Name: The Wardrobe Military Museum
Rating: 5.0

The Wardrobe Military Museum

The Wardrobe, 58 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EX, England, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

The Wardrobe is a historic military museum located within the beautiful Cathedral Close in Salisbury. It is one of the best things to do with kids in Salisbury because it is a military museum category attraction that tells the 250-year story of local infantry regiments through thousands of fascinating artefacts. Set in a stunning Grade II listed building with a large riverside garden, it offers a peaceful yet engaging space for families to explore.

Visiting this museum is a cost-effective way to spend a morning or afternoon. Prices start from £3.00 for children, and the museum offers a very reasonable family ticket. Because it is a smaller, independent site, your entry fee goes directly towards maintaining the heritage of the Berkshire and Wiltshire regiments.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines local history with a bit of outdoor space, this is a top choice. It provides an educational day out where children can learn about the lives of soldiers from the time of the American War of Independence right up to modern conflicts. It is an ideal spot for a quiet, thought-provoking visit away from the busier city centre attractions.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

The Riverside Garden: Provides a space for sensory play where children can run around the lawns that stretch down to the River Avon.
Medal Room Displays: An educational day out feature where kids can see the incredible bravery of local men through their service decorations.
Interactive Discovery Points: Various interactive exhibits throughout the galleries designed to make military history accessible to younger visitors.
The Tea Room: Offers a relaxed environment for families to enjoy a break after exploring the four floors of history.

Top 5 Highlights

The Waterloo Eagle: This is a "Helpful Peer" favourite because it’s a real trophy of war. Kids find it amazing that this actual object was captured during one of history's most famous battles.
Soldier’s Life Exhibit: A major highlight that shows what men carried in their backpacks. It’s a great way to talk to children about how different life was without modern technology or comfortable beds.
The Trench Diorama: This highlight gives a small-scale but detailed look at what WWI trenches were like. It helps children visualise the stories they learn about in school without being too overwhelming.
The Sniper’s Robe: A highlight that always grabs the attention of older kids. Seeing the camouflage used in the field makes the history feel much more like a real-life adventure.
The Secret Garden: A highlight for parents as much as kids. The garden offers a brilliant view of Salisbury Cathedral and is a perfect spot for a family photo.

Facilities

On-site Café: Offers light lunches, teas, and coffees with indoor and outdoor seating.
Toilets: Full facilities including accessible toilets and baby changing.
Shop: A well-stocked gift shop with military books, toys, and "pocket money" souvenirs.
Buggy Access: While the building is historic, the ground floor and main galleries are accessible. Some upper areas are reached via a lift.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a visit to The Wardrobe take? Most families spend between 90 minutes and 2 hours exploring the galleries and the garden. If you stop at the café or take part in the children's trails, you may want to allow for a slightly longer stay.
Is The Wardrobe Military Museum suitable for toddlers? Yes, while it is a military museum, the garden and the dress-up areas are very popular with younger children. The open space at the back allows toddlers to move around safely away from the city traffic.
Is it expensive to visit the museum? No, it is one of the best cheap indoor activities in Salisbury because entry is free. You only need to pay for what you choose to spend in the café or gift shop, or if you wish to leave a donation.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The friendly and knowledgeable volunteers who often share personal stories about the exhibits.
The peaceful garden, which is often described as a "hidden gem" in the middle of the city.
The interactive trails that keep children occupied while adults look at the displays.
The fact that it is free to enter, making it high value for money.

What Visitors Don't Like

The museum is closed on Sundays, which can be disappointing for weekend tourists.
Some of the upper floors in the historic building can feel a bit narrow during busy periods.
Limited parking directly at the venue (common for attractions in The Close).

What to see

Detailed Inventory

The Eagle of the 8th Line: A specific French Imperial Eagle captured at the Battle of Barrosa.
The Tientsin Silver: A specific collection of silver items reflecting the regiment's time in China.
WWI Field Gun: A specific piece of artillery on display within the grounds.
The Crimea Medal: An original medal belonging to a local soldier from the 1850s.
Napoleonic Uniforms: Specific red coats and tall hats that kids love to see.
The Jungle Warfare Display: A sub-exhibit focusing on service in the Far East.
Modern Body Armour: A specific set of gear used by soldiers in recent years.
The Bob the Dog Display: A specific story about a regimental mascot that children find very moving.
Hand-painted Regimental Drums: Specific historic instruments used for signalling on the battlefield.
The Afghan Display: A sub-exhibit covering the regiment's most recent tours of duty.

Beyond the Main Attraction

Salisbury Cathedral: Just a few minutes' walk away, featuring the original Magna Carta.
Mompesson House: A National Trust property nearby with beautiful period rooms.
Queen Elizabeth Gardens: A large public park a short walk from The Close with a great children’s play area.

New for 2026

The 2026 ‘Digital Sentinel’ App: A brand-new augmented reality experience for 2026 that lets kids scan objects to see 3D soldiers tell their stories.
Upgraded Riverside Terrace 2026: A freshly renovated seating area in the garden for families to enjoy the river views.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult: £5.00
Child (5-16yrs): £3.00
Child (Under 5yrs): FREE
Family Ticket (1-2 Adults, up to 3 children): £15.00
Concessions & Students: £4.00
Groups (10+): 1 x FREE per 10 people
Garden Only: £2.00
Garden Season Ticket: £5.00

Pricing URL: https://www.thewardrobe.org.uk/venue-hire

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

For private hire enquiries regarding the garden or event rooms, please contact [email protected].

Monday- Saturday (Including Bank Holidays!): 10AM-5PM (Last Entry 4:15PM)

Address: The Wardrobe, 58 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EX, England, UK

Post Code: SP1 2EX

Council: Wiltshire

County: Wiltshire

By Train: Salisbury Railway Station is roughly 0.5 miles away (a 10-12 minute walk).
By Car: There is no parking at the museum itself as it is within the pedestrian-friendly Cathedral Close.
Where to Park: Use the city's Park & Ride sites (Wilton, Beehive, London Road, or Britford). For central parking, the Old George Mall Car Park (SP1 2PH) is the closest multi-storey.