Arundells

Description

Step into a remarkable time capsule at Arundells, the cherished home of Sir Edward Heath, Britain's former Prime Minister from 1970 to 1974. Y'know, I was absolutely blown away when I first visited - this isn't your typical stuffy historic house. The medieval building has this incredible way of telling both personal and political stories through its stunning collection of artifacts and memorabilia. The house itself is basically Sir Edward's life story wrapped up in architecture. Each room feels like it's frozen in time, exactly as he left it. The drawing room is particularly special, with its gorgeous Chinese wallpaper and impressive collection of sailing memorabilia (fun fact: he was quite the skilled yachtsman!).

Key Features

• Sir Edward's extensive personal art collection, including works by Winston Churchill and LS Lowry • An amazing array of sailing memorabilia from his competitive yachting days • Political gifts from world leaders - including some fascinating pieces from China • Original musical instruments and signed photographs from renowned 20th-century musicians • A perfectly preserved study where Sir Edward worked • Two acres of tranquil walled gardens leading down to the River Avon • A remarkable collection of political cartoons and photographs • Stunning architectural features dating back to the 13th century

Best Time to Visit

The house really comes alive during spring and summer when the gardens are in full bloom. April through September offers the most delightful experience - the light streams through those gorgeous windows, making the art collection look even more spectacular. I'd suggest planning your visit for a weekday morning when it's quieter, giving you plenty of time to soak in all the historical details. Weekends can get pretty busy, especially during special events or music performances (which, by the way, are absolutely worth attending if you can snag tickets). The garden is particularly magical in late spring when the flowers are putting on their best show.

How to Get There

Getting to Arundells is pretty straightforward, sitting right in the Cathedral Close in Salisbury. The house is just a short walk from Salisbury's city center and the train station. If you're driving, several public car parks are nearby - I usually go for the Central Car Park cause it's just a 10-minute walk away. Honestly, walking is your best bet if you're already in Salisbury. The journey through the historic streets adds to the whole experience, and you'll pass some other amazing historic buildings on your way.

Tips for Visiting

Trust me on these - they'll make your visit so much better! Book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season. The guided tours are absolutely worth it - the guides know their stuff and share some fascinating stories you won't find in any guidebook. Give yourself at least 2 hours to explore properly. There's so much to see, and you don't wanna rush through it. The gardens are perfect for a picnic if the weather's nice, so pack some snacks! Photography isn't allowed inside the house (though the gardens are fair game), so keep that in mind. Oh, and definitely check out the visitor center first - it gives you great context for everything you're about to see. Wear comfortable shoes - you'll be doing quite a bit of standing and walking. And if you're into classical music or politics, you might want to allocate extra time for the study and music room - they're absolutely fascinating. I always tell folks to combine their visit with other Cathedral Close attractions - it makes for a perfect day out. And don't skip the garden, even if you're short on time. It's honestly one of the most peaceful spots in Salisbury, and the view of the cathedral spire from there is just incredible. Keep in mind that some rooms are upstairs, though there's excellent accessibility support for those who need it. And remember, each visit can be different - they often rotate displays of Heath's extensive collection, so you might spot something new each time you come!