by Janis / 0 comments - Orginally published:17th June 2025

The former home of Sir Edward Heath

During our 4-day mini break to Salisbury and Wells, we visited Arundells, the beautiful past home of the late Sir Edward Heath.

It wasn’t until we started to research and dig a little deeper into Salisbury and its magnificent cathedral that we realised this is where the former British Prime Minister resided in his final years.

Gary and I were curious to visit Arundells as Ted Heath was not only born and raised in our home county of Kent, but also our local MP of Old Bexley and Sidcup when we were growing up in our respective family homes.

Sir Edward Heath had a fascinating political life, loved the world of classical music, collected works of art, and adored sailing the ocean waves. So, with Arundells only 25 miles from the Solent, the location was perfect for Mr Heath.

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Where is Arundells?

How to get to Arundells

Arundells is in the heart of Salisbury and its postcode is SP1 2EN or you can find it by using What3words ///votes.haven.extra

- By Car
The main motorway routes into Salisbury are the A30, A36, and the A354.

- By coach
You can travel to Salisbury via National Express coaches, which offers a direct service from London and other UK locations.

- By Train
Salisbury is serviced by two mainline rail routes. South Western Railway runs direct services from London and the southwest of the UK. Great Western Railway covers Cardiff, Bath and the south coast.

There is no car parking available at Arundells, there are Pay and Display car parks signposted around the City Centre.

A little bit of history on Arundells

700 years of intriguing history

Arundells is located just opposite Salisbury’s stunning Cathedral, within the tranquil surroundings of Cathedral Close.

The story of the Arundells begins much earlier than Ted Heath’s occupancy; the history of the medieval house dates from the 13th century, when it was a canonry. The house continued to be occupied by a series of clergyman.

A vibrant blue plaque, issued by the Salisbury Civic Society and affixed to a brick and stone wall of Arundells, commemorates "The Rt Hon Sir Edward Heath KG MBE (1916-2005)," noting his tenure as Prime Minister from 1970 to 1974 and his identities as a "Statesman, Musician and Sailor." The circular plaque features white lettering and a white border, with the word "ARUNDELLS" at the bottom.
 Sir Edward Heath’s Blue Plaque

In the early 1600s, the house underwent major restoration by the Mompesson family, who had it largely rebuilt in the style of the day. They remained there until the early 1700s. The subsequent tenant was the Wyndham family, who also refurbished the home, and a considerable amount of the renovations can still be seen today.

The name “Arundells” originates from James Everard Arundell, who married into the Roman Catholic Wyndham family. Fast forward to the 1800s, and Arundells accommodated the Godolphin Girls School, and later a boys’ boarding school, between 1839 and 1844.

A bronze bust of sir edward heath, british prime minister, in arundells, his home in salisbury in wiltshire
Bust of Sir Edward Heath
A view from inside Arundells House in Salisbury shows a pair of white French doors leading to a balcony with ornate black railings. Beyond the balcony, a lush green garden stretches out under a cloudy sky, framed by mature trees and the stone facade of the house.
View over Arundells Garden

After the Second World War, Arundells was considered for demolition as the house had fallen into disrepair and was severely neglected; however, it was saved in 1964 by the Hawkings family.

In 1985, Sir Edward Heath bought Arundells, mainly due to its proximity to the Solent, where he regularly sailed. Ted Heath arranged to have the house modernised but remaining in keeping with its Queen Anne origins.

A lush green lawn extends towards the historic Arundells house, a multi-storey building with prominent chimneys and light-coloured stone, nestled amongst mature trees. In the foreground, a vibrant flowerbed blooms with red and white flowers, while the spire of Salisbury Cathedral is just visible above the trees in the distance, all under an overcast sky.
 View from Arundells Garden
So, let’s discover how this 700-year-old house was transformed into the beloved home of our former Prime Minister.

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Ted Heath’s intriguing life

From the seaside to a cathedral
Edward Heath was born in Broadstairs on the Kent coast in July 1916 and was educated in nearby Ramsgate. He then headed to Oxford and studied politics at Balliol College. He also served with the Royal Artillery during the Second World War.
This is a poster from Arundells House in Salisbury, titled "EDWARD HEATH - SOLDIER," which commemorates Edward Heath's military service. The poster features text highlighting the impact of his wartime experiences, quotes about its influence on his leadership, a photograph of Heath in uniform, and insignia of the Honourable Artillery Company and the Royal Artillery.
Edward Heath - Soldier
Framed and displayed at Arundells House in Salisbury is a formal certificate bestowing the honour of Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) upon Edward Richard George Heath. The ornate document, featuring royal seals and calligraphy, is presented alongside a decorative writing instrument and a circular blue seal.
Certificate of Knighthood
Ted Heath entered Parliament in 1950 when he became the Conservative MP for Bexley. He continued to progress through the ranks and became the Leader of the Conservative Party in 1965 until 1975, and was elected Prime Minister from 1970 to 1974.
A framed political cartoon titled "The Boyhood of Major" is displayed at Arundells House in Salisbury, depicting caricatures of John Major and two other men on a beach, with Major gesturing towards "Europe." The artwork, attributed to Garland, features a painted style with a light blue wash and is set against a backdrop of the sea and a white frame.
Satirical artwork

Sir Edward continued to sit in the House of Commons as the Member for Old Bexley and Sidcup until his retirement in 2001. He was appointed Knight of the Garter in 1992 by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

Ted Heath acquired the lovely home of Arundells in February 1985, where he resided until his death in July 2005. He now rests within Salisbury Cathedral, just opposite his beloved house.

A bronze sculpture depicting two seated figures, winston churchill & his wife clementine, is displayed on a speckled brown surface at Arundells House in Salisbury. The sculpture is flanked by framed black and white portraits of distinguished-looking men, adding to the historical ambiance of the setting.
Sculpture of Winston Churchill & his wife Clementine

Strolling around Arundells, you’ll discover Ted Heath’s role as a statesman displaying many artefacts, keepsakes and two paintings by his close lifelong friend and confidant, Sir Winston Churchill.

Edward served 50 years as an MP but was never elevated to the House of Lords. It may be because, despite championing Margaret Roberts for the neighbouring seat of Dartford in her early career, she defeated him as Leader of the Conservative party in 1975, now having become Margaret Thatcher, she took the Tories in a direction he disagreed with.

In fact, he was a keen supporter of China and Europe.

Exploring Arundells House

Sir Edward Heath lived a full life
As we approached Arundells House along the sweeping pathway, we were greeted with a warm welcome from the volunteer room stewards. These friendly folk have a never-ending font of knowledge about the former Prime Minister Ted Heath.
Captured through a glass display case at Arundells House in the UK, a meticulously crafted model sailboat with a rich wooden hull, white accents, and delicate rigging is showcased on a polished wooden base with silver supports. Reflections on the glass hint at the elegant surroundings of the exhibition.
 Model of Morning Cloud
A dark blue, long-sleeved turtleneck sweater with "MORNING CLOUD" printed in white capital letters across the chest is displayed on a mannequin at Arundells House in Salisbury. Behind the sweater hangs a framed picture of sailboats, suggesting a connection to maritime history.
Morning Cloud jumper

We first step into the splendid cabinet room, which unreservedly showcases Sir Edward Heath’s lifelong passion for sailing.

Ted Heath had many achievements throughout his sailing years; one of his life’s pinnacles was captaining Britain's victorious Admiral's Cup team in 1971 while being Prime Minister. He is the only British Prime Minister to have won a major international sporting trophy whilst in office.

Housed in Arundells House in Salisbury, this framed oil painting captures the dynamic scene of two sailboats racing on a choppy, dark green sea under a dramatic, cloudy sky. The lead boat, closer to the viewer, is tilted with its sails full, displaying the number "2468," while the second boat follows closely behind, both leaving trails of white wake.
Painting of Morning Cloud
Edward owned and raced five yachts called Morning Cloud. Models of these five Morning Cloud yachts can be found in the cabinet room. Heath eventually retired from competitive sailing in 1986 at the age of seventy.
A framed black and white photograph rests on a surface at Arundells House in Salisbury, capturing a smiling ted heath in a suit conducting a large group of people. The image, signed in the bottom right corner, is presented with a white matting and a black frame.
Conducting an orchestra

Ted Heath’s adoration for classical music also played a prominent role in his life, and he had a Steinway piano installed in No. 10 Downing Street. In addition to being a pianist, he was an orchestral conductor, conducting the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and a few others.

It was his interest and skill in music that earned him a scholarship to Balliol College, Oxford. His Steinway grand piano can be seen within the Drawing Room.

A richly carved wooden serving table in Arundells House, Salisbury, displays an assortment of elegant glassware, including decanters and drinking glasses, alongside several bottles of liquor and a crystal ashtray holding a cigar. The table also features silver coasters and a small decorative box, illuminated by a nearby lamp.
Drinks table in Arundells
As you wander along the hallway and through the rooms in Arundells, you’ll spot some beautiful paintings. Many of which are by renowned artists including LS Lowry, WL Wyllie, John Singer-Sargent, John Nash, and John Piper, to name a few.
The photograph showcases a beautifully appointed dining room within Arundells House in Salisbury, featuring warm orange walls, a polished wooden floor, and a long dining table set with elegant tableware and surrounded by red upholstered chairs. A grand chandelier hangs above the table, casting a soft glow on the scene, while display cabinets filled with decorative china and artwork adorn the walls.
Arundells dining room

We stroll into the dining room at Arundells, and I was quite surprised at how cosy it was. I understand that not everyone has a candelabra in their dining room; however, I did imagine it to be grander.

The place settings displayed the previous guests that Edward Heath had entertained

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Visiting Arundells House

A collection of memories
As we venture through the hallway towards the stairs, the walls are full of amusing cartoons depicting state leaders from around the globe, including US President Richard Nixon, China’s Chairman Mao and Cuba’s Fidel Castro.
A framed political cartoon titled "Heathite Politics" is displayed at Arundells House in Salisbury, depicting a caveman edward heath dragging a cavewoman margaret thatcher along by her hair
Comical artwork of Margaret Thatcher
Heading upstairs, the walls are covered by a stunning display of Chinese wallpaper portraying the story of “Monkey King”, the attention to detail is incredible. As you wend your way up the staircase, you gain a delightful view across Arundells garden.
A vibrant and detailed vintage oriental painting adorns a wall at Arundells House in Salisbury, depicting a scene with multiple figures in traditional East Asian clothing gathered around a large tree. The artwork features rich colors and intricate details, suggesting a narrative or mythical theme.
Ornate Chinese wallpaper
This close-up captures a section of a vintage oriental artwork displayed at Arundells House in Salisbury. The detailed painting depicts several figures in traditional attire engaged in various activities amidst a stylized landscape featuring a prominent pine tree branch.
Story of the “Monkey King”

Next is Sir Edward Heath’s Study and library, the library contains an extensive collection of recorded music as well as books on both music and art, which he gathered over the years.

Edward’s writing desk, to be found in his Study, was actually previously owned by a former Prime Minister, David Lloyd George.

A detailed close-up shows a brass ship's clock and barometer set, featuring a central clock with Roman numerals and a barometer indicating weather conditions from "Stormy" to "Very Dry." The nautical instruments, adorned with ship's wheel designs, rest on a polished wooden desk in Arundells House, Salisbury, suggesting a maritime connection.
Ted Heath’s desk
The remaining two rooms are Sir Edward Heath’s bedroom, and a room now dedicated to military memorabilia. The bedroom is a very plain and unassuming affair, Ted Heath was a lifelong bachelor, and this room certainly portrays it.
This cozy bedroom at Arundells House in Salisbury features blue and white patterned wallpaper, two windows with model Viking longships displayed on the sills, and a double bed with a patterned duvet. Soft lighting from a bedside lamp illuminates the room, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Sir Edward Heath’s bedroom
Although I'm not too sure in his day that he would have photographs of other world leaders he’d met gracing the walls, but who knows?

The story of Edward Heath

If you would like to discover more of Sir Edward Heath’s life in Parliament or one of his many fascinating hobbies, then grab a copy of ‘Edward Heath: The Authorised Biography’

Meandering through Arundells garden

A tranquil oasis

We now step into Arundells delightful garden.

The beautiful garden at Arundells was redesigned in 1985 when Ted Heath purchased the house; very little has changed over the years. There is an interesting array of trees in the garden, including Yew, Mulberry and Birch and some stunning flower beds.

A picturesque garden scene at Arundells house in Salisbury, featuring a classical white statue standing beneath an elegant, green-painted metal pergola entwined with climbing plants. Lush green topiary bushes and a variety of flowering plants fill the foreground and surround the central feature, with a red brick wall and mature trees visible in the background under a cloudy sky.
 Arundells Garden

The garden is so tranquil to stroll around, you feel like you are on a mini voyage of discovery. Head to the far end of the garden, which looks across open fields, and you’ll stumble upon the confluence of two rivers, the Avon and the Nadder.

As you wander back through the garden, you are greeted with a spectacular view of the iconic spire of Salisbury Cathedral.

A sprawling green lawn at Arundells house in Salisbury, framed by lush trees and manicured bushes, leads the eye towards the magnificent Salisbury Cathedral spire in the background. To the left, a glimpse of a historic house with multiple chimneys can be seen, all under a partly cloudy sky.
View of Salisbury Cathedral
Also, within the garden of Arundells is a touching memorial to two dear friends of his. Ted Heath had his first yacht, Morning Cloud, built in 1969; This was followed by Morning Cloud II in 1971. Two years later, in 1973, Morning Cloud 3 was constructed; however, the yacht was lost at sea on 2nd September 1974.
A close-up captures the polished wooden hull of "The Hatty D," a vintage motor launch built in April 1934 and displayed at Arundells House in Salisbury, resting on a silver stand under a green canopy. To the right, a framed information plaque details the boat's history against a backdrop of a moss-covered green fence.
The bow of Morning Cloud 3

The bow of Morning Cloud 3 stands in the garden as a memorial. The boat was sunk during a severe gale while en route to Cowes on the Isle of Wight. Ted Heath was not on board, but from the crew of seven Nigel Cumming, a friend of Ted Heath and his godson Christopher Chadd lost their lives.

Enjoy your visit to Arundells, which is open from late March until early November.

Our video of Arundells

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