Inside Salisbury: Success for historic home in the Cathedral Close
Historic house wins the Visitor Experience Awards
By Annette J Beveridge
THE HISTORIC former home of a key political figure has won the Visitor Experience Award at the 2025 Salisbury Business Excellence Awards.
The award recognises businesses in Salisbury and surrounding areas and Arundells, the historic Salisbury home of Sir Edward Heath, won the award.
The judges' comments highlighted the unique charm and impressive offerings of Arundells, stating: "Ivan and the Arundells team show authentic, thoughtful and, really, just wonderful customer service. They have taken this beautiful house and established it as a precious gem competing with the top attractions in Salisbury. It has the warmth of a living home but with literature, political interest and musical performance thrown in.
“Arundells is both charming but impressive at the same time with an array of incredible events and artwork. A very worthy recipient of The Visitor Experience Award."
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Visitors to Arundells can explore Heath’s fascinating and eclectic collection, a treasure trove of artworks, political memorabilia, and personal curios, all within the intimate atmosphere of a lived-in home.
Manager of Arundells, Ivan Smith, said, "We are absolutely thrilled and deeply honoured to receive this prestigious award. It is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of our entire team – staff and volunteers alike – who strive every day to create a welcoming, enriching, and memorable experience for everyone who visits Arundells.
“To be recognised amongst such esteemed organisations in Salisbury is a fantastic achievement, and we are incredibly grateful to the judges and Salisbury Reds for this recognition."
The award was received on behalf of Arundells by Luke Futcher (Events and Marketing Manager), Grace Clark, Denise Lord, and Hazel Marks, who attended the prestigious awards ceremony dinner.
The Visitor Experience Award was sponsored by Salisbury Reds, at the 2025 Salisbury Business Excellence Awards.
