Heritage Open Days in Salisbury
Salisbury is a modern medieval city packed with history and heritage, and this September you’ll get the chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences.
It's all part of Heritage Open Days, which sees FREE events take place across the country to celebrate our fantastic culture.
Here’s what you can do around Salisbury as part of the initiative, which runs from 9th to 18th September.
Mompesson House
Mompesson House is one of the most impressive properties in the Cathedral Close and, as part of the Heritage Open Days, you can enjoy free entry to the peaceful garden on Saturday 10th September. The garden, with traditional herbaceous borders and pergola, is an oasis of calm. There'll be toys and games on the lawn and you can also pick up your next read in the second-hand bookshop. The free garden entry will run from 11am to 4pm. No booking required.
The elegant Mompesson House in Salisbury Cathedral Close
Salisbury Civic Society
Salisbury Civic Society has a full programme planned as part of the Heritage Open Days scheme.
All their events this year revolve around the theme of RIVERS & WATERWAYS of Salisbury. There will be walks and talks exploring the former medieval drainage channels running through the city centre and the new Riverside Park Project. On top of this, there will also be walks along the banks of Salisbury's beautiful rivers.
The dates you’ll need are:
- 8th September - Introductory Talk on the Medieval Drainage Channels of the city of Salisbury with Chris Daniell
- 9th September - Walk Exploring the routes of the medieval drainage channels of Salisbury. There will be two walks on this day, one at 1pm and another at 3pm.
- 13th September - Salisbury River Park Walk
- 14th September - The Ebble Walk along a section of the River Ebble between Odstock and Coombe Bissett.
- 15th September - Bourne River Walk from the Guildhall steps to Milford through to Laverstock.
- 16th September - River Avon Walk between Fisherton Recreation Ground and Old Sarum.
Although all the above events are free, you must register your place as there are only limited spaces available.
You can find out about the whole programme on the Salisbury Civic Society website.
Discover Salisbury's rivers and waterways with Salisbury Civic Society
Salisbury ArtCare
On Thursday 15th September, you can gain a fascinating insight into medicine, healthcare and the social history of Salisbury over the past 250 years. ArtCare is offering a rare opportunity as part of the Heritage Open Days to explore their display of historic collections and archives at Salisbury District Hospital. You’ll be able to see photographs, documents, books, instruments, objects and stories relating to General Infirmary to Odstock Hospital and many other sites around Salisbury. The HealthCare Library will be open between 12pm and 5pm.
If you enjoy delving into the history of Salisbury, you’ll also love a free guided city tour ArtCare is offering for the first time. The walk will focus on medicine, care and a public health viewpoint, touching on everything from Florence Nightingale, ghosts, Turkish baths, epidemics and medicine from war. There will be three tours throughout the day on 16th September. Book your space by clicking here.
Historic archives are being revealed at Salisbury District Hospital
Royal Artillery Museum
From 15th to 18th September, you’ll be able to get a unique behind the scenes look at the Royal Artillery Museum in Larkhill. The open days will enable military buffs to explore their massive store rooms - the oldest surviving aircraft hangars in Europe - see historic field guns and find out about the birthplace of British military aviation. Pre-booking is essential, and numbers are strictly limited. Find out more here.
You can find all the Heritage Open Day events online by clicking here.
Salisbury has a wealth of history and heritage to discover at all times. From Salisbury Cathedral to Arundells, there’s much to see and do.