Arundells

About the museum

Arundells stands in Salisbury’s Cathedral Close and began life as a medieval canonry. The first recorded occupant was Henry of Blunston, Archdeacon of Dorset, who lived here from 1291 until his death in 1316. Later residents included the canon Leonard Bilson, who was imprisoned for sorcery in 1571, and Sir Richard Mompesson, who took a lease in 1609 and carried out major restoration. John Wyndham became the tenant in 1718, and his rebuilding gave the house much of its present form. The name comes from James Everard Arundell, who married Wyndham’s daughter Ann.

In the 19th and 20th centuries the building served several purposes: it housed a girls’ school and later a boys’ boarding school between 1839 and 1844, and during the Second World War the Red Cross used it as a library centre and wool depot. After a long period of neglect that nearly led to demolition, Mr and Mrs Robert Hawkings carried out an extensive refurbishment in 1964.

Arundells is best known as the home of Sir Edward Heath, prime minister from 1970 to 1974. He left the house to a charitable foundation set up in his name after his death in 2005, wishing as many people as possible to share its beauty. The rooms still reflect his interests in art, sailing and music, with paintings, photographs, sailing memorabilia, political cartoons and gifts from world leaders.

The garden covers about two acres and runs down towards the confluence of the rivers Avon and Nadder, with views of the cathedral spire. The house is open to the public as a museum run by the Sir Edward Heath Charitable Foundation.

Highlights

• Home of Sir Edward Heath, with his study and writing desk once owned by David Lloyd George
• Art collection with works by Churchill, Sargent, Lowry and John Piper
• Gifts from leaders such as Nixon, Mao and Castro, and a cartoon gallery
• Hand-painted Chinese wallpaper and Morning Cloud model yachts
• Two-acre garden with sculpture and the bow of Morning Cloud III

Permanent exhibition

• Arundells house and collection – The preserved home of Sir Edward Heath with his art, political cartoons, gifts from world leaders, ceramics, Chinese wallpaper and Morning Cloud yacht models.

Operated by

Sir Edward Heath Charitable Foundation

Admission & discounts

£12 covers the house and garden on free-flow days (Monday and Thursday to Sunday). Discounts apply on free-flow days only and not to Tuesday guided tours: Historic Houses members enter free, National Art Pass holders pay half price, English Heritage members get 30% off, Blue Light Card holders and South Western Railway passengers (with a rail ticket) get 25% off, and Gardeners’ World Magazine 2-for-1 gardens card holders are also accepted.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The visitor reception and the exhibition room are on one level and accessible to wheelchair users, as are the level garden (depending on ground and weather) and the ground floor of the house. There are five stone steps up to the front door, and a ramp is provided. Stairs lead to the upper floor and steps lead down to the cartoon corridor, so these areas are not accessible to wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility. An accessible toilet is available. Guide and assistance dogs are welcome in the house; other well-behaved dogs are allowed in the garden on a lead.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Children of all ages are welcome. Treasure-hunt quiz sheets are available, with a goodie bag prize at the end of the visit, and visitors can picnic in the garden. Children under 12 enter free.

Getting there & parking

Arundells is on the West Walk in the Cathedral Close, next door to The Rifles Museum.

Amenities & dining

Toilets, including an accessible toilet, are available. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic to eat in the garden.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies: not available

The garden, the dining room (up to 10 diners), the studio and the drawing room (seats up to 30) can be hired for private and corporate events. Arundells is not permitted to host weddings or wedding receptions.

Plan your visit