Edward Heath Annual Lecture – The Rt Hon Sir John Major KG CH

The Sir Edward Heath Charitable Foundation is delighted to announce that our 2025 flagship annual lecture will be given by the former Prime Minister, Sir John Major, in the spectacular setting of Salisbury Cathedral on the afternoon of Thursday 26th June, starting at 2.15 pm.

The event will be introduced by the writer, Gyles Brandreth, who is Honorary Chair of the Foundation.

Reflecting on an increasingly troubled international and domestic scene, Sir John will focus his remarks on ‘The Changing Political Landscape at Home and Abroad: A Reality Check’. This will be followed by an ‘in conversation’ with the distinguished broadcaster, Angela Rippon, who will subsequently invite questions from the floor.

Sir John Major was British Prime Minister from 1990 to 1997, having previously served as Foreign Secretary and Chancellor of the Exchequer.

When: Thursday 26th June 2025, starting at 2.15 pm.
Where: Salisbury Cathedral.
Ticket options:
£ 28.00 – Lecture in Salisbury Cathedral.
£ 35.00 – Lecture in Salisbury Cathedral plus tea at Arundells. Tickets for the Tea at Arundells have now sold out. Tickets for the lecture in The Cathedral are still available to purchase.

Tea at Arundells offers an opportunity to socialise not only with our guests and trustees, but many of those involved in keeping the house, Edward Heath’s home from 1985 to 2005, open to the public as part of our national heritage.

Practical Arrangements

On arrival, please enter the Cathedral via the Cloisters entrance (on the west front) and have your ticket or barcode ready to present to our welcome team.

The tea at Arundells will run from 4.15 pm until 5.45 pm, after which the house and garden will close for a separate event.

Arundells is located just across from the Cathedral on the West Walk of the Close. There will be stewards on hand to direct you.

Travel and Parking

By Train
Salisbury has direct rail links with London, Southampton, Bath and the West Country.

The Railway Station is about a 15-minute walk from the Cathedral, along Mill Road, passing Queen Elizabeth Gardens with views of the Spire.

By Bike or On Foot
Salisbury sits in the heart of Wiltshire’s countryside, and offers some beautiful walks and cycling routes. Cycle parking is available in the Cathedral Close and in the city centre.

Car Parking
The nearest public car parks are Lush House (SP2 7TD) and the Old George Mall (SP1 2PH), both about a 5-minute walk from the Cathedral Close.

Limited parking is available within the Cathedral Close at a fixed cost of £10 for the whole day, this includes disabled car park spaces. There is a charge of £1 for Motorcycles.

There is no parking available at Arundells.

Park and Ride stations are located on all main routes into the city.

Visit Parkopedia for more information on parking in Salisbury.

Terms and Conditions

Tickets are non-refundable, but you are welcome to pass them on to family or friends.