The Rifles Museum
- The Wardrobe, The Close, Salisbury, SP1 2EX
- 07375 103910
Located inside ‘The Wardrobe’, a Grade II listed medieval building in the heart of Salisbury, The Rifles Berkshire & Wiltshire Museum brings to life the compelling history of Berkshire and Wiltshire’s infantry regiments. Following an extensive 18-month refurbishment, the museum has reopened with a new focus on “ordinary people, extraordinary courage,” sharing the personal stories of soldiers from the 18th century through to modern operations with The Rifles.
The museum’s impressive collections include thousands of photographs, medals, uniforms, weapons and archive materials. Highlights on display include all eight Victoria Crosses awarded to soldiers of the Royal Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiments, as well as “Bobbie,” the heroic dog who survived the Battle of Maiwand.
Visitors can explore three permanent galleries and a temporary exhibition space, with engaging, family-friendly features throughout. Interactive experiences include dramatised audio stories, hands-on displays and digital activities designed to bring history vividly to life.
Beyond the galleries, the museum’s tranquil riverside garden is a destination in its own right, with trees, landscaped planting and sweeping lawns leading down to the River Avon.
Adjacent to the museum, The Rifleman’s Table café offers a welcoming spot for coffee, cakes and light lunches, while the picturesque setting also provides a unique venue for weddings, events and private functions.
Housed in the historic Wardrobe building since 1982, the museum continues to preserve and share the heritage of the county regiments and their successors in a beautifully reimagined setting.
Opening Times:
Monday–Saturday, 10:00am–5:00pm (last entry 4:15pm)
Admission:
Entry is by donation.
Enquiries:
Venue hire & general: 07375 103910
Collections, retail & marketing: 07304 068136
Venue hire & general: 07375 103910
Collections, retail & marketing: 07304 068136
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City Centre Location
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Disabled Access
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Venue Hire Available
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The museum is currently closed and is due to re-open in late 2025 with brand new galleries.
Opening Times - Tuesday - Saturday 10am-5pm. Last admission 4:15pm.
Tickets - Adults £5, Children (5-16yrs) £3, Children under 5 free, Garden only £3, Garden Season Ticket £5. Free entry for Serving Members of UK & Allied Armed Forces (on production of current Service Identity Document if not in uniform) and Members of Regimental Associations of former regiments (on production of their membership card).
Parking - There is no public parking at the museum. Limited parking in Cathedral Close. The nearest council car park is a 5 minute walk away at Lush House car park next to Queen Elizabeth Gardens. 5 Park & Ride sites on the outskirts of the city give easy access to the city centre.
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