"The hotel itself is historical and interesting, and the location was excellent."
Green from United States
read full review
"Such a beautiful, historic building."
Tia from United Kingdom
read full review
"Spotless, comfortable, quirky, historic building with a very well appointed room."
Peter from United Kingdom
read full review
"We had the most amazing Wedding reception here in the Courtyard Suite on the 4th Oct 2025."
Kimberley from United Kingdom
read full review
"My shower was amazing, great water pressure, hot water and soft beds."
Fearless36393101513 from United States
read full review
Historic hotel in Salisbury city centre - Europe's oldest purpose-built hotel
Historic Building & Courtyard
The Best Western Red Lion Hotel occupies a 13th-century building that holds the title of Europe's oldest purpose-built hotel. The property includes a beautifully maintained courtyard with outdoor seating, overlooking the Victoria Lounge with oak beams and two log fires. Antique furnishings mix with handmade pieces crafted on site throughout the individually decorated rooms.
Dining & Afternoon Tea
The award-winning restaurant serves a diverse breakfast buffet and offers tailored afternoon tea experiences in a picturesque setting. The 1220 Bar serves real ales, while the Victoria Lounge provides coffee, tea, cakes, brunch, and lunch. Guests can order snack bar items, special diet menus, and wine or champagne in the bar or courtyard.
Rooms & Amenities
Each room provides a private bathroom with toiletries and a hairdryer, plus complimentary Wi-Fi and tea and coffee making facilities. The 24-hour front desk offers express check-in/check-out and luggage storage, and private parking permits are available for £15 per night at local car parks. Family rooms, kids' meals, packed lunches, a shuttle service, and a shared lounge/TV area are among the additional amenities.
Location & Attractions
The hotel sits in Salisbury's historic city centre, 400 metres from Salisbury Cathedral and within 150 metres of shops, bars, and restaurants. Stonehenge and Old Sarum are nearby attractions, and the New Forest National Park is a 15-minute drive away. Salisbury rail station is a 15-minute walk, giving guests easy access to public transportation.
Weddings & Events
The hotel is a licensed wedding venue with capacity for up to 120 guests in a historic setting with a courtyard. Meeting and banquet facilities are available for business events, supported by photocopying and ironing services. The function areas also accommodate special occasions, with tailored packages provided by the events team.
Highlights
Historical Significance: Europe's oldest purpose-built hotel (13th-century building)
Location: 400 m from Salisbury Cathedral, 15 min from Stonehenge
Dining: Award-winning restaurant with afternoon tea and real ales
Rooms: Individually decorated with antique and handmade furnishings
Weddings: Licensed venue for up to 120 guests with courtyard
Parking: Private parking permits available (£15 per night)
Must-do experiences
Stroll through the beautiful Cathedral Close for stunning views.
Try the Wiltshire lamb at The Chapter House restaurant.
Visit the Salisbury Museum for local history and artifacts.
Explore the medieval market at Market Square on Tuesdays.
Take a day trip to Stonehenge for an unforgettable experience.
Select your room type
Best Western Red Lion Hotel features a range of room types across England, from double and family rooms to suites, with breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers included
Standard Double Room Non-Smoking
2 persons
13 m²
1 Double bed
room details
Standard Single Room Non-Smoking
2 persons
11 m²
1 Single bed
room details
Superior Double Room Non-Smoking
2 persons
18 m²
1 Double bed
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your stay in England now!
September 2026 - September 2027
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
September 2026
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
October 2026
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
November 2026
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
December 2026
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
January 2027
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
February 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
March 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
April 2027
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
May 2027
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
June 2027
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
July 2027
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
August 2027
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
Choose dates to see prices
Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
Best Western Red Lion Hotel provides amenities to make your stay in England comfortable and memorable
Facilities: Very good
7.8/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Sports & Fitness
Golf course
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site (reservation might be needed) at true.
Services
Paid shuttle service
Welcome drink
Dining
In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus
Business
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying
Children
Cots
Children's menu
Spa & Leisure
Leisure/ TV room
Room features
Heating
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities
Media
Direct dial telephone
Show more
Best Western Red Lion Hotel: Location in England
Milford Street, Salisbury, SP1 2AN,
Explore Salisbury
Local Activities and Dining Near Best Western Red Lion Hotel
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta
9 minutes' walk
Iconic Gothic architecture and home to the Magna Carta. The cathedral often hosts free admission days.
The Salisbury Museum
10 minutes' walk
Historical insights into Salisbury's past with diverse exhibitions. Guided tours available.
Arundells
8 minutes' walk
Former home of Edward Heath, featuring gardens and exhibitions about his life and political career.
Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum
8 minutes' walk
Military history museum showcasing regimental artifacts and the impact of war on the region.
Hiking in Harnham Water Meadows
18 minutes walking, 5 minutes driving
Scenic meadows offering picturesque trails, ideal for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
River Bourne Community Farm
10 minutes' walk
Engaging farm experience where visitors can interact with animals and learn about sustainable farming.
Yoga at The Hive
10 minutes' walk
Relaxing yoga sessions held in a peaceful environment, suitable for all levels of experience.
Biking along the River Kennet
30 minutes riding
Great biking trails alongside the river, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a thrill.
Greengages Cafe
2 minutes' walk
Charming café offering homemade pastries and hearty breakfast options with a friendly atmosphere.
The Vine Restaurant
2 minutes' walk
Elegant dining spot known for seasonal dishes, attentive service, and a comprehensive wine list.
Nando's Salisbury
2 minutes' walk
Casual dining featuring famous peri-peri chicken, ideal for families and groups. Vegetarian options available.
1220 Bar
1 minute' walk
Casual bar with a vibrant atmosphere, serving light bites and an extensive selection of drinks.
The Playhouse
10 minutes' walk
Local theater featuring a range of productions, including comedy shows and live music events.
Salisbury Arts Centre
10 minutes' walk
Intimate venue hosting live performances, art exhibitions, and community events suitable for all ages.
The Old Ale House
10 minutes' walk
Traditional pub offering a lively atmosphere with weekly quiz nights and local brews.
Cinema Salisbury
10 minutes' walk
Local cinema showing current films as well as classic favorites, perfect for a casual evening out.
Getting around England
City Centre
Salisbury 5 min · 400 m
Airports
Southampton (SOU) 58 min · 38.6 km
Bournemouth (BOH) 61 min · 40.2 km
Train
Salisbury Train Station 12 min · 1 km
Bus
Bus stop 4 min · 300 m
Want to see Exclusive Early Booking Rate?
Find exclusive rates for stays across England now!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site (reservation might be needed) at true.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP 16.5 per person.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Year renovated:
2007
Number of rooms:
60
Guest Reviews and Ratings
What previous guests said about staying at Best Western Red Lion Hotel.
Review score
Based on 1252 verified reviews
7.2 /10
Very good
68 %
Recommend
Breakfast
7.8/10
Cleanliness
8.2/10
Comfort
8.3/10
Facilities
7.8/10
Free WiFi
8.0/10
Location
9.3/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.3/10
Staff
8.8/10
Value for money
7.9/10
Pros
Historic hotel charm
Comfortable beds
Convenient city location
Quality breakfast
Cons
Cleanliness issues
Limited parking
Inconsistent room quality
Weak water pressure
Guest reviews
based on 2114 reviews
7.9/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
Show more reviews
Questions of the users
About Best Western Red Lion Hotel
Is there a secure area to keep my bicycle during my stay?
14 March 2024
A storage room for bikes is available, but prior notification is required to ensure proper arrangements.
What are the parking facilities like at the hotel?
22 April 2024
There is limited parking available on-site, and reservation is necessary. An alternative pay-and-display car park is nearby.
Can breakfast be arranged upon arrival?
10 June 2024
Yes, breakfast can be booked at check-in.
Are there ensuites with just showers available?
05 July 2024
Yes, all single rooms feature ensuites equipped solely with showers.
Is there an accessible room and parking for disabled guests?
15 August 2024
The hotel has one accessible room with a walk-in shower on the ground floor, along with limited disabled parking available nearby.
Can luggage be stored after check-out?
20 September 2024
Luggage storage services are available, and arrangements can be made upon request.
Is the bar currently operational for guests?
12 October 2024
The bar is expected to open soon, although specific dates may vary.
Are pets allowed at the hotel?
25 November 2024
Only registered assistance animals are allowed inside the hotel, but pets are welcome in the outdoor courtyard area.
What time is breakfast served in the morning?
03 December 2024
Breakfast is offered daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM, with modified hours on Sundays and bank holidays.
Is there a swimming pool available at the hotel?
16 January 2025
Unfortunately, there is no swimming pool on the premises.