Salisbury makes a great base for visiting nearby stately homes and gardens. With great transport links and a lot of history on our doorstep, there’s plenty to explore when you base yourself on holiday here.
Within the Cathedral Close lies Mompesson House, a Queen Anne townhouse now under the care of the National Trust. Within the House explore the unique furnishings, discover the regular temporary exhibitions and the grand oak staircase. Guides are on hand to provide you with lots of information on the history behind the house, its residents and the furnishings on display here.
Outside you'll find the pretty walled garden with tea room, perfect for a spot of afternoon tea! Mompesson House often holds family events such as the annual Easter egg hunt as well as opportunities for a spot of croquet on the lawn.
Close by to Mompesson House, and also in the Cathedral Close you’ll also find the gardens to The Rifles, our local military museum. These riverside gardens are a peaceful spot in the heart of the city.
A visit to Arundells (also within the Cathedral Close) will also give you an insight into the life of Sir Edward Heath, a former Prime Minister. Discover Heath’s passions for music, art and of course, politics on a guided tour. Visitors can opt to just pay to visit the gardens, here you will find two acres of charming lawns and mature trees with views over to Salisbury Cathedral’s spire. The garden leads down to the confluence of the rivers Avon and Nadder.
Houses and gardens slightly further afield
Just three miles from Salisbury lies Wilton House, the ancestral home of the Earl of Pembroke. The House contains one of the finest art collections in Europe with works by Rembrandt, van Dyke and Brueghel. Alongside the house, visitors can check out the extensive classic and supercar collection that belongs to the current Lord Pembroke in the Old Riding Stables.
There are 22 acres of landscape parkland including four formal gardens to be explored. Walk over the bright red Japanese bridges, test out the whispering seat and stroll through the arboretum or alongside the River Nadder. Children will also love the adventure play area.
Within the Woodford Valley, half way between Salisbury and Amesbury is Heale House Gardens. The gardens are open to the public and provide a tranquil setting. They are particularly notable in February when the annual Snowdrop Festival is held.
Use Salisbury as a base to explore nearby Longleat with its grand house and extensive art collection, the formal and informal gardens plus ever-popular adventure and safari park as seen on the BBC’s Animal Park.
The iconic National Trust gardens of Stourhead also are within an easy drive of Salisbury and are open all year. Not only can you enjoy lakeside walks and vistas here but also explore Stourhead House. The gardens are particularly spectacular during the autumn when rich reds, yellows and oranges can be found in the extensive tree collection. Look out for guided estate walks organised by the National Trust for a great way to explore the gardens and wider Stourhead estate.
South of Salisbury on the Wiltshire/Dorset/Hampshire border you’ll find the Larmer Tree Gardens, recognised by English Heritage as a garden of national importance. These gardens are a popular wedding venue with hidden follies, quirky buildings and free-roaming peacocks. Look out for events here including the popular Larmer Tree Festival which brings with it big names such as Jools Holland and Tom Jones.
Keep an eye out as well for the National Garden Scheme whereby many privately-owned gardens open to the general public in aid of charity throughout the year. This can be a great way of seeing some of the area’s more informal gardens and take inspiration home with you to your own garden. Take a look at our what’s on listings for any upcoming events.
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