Best Western Red Lion Hotel - Salisbury

4-star historic hotel in Salisbury city centre, housed in a 13th-century building recognized as Europe's oldest purpose-built hotel

Historic Venue

The Best Western Red Lion Hotel has welcomed guests for over 800 years in a building set around a beautifully maintained courtyard with outdoor seating. Original oak beams and two log fires bracket the Victoria Lounge, while the striped 1220 Bar serves real ales. Handmade furnishings, produced on site, appear in each individually decorated room alongside a mix of antique and modern pieces.

Dining

The award-winning restaurant, furnished with antiques, serves tailored afternoon tea experiences in a picturesque setting overlooking the courtyard. A diverse breakfast buffet is offered each morning, while coffee, tea, cakes, brunch, lunch and afternoon tea are all available in the Victoria Lounge. Note that the restaurant is closed for dinners except for private events; the 1220 Bar provides real ales and snack bar options.

Weddings & Events

The Red Lion Hotel is a licensed wedding venue with capacity for up to 120 guests in the Courtyard Suite. Event manager Radi coordinated a 3-course wedding breakfast and an in-house DJ for receptions, as reported by recent couples. Meeting room facilities are available for business events, and the hotel also offers fax/photocopying services.

Rooms

Each guest room in the Best Western Red Lion Hotel Salisbury is individually decorated with handmade furnishings crafted on site, blending antique details with modern conveniences. Room types range from Standard Double Rooms to Superior King Rooms and the Seamstress Suite, all with private bathrooms and tea/coffee making facilities. The building's historic layout means rooms are spread across the main coaching inn and a 1970s extension, offering a choice of character or more standard accommodation.

Location

The Red Lion Hotel sits in Salisbury's historic city centre, 400 meters from Salisbury Cathedral and within 150 meters 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 reachable after a 15-minute walk, and private parking permits are available for local car parks.

• Historic: 800-year-old building, Europe's oldest purpose-built hotel
• Dining: Award-winning restaurant with afternoon tea and courtyard seating
• Weddings: Licensed venue for up to 120 guests in Courtyard Suite
• Location: 400 m from Salisbury Cathedral, 15 min drive to Stonehenge
• Rooms: Individually decorated with handmade furnishings on site