Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta
Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta
Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsChurches & Cathedrals
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
12:30 PM - 4:00 PM
About
Prepare to be amazed by one of the finest cathedrals in the UK, home to Britain’s tallest spire and largest cathedral close and cloisters. Our original 1215 Magna Carta is the best-preserved copy in existence and our 14th century clock is the oldest working mechanical clock in the world. We suggest 1.5 – 3 hours for your visit, but you can see most highlights in 45 minutes if you are pressed for time. You can enjoy delicious snacks and meals prepared freshly on-site in our Refectory Restaurant and browse our unique range of souvenirs in our Gift Shop. 10-minute walk from Salisbury Train Station | 20-minute drive from Stonehenge| 1.5 hours from London. Book online for the best price.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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- Christine TPortsmouth, United Kingdom103 contributionsThe most beautiful, interesting CathedralWe booked on to the tower tour, which took us right up the spire. Andrew was our guide (ex clerk of works) luckily for us!! His tour was so informative and interesting, and there were many wow moments. Was such a wonderful thing to do but you have to be quite mobile as there were lots of steps but it was a fantastic tour.thanks for all your knowledge Andrew and bringing history alive. Also saw the Magna Carta. Totally recommendVisited December 2022Travelled with friendsWritten 9 December 2022
- s00Isle of Wight, United Kingdom379 contributionsJust beautiful.Lovely cathedral. We visited on a bitter day preferring the cathedral to a visit to the shops and what a delight. The spire which is magnificent towers over the fantastic refectory. The refectory is fabulous with good food at a reasonable price and very good service. The shop adjacent is a delight too. A walk round the cathedral was fascinating. As for the magna carta it was wonderful to see a piece of history. Don't miss this place it's awe inspiring.Visited December 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 December 2022
- Lynda CWokingham, United Kingdom559 contributionsWonderful Cathedral in a beautiful setting - well worth a visitWhat a wonderful place Salisbury Cathedral is. We had a tour with an excellent guide who was so knowledgeable about the windows and many more items. We also got guided through the Magna Carta exhibition which is fascinating and even more so when you read this, part of which is still in law today, and then contrast it with the Covid laws of the last few years. It was near to Christmas and there were schools practicing for carol concerts so that was nice to hear with wonderful acoustics. Do find out about how the cathedral is built on a water bed. To go round yourself is amazing but to do it with guides brings it to life. Highly recommended. The Cathedral close is also beautiful with many other ancient buildings and museums. And also a little way out of town, is the site of the old cathedral and castle at Old Sarum.Visited December 2022Written 19 December 2022
- Alan LLondon, United Kingdom15 contributionsDo the Tower Tour!The Tower tour is fantastic! Into the roof and up to the base of the spire with a very knowledgeable guide. Allow 2 hours for this alone and then see the cathedral and Magna Carta. Excellent value for money and highly memorable. NB stairs are steep!Visited December 2022Travelled with friendsWritten 30 December 2022
- CasperUk159 contributionsGlad we wentA beautiful Cathedral in a lovely city. Again, the volunteer guides are amazing and we learnt lots of facts about the Cathedral and the Magna Carta. If you don't choose to have a guide, ask about what the Cathedral is built on. Glad we went.Visited December 2022Written 31 December 2022
- Kathryn BaileyIpswich, United Kingdom1 contribution100% worth a visitSalisbury cathedral was honestly one of the best landmarks I have been to in my life!! Staying in an Airbnb nearby and had nothing else to do. Thought why not? We booked a spire tour but turned up an hour early. We were recommended to see the Magna Carta. We were shocked.. the most legible Magna Carta in the UK. We then went back into the main cathedral were the worlds oldest mechanical clock was located, we literally stood there and timed to clanging of the mechanics (it’s every 4 seconds by the way). Then continued to the ‘infinity font’ as we called it. Holy water pouring out like a fountain and a crystal clear view of the cathedral ceiling. Then the spire tour. Colin was our guide. Fully knowledgable about the architecture of the time and a stair sprinter. Even gave us an Werther’s original at the top. I’m 22, bored by history, and yet this was the best day of my holiday.Visited December 2022Travelled with friendsWritten 31 December 2022
- S W1 contributionMost enjoyable visitIt was very interesting to see how the cathedral was constructed and to be able to get access to the tower. Our guide Miguel was so knowledgeable and friendly and added greatly to the overall experience. We felt that it was very good value for money and would recommend the tour if you have time to spare.Visited January 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 January 2023
- CASightSpringfield, Virginia22 contributionsA tour that shouldn't be missedA Cathedral worth visiting. The beauty is just impressive. So much to see. Definitely take the tour with one of the volunteer guides - they are full of knowledge to share. The clock and the baptismal font are one of a kind.Visited November 2022Written 10 January 2023
- Ajay66 contributionsWell worth a visitWe were fortunate enough to be included in a tour of this magnificent building conducted by Tony who demonstrated highly impressive knowledge and enthusiasm for history of both England and the Cathedral. The tour was informative and entertaining and gave us a far greater depth of understanding of all that has been invested in this shining example of our country's heritage. It was the high point of our visit to Salisbury.Visited January 2023Written 21 January 2023
- waifersTaunton, United Kingdom1 contributionAmazing tower tourDid the tower tour tower with our guide, Miguel. Wow!! It was awesome and had a real ‘pillars of the earth’ feel when up in the bell tower. It was such an experience to be in the rafters Looking at 1000 year old wooden support beams and hearing the bells chiming. I honestly couldn’t recommend this tour enough. There is obviously some climbing to do but it is done in stages and even though I was a little concerned, I managed it all with ease. The views make every step worth the climb. Thank you Miguel for all the information you gave, I learnt so much today and enjoyed every second of it 😀 you were a great guide.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 March 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
6,981 reviews
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212
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27
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21
Irene H
Eijsden, The Netherlands10 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
Went there with my 7 year old grandson and we had a great two hours looking at every nook and cranny of this beautiful cathedral. When it can keep my grandson busy and interacted then it must be good. He loved the history,the paintings graves and of course the Magna carta. Staff are every where and are very helpful. Bathroom was clean and tidy, but the little cafe to busy.
Written 1 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alison C
United Kingdom5 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
Wonderful cathedral, beautiful grounds, relaxing atmosphere. The staff are paid and voluntary and knowledgeable and pleasant to chat to. The fact that this huge building actually sits on just four feet of water is mind boggling. The toilets are clean and modern and the £11 ticket price is valid for one year! If you live in SP1 or SP2 postcode you don’t have to pay as you’re considered a local not a tourist.
Written 29 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DuckysWife
United Kingdom858 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Amazing place with interesting information. Saw the working restored medieval clock, and one of the 4 remaining Magna Carta. A funeral was taking place at the time but we were allowed to roam around most of the cathedral. Beautiful ceilings, huge font and huge stained glass windows.
Written 25 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ethel S
6 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
We had been to Stonehenge and wanted to complete the day with a visit here however on attempting to park the car we were asked for £8. As it was late in the day and as disabled pensioners, we were only going to be around an hour, we considered this excessive. The prices should be structured and we should not have to pay for a full day if only going to be an hour. We asked where the nearest disabled parking was but received no helpful advice. We had to park quite a distance (for a disabled person) which meant the time we intended to spend in the cathedral even less, so when we discovered it was £11 each to get in, we were really disappointed. We thought churches were free to enter and were intending to leave a donation but we could not justify spending £33 for an hour (or less). Because our trip was a birthday treat for one of our party, we insisted that he go in. Yes it was interesting and he enjoyed the visit but for what it is, it is very much overpriced. It is obviously priced for tourists, as is the shop and cafe but should not be out of the reach of the ordinary person, who is already struggling to manage on a fixed income.
Written 12 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Ethel, thank you for your comments. We have limited parking spaces and do not currently have the infrastructure to provide hourly parking in the Close. We attempt to keep the prices in line with local car parks, but we do appreciate your feedback. I've spoken to the traffic wardens in the hut and we are looking into getting some maps to highlight nearby car parks and level routes to the Cathedral for wheelchair users. Thank you again for your feedback, it really helps us to improve visitor experiences in the future.
Written 13 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mark J
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Family
This is a fantastic cathedral, one of the most beautiful in the UK and well worth a visit. The cafe is also great, with friendly staff and good coffee. However, the cloisters were disappointing. While they are the largest in England with two magnificent cedar trees planted to celebrate Queen Victoria’s accession, the cloisters are somewhat marred by a garish metal sculpture that’s awkwardly placed. It looks more like scrap metal waiting to be removed than what is apparently a permanent sculpture. There are also two giant flat panel displays that also intrude upon the quiet beauty of the cloisters. They weren’t even working when I was there. People don’t go to those beautiful ancient cathedrals to see flat panel televisions, working or not. Just get rid of them.
Written 11 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback. The screens sometimes play video interpretations and provide information on the Cloisters for visitors to watch. We are currently working on redoing our interpretation of the Cloisters and while there is restoration work underway the Cloisters may not always look their best. We are thrilled to hear all of your positive comments too, and very glad that you enjoyed your visit.
Written 13 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kev M
London, UK129 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Visited here 11 November 23 with family . Prices reasonable and the cathedral is very nice . The history is amazing and the staff are very friendly and helpful . I was a bit disappointed with the Magna Carta as it’s viewed inside a tent like structure but the history is there to read about . Overall it’s worth a visit which takes about an hour or so. There is also a cafe and a gift shop .
Written 11 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit to our Cathedral. Magna Carta is stored like this to help protect it from premature decay and to prolong its lifespan. We believe this is worth it to allow visitors to see such an important cultural document.
Written 13 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
rob363
Bridgend, UK82 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
This is somewhere I have always wanted to visit and am so happy we did. The whole experience was wonderful from the moment you walk through the ancient gate into the Close. Inside the cathedral itself, the guides are friendly and informative and there is plenty of time to explore and discover for yourself. There was also an invitation to be quiet and pray led by one of the priests, which I thought was lovely in such a historic place of worship. We were then able to see one of the only remaining copies of the Magna Carta in the fantastic, light filled Chapter House. A truly moving experience.
Written 1 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so glad that you finally managed to make it to our Cathedral, and that you had such a fantastic experience here! We are very lucky to have such amazing volunteer guides with such a wealth of knowledge. We would be delighted to welcome you back anytime. We recommend the limited time only Twilight Tower Tours for a uniquely breathtaking view of Salisbury.
Written 6 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cherrypete2013
Bournemouth, UK6 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
The climb up 5 spiral staircases to the base of the spire was worth it for the amazing views when we went out on the balcony and looked out over the city. We learnt loads about how the cathedral was made and saw the construction up close. The tour is limited to ten at a time so really intimate. In 1950 my mum went further and climbed up the outside of the spire and stood on the capstone at the top holding on to the cross - see attached photo- all whilst wearing a skirt!
Written 27 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow, that's amazing! Thank you so much for sharing that photo of your mum - what an image! We're so glad to hear that you enjoyed the Tower Tour and learning about our Cathedral. Why not try one of our other specialist tours on your next visit?
Written 6 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Musicians Mum
557 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
Photogenic ,sitting in the midst of the expansive close.
Entrance fee payable to enter the cathedral and the Magna Carta hall but one can enter the cloisters to access the refectory and the very clean, modern toilets.
If one is just including the visit as part of a city walk ,then walking though the magnificent gates, visiting the cloisters and encircling the building ,exiting the close via a different gate will still take an hour or so.
Entrance fee payable to enter the cathedral and the Magna Carta hall but one can enter the cloisters to access the refectory and the very clean, modern toilets.
If one is just including the visit as part of a city walk ,then walking though the magnificent gates, visiting the cloisters and encircling the building ,exiting the close via a different gate will still take an hour or so.
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We also think our Cathedral is incredibly photogenic, and if you have any amazing pictures we always love to share photos from visitors on our social media - just drop us a message. We're happy you took the time to take a wander with us.
Written 26 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
russell p
2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Excellent customer service from entry. Well organised and clean facilities. Stunningly beautiful inside and out. Wonderful to see the Magna Carter.
Written 23 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're so happy to hear you enjoyed your visit to our beautiful Cathedral. Magna Carta is truly a sight to behold! Why not come back and try one of our limited time only Twilight Tower Tours, beginning on 18 November and running until 23 December 2023.
Written 26 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Barbara S
Devon, UK35 contributions
How can I find out when a visit is possible?
Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury, UK1 contribution
You can visit now. We suggest checking the website before you visit for the most up to date information.
Kelly F
Moncton, New Brunswick3 contributions
We are contemplating booking the tower tour for Salisbury Cathedral, but are wondering how many steps there are between floors and how steep the steps are. Wondering if my bad knees would be up for it. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury, UK1 contribution
There are 332 steps in total, but it is broken up into 5 stages with opportunities to sit and rest in-between. Some of the stone spiral staircases date back to the 13th century and have no handrails, so care must be taken and we recommend wearing sensible footwear.
Jritchi
Saint Paul, MN43 contributions
What is the suggested donation to enter the Cathedral?
Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury, UK1 contribution
We suggest the following amounts:
Adults: £7.50
Children 5+: £3.00
Students 16+: £4.50
Seniors: £6.50
Families (2 adults + 3 children): £15.00
Groups of 10+: We offer special rates and packages - check our website
We ask for donations because we receive no funding from the Government or the Church of England towards our work. If you feel this is not right for you, then please give what you can. Thank you.
runny83
Arundel, UK245 contributions
Are dogs allowed inside?
Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury, UK1 contribution
Yes, well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.
Catherine H
Epsom, UK1 contribution
I'm not so good with heights, however I did manage the York Minster tower tour last year and loved the views from the top. Can anyone tell me how the Salisbury Tower tour compares with the York minster tower tour? TIA
realisticR99
170 contributions
We only visited Salisbury Cathedral at ground level and cannot answer your question. However be brave and enjoy your visit.
R
Doris B
USA349 contributions
Does the stairway up to the tower, and back down, have a hand rail? Is it a spiral stairway or another type of stairway?
Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury, UK1 contribution
The tower tour is broken up into different stages, and the stairways are mostly spiral. For some sections there is a rope that you can hold onto, but for some of the stone spiral staircases there are no handrails, so care must be taken.
I'm planning 2 day trip to Great Britain from Moscow, should I visit this Cathedral and have a look at its spire?
Maria T
Moscow, Russia14 contributions
You should go for sure. One day is enough to spend sone hours in the cathedral, probably join the Tower tour, and visit St Thomas Church nearby. If the weather is nice, you may take a tour bus from Salisbury station and go to Stonehenge and/or Old Sarum as well.
teacher123abc
los angeles1 contribution
where is salisbury relative to london? Does the train system go there?
Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury, UK1 contribution
Salisbury is very accessible from London and there are regular train and coach services that operate between the two cities. Salisbury is around 1.5 hours from London Waterloo via train and Salisbury Cathedral is only a 10-minute walk from Salisbury train station.
India122013
Crawley, UK67 contributions
Are there times when we can't access the cathedral on a Sunday?
Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury, UK1 contribution
Sunday is an important day of worship here so access to some areas of the Cathedral is restricted to general visitors during services.
We warmly invite you to attend a service to see the Cathedral in all its glory - Sunday worship times are as follows:
08.00 Holy Communion
09:15 Mattins
10:30 Eucharist with Sermon
16:30 Choral Evensong.
If you prefer not to join a service it is best to visit between 12 noon and 4pm on Sundays but do keep an eye on our website for seasonal additions.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta
- Hotels near Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta:
- (0.20 mi) Spire House
- (0.10 mi) Cathedral view, stunning 3 bedroom townhouse
- (0.16 mi) Sarum College
- (0.22 mi) The Chapter House
- (0.35 mi) The Riverside
- Restaurants near Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta:
- (0.02 mi) The Refectory
- (0.08 mi) Salisbury Museum Cafe
- (0.07 mi) Bell Tower Tea Rooms
- (0.10 mi) The Medieval Hall
- (0.21 mi) Cafe Diwali
- Attractions near Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta:
- (0.07 mi) The Salisbury Museum
- (0.15 mi) Mompesson House
- (0.15 mi) High Street Gate
- (0.29 mi) CITYRUN TAXI Service
- (0.28 mi) Vita Skin Spa