
I agree with some comments below - it depends on your interest.
I enjoy history and archaeology and 2 hours were totally inadequate.
There are some really good exhibits, and if you are interested in reading the exhibits and actually considering the content, then give yourself a half day in order to not rush.
We wanted to go back, but never had the time.
UniversalRoamer
Adelaide, Australia69 contributions
Is photography allowed?
Anthony O
Dorset, UK286 contributions
Yes !
Denkil
Salisbury, UK5 contributions
Does the museum house the body from a nearby barrow
Yes we have a number of skeletons from nearby barrows including the Shrewton Beaker burial on display in our new Wessex Gallery of archaeology.
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Claim your listingTHE SALISBURY MUSEUM: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Salisbury Museum
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