The Salisbury Museum: Hours, Address, The Salisbury Museum Reviews: 4.5/5
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.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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43 within 10 kms

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Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
468 reviews
Excellent
303
Very good
132
Average
26
Poor
5
Terrible
2
Billy B
London, UK40 contributions
May 2022
We took advantage of the Great British Rail sale and decided on a day trip to Salisbury. The Cathedral was the number one place to visit, and the museum was a welcome bonus. There was a lot to see, and the staff were very friendly, polite, and helpful. The enthusiasm of the staff encouraged us to explore the museum in full. A very worthwhile visit.
Written 7 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Populargrenade
26 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
There’s nothing wrong with the museum itself, I just felt it was overpriced for what is was/time it took to go round.
For a single parent and 2 children it was £19.50 and we were done in 20 minutes.
Yes you could have taken longer to look round if you want to read every little thing but I thought for kids it was too much detail, they aren’t going to read paragraph upon paragraph about ancient Wessex.
I wouldn’t go back and I wouldn’t recommend just because of the cost, I felt a bit robbed to be honest, sorry to say it as the staff were lovely.
For a single parent and 2 children it was £19.50 and we were done in 20 minutes.
Yes you could have taken longer to look round if you want to read every little thing but I thought for kids it was too much detail, they aren’t going to read paragraph upon paragraph about ancient Wessex.
I wouldn’t go back and I wouldn’t recommend just because of the cost, I felt a bit robbed to be honest, sorry to say it as the staff were lovely.
Written 12 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sarah B
5 contributions
Feb 2022 • Friends
A great little museum, varied exhibitions, lovely cafe. We particularly enjoyed the Wessex exhibition, and its Swallowcliffe bed burial etc
Written 27 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Paul B
2 contributions
Feb 2022
An excellent Museum, friendly and helpful staff. Although comparatively small, the Archaeology section provides a wealth of fascinating information about the Wiltshire / Dorset area and the artefacts on display. The information posters and cards accompanying each exhibit are very well laid out and easily readable. My visit inspired by Prof. Alice ROBERTS having read her book 'ANCESTORS' and watched her TV progs.
Written 25 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tracy R
5 contributions
Feb 2022
Has an interesting and very informative history of the area covering mesolthic to medieval. Small cosy museum with plenty to look at without beeing overwhelming.
Written 17 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
jnash84
Bournemouth, UK379 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
Nicely run museum in a lovely looking building, friendly staff and well looked after. Adult tickets are £8 each and we did the gift aid option with an extra 80p each as like to help maintain places like this which relies on donations.
Good collection covering 5,000 years and has some pull out drawers and cupboard to give some interaction for younger visitors. Nice enough for a walk round on a rainy day or to break up the day rather than just visiting shops / restaurants
Good collection covering 5,000 years and has some pull out drawers and cupboard to give some interaction for younger visitors. Nice enough for a walk round on a rainy day or to break up the day rather than just visiting shops / restaurants
Written 8 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
717hetty
Bedford, UK46 contributions
Nov 2021 • Friends
Marvellous very well laid out and informative. Nice exhibition of wood engravings. Very helpful staff. Clean and easy to find your way around. Well worth a visit.
Written 9 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Simon Walworth
Salisbury, UK8 contributions
Oct 2021
A really interesting and well thought out guide to our local history.
I went specifically to see the Downton mosaic, that alone was worth the entry money.
Lovely staff, couldn't be more helpful.
I went specifically to see the Downton mosaic, that alone was worth the entry money.
Lovely staff, couldn't be more helpful.
Written 27 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ian K
Salisbury, UK40 contributions
Oct 2021 • Solo
I went to see and can highly recommend the new wood engraving exhibition ‘Cutting it Fine’ at Salisbury Museum. I also visited some of the museum’s other exhibits and really enjoyed the stories behind the exhibits in the recently revamped fashion gallery and I almost lost track of time exploring the amazing Wessex Gallery!
Written 24 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Www.lovetowander.co.uk
Birmingham, UK408 contributions
Sep 2021
A well organised museum just opposite Salisbury Cathedral, so it is easy to combine the two visits. The Amesbury Archer was the most interesting exhibit for me, but there is a lot more to discover and explore in the museum.
Written 8 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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, Queensland517 contributions
How long should I allow for a visit to the museum? Is it very big?
Paul G
Dallas, TX24 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, Australia66 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Salisbury Museum
- The Salisbury Museum is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 - 17:00
- We recommend booking The Salisbury Museum tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 3 The Salisbury Museum tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near The Salisbury Museum:
- (0.43 km) Cathedral View
- (0.43 km) Spire House
- (0.47 km) The Chapter House
- (0.35 km) Sarum College
- (0.73 km) Caboose
- Restaurants near The Salisbury Museum:
- (0.03 km) Salisbury Museum Cafe
- (0.13 km) The Refectory
- (0.09 km) The Medieval Hall
- (0.20 km) Rifleman's Table
- (0.19 km) Bell Tower Tea Rooms