Salisbury Museum, Salisbury (must see)

Salisbury Museum explores regional history, archaeology, and art inside the King's House, a Grade I listed building with medieval origins. The building has a long history, serving as the residence of the Abbot of Sherborne Abbey, later becoming a private home and, for much of the late 19th and 20th centuries, a teacher training college before the museum moved there in 1981.

The museum is known for archaeology linked to Stonehenge and nearby prehistoric landscapes, with tools, pottery, jewellery, and Bronze Age objects from early Wiltshire communities. One of the highlights is the collection from the burial of the Amesbury Archer, discovered near Stonehenge in 2002. Often called the "King of Stonehenge," he was buried around 4,300 years ago with around 100 grave goods, making his grave one of the richest Early Bronze Age burials ever found in Britain.

Alongside archaeology, the museum presents exhibitions on local history, fine art, ceramics, costume, and military heritage. Visitors can see paintings of the surrounding countryside, historic maps, decorative objects, and changing temporary exhibitions that explore different aspects of the region's culture. Family-friendly displays, interactive activities, and seasonal events make the museum enjoyable for visitors of all ages, while the museum shop offers books, locally inspired gifts, and educational souvenirs.

The King's House retains many architectural features that are attractions in their own right, including medieval stonework, mullioned windows, an oak-balustraded staircase, decorative plaster ceilings, and a peaceful courtyard. Together with its collections, historic setting, and regular exhibitions, Salisbury Museum provides an engaging introduction to the area's archaeology, history, and artistic heritage.