Things to see and do at Mompesson House

Close view of Charles Mompesson's monogram in the wrought-iron gates at the front of Mompesson House — Charles Mompesson's monogram in the wrought-iron gates at the front of Mompesson House | © National Trust Images/Nadia Mackenzie

Step back in time as you explore this 18th-century town house and tranquil walled garden with a tea-room in the heart of Salisbury’s historic Cathedral Close.

Mompesson House is now closed for winter.

Mompesson House is now closed for winter. We look forward to welcoming you back on Friday 7 March.

What to look out for in the house

This year we’re exploring the Regency era at Mompesson House. During this time, the Portman family lived at Mompesson.

In 1798, Mrs Ann Portman moved to Salisbury with her three unmarried daughters, Ann Mary, Henrietta and Wyndham. After becoming a widow, she had to leave her family home and brought her daughters to live at Mompesson House. She died in 1814 but two of her daughters continued to live at Mompesson until their deaths. Henrietta was the only daughter to marry and sold the house in 1846.

Explore the house dressed to reflect the Portman family’s time at Mompesson and discover more about the family and Regency life. Highlights include a Regency parlour downstairs and a children’s playroom upstairs featuring Regency games and toys. Pick up a spotter trail when you arrive and look for hidden details around the house.

Join us in celebrating Mompesson’s links to Jane Austen including the 30^th anniversary of the filming of Ang Lee’s Sense and Sensibility with a special trail.

Join an introductory talk

Throughout the day friendly and knowledgeable volunteers will be giving short introductory talks, giving an insight into the history of the house and the previous occupants who called Mompesson home.

Stroll through the garden

Head outside to discover a delightful walled garden hidden behind this 18th-century town house, featuring a pergola and traditionally planted herbaceous borders. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre and unwind in this peaceful spot.

A view of Mompesson House from the garden, with purple alliums in the foreground, in Salisbury, Wiltshire — Garden borders at Mompesson House | © National Trust Images / Tamsin Holmes

Treat yourself in the tea-room

Our tea-room is located in the former summerhouse. Sit inside and look through the beautiful French windows, or take a table outside. The tea-room serves hot and cold drinks, cakes and bakes and light lunches. Gluten-free and vegan options are available.

Browse our second-hand books

The Studio Bookshop at Mompesson is home to a wide range of second-hand books. From cooking to crime, find yourself a bargain with suggested prices of paperbacks at £2 and hardbacks at £3. Mompesson House souvenirs are also available in our bookshop.

Accessibility at Mompesson House

There are two spaces for Blue Badge holders right in front of the property, on a flat tarmac surface. Please phone the property in advance if you require one of these spaces. The house is accessible via a ramp through the back entrance, which a member of staff will direct you to.

The garden and tea-room are accessible. A ramp is available to the second-hand bookshop. Inside the house, the Entrance Hall, Small Drawing Room, Large Drawing Room and Dining Room are accessible for wheelchairs. We can provide a tablet with images of the upstairs rooms. There is an accessible toilet in the courtyard. Busy and quiet areas are marked up on a map in the second-hand bookshop, which is a quiet area.

Walk around Cathedral Close

Explore the famous Cathedral Close, soak up the history and take in the sights on a short circular walk. See Choristers’ Green, enjoy spectacular views of the Cathedral and River Avon and pass by historic houses including the former home of Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath.

Further afield, the closest National Trust properties of Stourhead and Kingston Lacy are well worth a visit.