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Arundells

59 Cathedral Close
Salisbury
Wiltshire
SP1 2EN

m

01722 326546

About

Arundells offers a refreshingly different historic house experience; an atmospheric, lived-in home where history, art and personality come together.

With over 800 years of history, the house began life as a 13th-century canonry and later became the private home of former Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath. Today, it is presented much as he left it: intimate, eclectic and full of surprises. Visitors are invited to explore a house that feels personal and curious, revealing the tastes and interests of a former Statesman with a passion for art, music, sailing and world culture.

The collection ranges from fine art to the unexpected. Paintings by John Singer Sargent, Walter Sickert, L. S. Lowry, John Piper, Gwen and Augustus John hang alongside quirky objects, political cartoons and diplomatic gifts from figures such as Richard Nixon, Chairman Mao and Fidel Castro. Treasures from East Asia include hand-painted Chinese wallpaper and a striking group of Japanese woodblock prints, while sailing memorabilia and personal mementoes add warmth and character throughout the house.

Music plays a special role at Arundells. Sir Edward Heath’s Steinway grand piano remains in the drawing room, and visiting pianists are welcome to play, adding to the sense of the house as a living space rather than a static museum.

Outside, two acres of peaceful gardens provide a welcome contrast to the city beyond the gates. Designed in 1985 and largely unchanged since, the gardens offer spectacular views of Salisbury Cathedral, a tranquil riverside frontage where the Avon and Nadder meet, and a variety of mature trees including magnolia, mulberry and Davidia. Hidden paths and secluded corners reward exploration, from Victorian sculpture to the salvaged bow of Morning Cloud III, Heath’s racing yacht.

Alongside house and garden visits, Arundells hosts a lively programme of events throughout the year, including outdoor theatre, concerts, talks, workshops and exhibitions, making it a place that continues to evolve, surprise and inspire.

Guide Prices

Ticket Type	Ticket Tariff
Free Flow - Adult	£12.00
Free Flow - Child 12 and under	Free
Free Flow - Garden Only	£4.00
Guided Tour - Adult	£15.00

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

Opening Times

2026 (19 Mar 2026 - 3 Nov 2026)
Day	Times
Monday	10:00	17:00*
Tuesday	10:00	15:00*
Wednesday	Closed*
Thursday	10:00	17:00*
Friday	10:00	17:00*
Saturday	10:00	17:00*
Sunday	10:00	17:00*

Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to change

Facilities

Other

Gift Shop

Accessibility

Accessible to Wheelchair Users - The garden is level and accessible to all, including wheelchair users, dependent upon ground and weather conditions. Visitor Reception and The Exhibition Room are both on one level and accessible to wheelchair users. The ground floor of the house is level and accessible. There are five stone steps up to the front door and a ramp is provided for wheelchair access. Stairs lead up to the upper floor and steps down to the cartoon corridor. These areas are therefore not accessible to wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility.
Assistance Dogs
Easy access from main roads/good public transport links
Guide Dogs Permitted
Level access, ramp or lift to a public toilet
Ramp to main entrance
Ramp/Level Access - There are 5 steps up to the front door. Ramp available for wheelchair users - ground floor only.
Toilets for Disabled Visitors

Attraction Facilities

Shop

Catering

Picnic Site - Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic to eat in the garden.

Establishment Features

Cater for groups
Dog Friendly - Well behaved dogs are permitted within the garden, but must be kept on leads at all times. Guide dogs and Special Assistance dogs are welcome within the house.
Event venue
Event Venue
Groups Welcome
Picnic Area
Toilets

Key Features

Approx length of visit - Length of tour is 1hour+
In town/city centre
Indoor Attraction
Max group size - 12 per guided tour.
No Smoking Attraction
Of historic, literary or architectural interest
Outdoor Attraction - Garden

Parking & Transport

Close to Railway Station
Frequent Bus Services
On Bus Route - Short walk from city shopping area.
Parking Off Site
Within 1 Mile of a Train Station

Payment Methods

Cash accepted
Contactless payment accepted
Delta accepted
Maestro accepted
MasterCard accepted
TIC Staff Admitted Free
Visa accepted

Tours and Demonstrations

Educational Visits Accepted - By appointment
Guided Tours Available for Groups
Guided Tours Available for Individuals

Travel & Trade

Group discounts available
Groups Welcome

Venue Facilities

Groups Accepted

Map & Directions

View Map

Road Directions

There is no car parking available at Arundells. We recommend the Salisbury Park and Ride (5 sites on all the main roads into the city) and there are also Pay and Display car parks signposted around the City Centre, with limited parking within the Cathedral Close (currently £10.00 per day)

The nearest coach set down and drop off point is in St. John’s St. (opposite the White Hart Hotel) with pedestrian access to the Cathedral Close through St Ann’s Gate – approximately 0.4 miles

Public Transport Directions

Arundells is on The West Walk, next door to The Rifles Museum, within Salisbury’s magnificent Cathedral Close

The nearest railway station is Salisbury, approximately 0.8 miles

TripAdvisor

Awards

TripAdvisor Awards TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2015

Further Information

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