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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.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • Dubtraveler
    Dublin, Ireland115 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic roof top tour with brilliant guide. Thank you John Thurle!
    We visited the Cathedral at the end of September, and did the rooftop tour. We were a mixed group of friends, 2 from Wiltshire, 1 from Australia, and myselc and my wife from Ireland. We were fortunate to have a fantastic guide, John Thurle, who is a volunteer at the Cathedral. The tour itself was awesome, bringing us up firstly to a place where we could see the whole inside of the building, then on up into the roof space. After that we went up high into the tower, from which 4 doors lead out onto the roof. We were able to go out via 3 of these. (The other is closed due to nesting peregrine falcons). The views from up there are amazing. But what made the tour really special was our guide. He had just the right blend of information on the area, the history of the church, its architecture and quirky idiosyncrasies, allied to a good sense of humour, great interaction with the group, and to top it all, he ensured we got to the bell chamber just as the bells struck 12 noon! It was a great visit made all the more memorable by our fantastic guide. Many thanks John!
    Thank you for your kind words Brian, we're so glad to hear you had such a great Tower Tour. We will be sure to pass on your compliments to John.
    Written 10 October 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 4 October 2023
  • Rupert W
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Marvelous place!
    Salisbury Cathedral is a magnificent architectural masterpiece located in Salisbury, England. Here is a review of this historic cathedral: First and foremost, the grandeur of Salisbury Cathedral is awe-inspiring. The soaring spire, which stands at an impressive 404 feet, dominates the skyline and can be seen from miles away. The cathedral's exterior is adorned with intricate stonework, showcasing the craftsmanship and attention to detail of the builders. Once inside, visitors are greeted with a sense of tranquility and serenity. The interior of the cathedral is equally as impressive as its exterior. The high vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and beautiful wooden carvings create a peaceful atmosphere for reflection and contemplation. The sheer size of the cathedral is breathtaking, and it is easy to get lost in its vastness. One of the highlights of Salisbury Cathedral is the Chapter House, which houses the best-preserved copy of the Magna Carta. This historical document is a significant part of English history, and seeing it in person is a truly memorable experience. The cathedral also offers guided tours, allowing visitors to learn about the history, architecture, and religious significance of this iconic landmark. The knowledgeable guides provide fascinating insights and stories that bring the cathedral to life. In addition to its architectural and historical significance, Salisbury Cathedral also hosts various events and concerts throughout the year. Attending a musical performance in such a majestic setting is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed. Overall, Salisbury Cathedral is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, or simply seeking a moment of tranquility. Its beauty, historical significance, and peaceful ambiance make it a truly remarkable place to visit.
    Thank you so much for such a generous and eloquently put review! We're so glad to hear that our Cathedral resonated so strongly with you, and we look forward to welcoming you back for your next visit. Did you know that you have free readmission within a year with your entry ticket?
    Written 10 October 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 5 October 2023
  • Misqueen
    174 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful visit!
    Salisbury Cathedral is a gem. The Magna Carta room is very interesting. The people that work there are pleasant and so knowledgeable. One gentleman spent a lot of time talking to my husband about the history of the cathedral. There is a nice cafeteria and gift shop as well.
    We're so happy to hear you had a pleasant visit. We are very proud of all of our staff and volunteers, who work hard to ensure every visitor has a special experience at our Cathedral.
    Written 10 October 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 5 October 2023
  • J-from-Marysville
    Marysville, Ohio1,006 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful and worthwhile
    This is a beautiful cathedral. Entry is easy. We purchased our entry online. There was no waiting at the ticket booth when we arrived, either. Walking into the cathedral will take your breath away. We happened to walk in while the children's choir was practicing, which added a nice peacefulness. There is a guide pamphlet available to guide you around. There are also guided tours available. And docents are scattered around. The Magna Carter is available for viewing in a room, formerly used for meetings with the priests. It's a magnificent room itself. Allow at least an hour for your visit.
    We're so glad you had such a great visit, and made use of our online prebooking ticket discount. What brilliant timing to walk in during a choir rehearsal! We strongly recommend participating in one of our behind-the-scenes tours during your next visit. Details of these can be found on our website.
    Written 10 October 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 8 October 2023
  • Musicians Mum
    1,313 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Clean, modern toilets
    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.
    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.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 24 October 2023
  • Cherrypete2013
    Bournemouth, United Kingdom8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Breathtaking guided tour of the famous tower up to the spire base
    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!
    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.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 27 October 2023
  • rob363
    Bridgend, United Kingdom80 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing
    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.
    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.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 1 November 2023
  • Kev M
    London, United Kingdom186 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great historical place
    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 .
    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.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 11 November 2023
  • Mark J
    1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful cathedral marred by a few ugly intrusions of modern tech
    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.
    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.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 11 November 2023
  • DuckysWife
    United Kingdom1,506 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful inside and out
    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.
    Thank you for this review! We're so glad that you got to take the time to see such amazing pieces of history that we are so lucky to take care of.
    Written 4 December 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 25 November 2023
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles7,136 reviews
Excellent
5,437
Very good
1,430
Average
215
Poor
29
Terrible
25

garyc645
Manchester, UK120 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020
Visited the Cathedral while in Salisbury on a holiday with my wife. You book tickets online and pay a donation recommended to be £7.50 each, this is NOT mandatory, but pays for the upkeep of this magnificent building. the sheer size and architecture of the place left me personally awestruck. a visit to see one of the original Magna carta manuscripts is also on the agenda, over 800 years old and 38 years to build.A must see if you are in Salisbury.
Written 25 August 2020
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 the review. Please note from 1 September 2020 we are charging for visitor entry. For full information please visit our website.
Written 8 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

954lawrencem
Huntingdon, UK38 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020
The sign at the entrance to the cathedral suggested applying for tickets online or by phone. We wanted to buy tickets and find the shop and cafe which were not sign posted. After some time we found an attendant who told us the shop and cafe were inside the cathedral. When we went in there was a ticket booth near the shop - amazing! It was good to walk around ( there was a one - way system due to COVID - 19 ), but nowhere to sit and rest. The main stained glass window behind the alter was very dark as though something was covering it. The Magna Carta was on display within the chapter house and an attendant was on hand to explain how it was produced and copied. There is restoration work in progress and outside the exit were some examples of new carved stones.
Written 30 September 2020
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. We will look at how we can signpost our Welcome Desk better. We do have seating provided throughout the Cathedral, but it has been kept to a minimum to allow for regular sanitising and disinfecting.
Written 5 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

dingle0072016
Reading, UK191 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 • Couples
We visited Salisbury and toured the cathedral today, great experience such a magnificent place steeped in history very informative volunteers and super cool place. We paid the £15 donation as its run solely on donations and must say worth every penny. Very pleased indeed
Written 10 August 2020
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 so much for supporting our work with your generous donation.
Written 17 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

drizw11
Colchester, UK3 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021
We wanted to like this but much preferred ambling around the Close after dinner admiring the houses, many with fine gardens, external shutters and oriel windows.
There were some interesting carvings and plaques in the Cathedral, including that of oculist Dr Daubeney Turberville, but most were in latin (natch) so uncomprehensible.

Maybe we were disheartened by the cold, wet weather as left as soon as the sun shone despite paying £9 each for entry. Knowing that the tickets are valid for a year is unlikely to entice us back, though the sculptures on the lawns made us laugh out loud. One resembled a bright blue crashed flying saucer and another a pile of rusty beams on legs.....
BTW I I'm a member of the Round Tower Churches Society church art and an Art Fund pass holder for many years.
Written 26 May 2021
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 sorry your visit did not meet your expectations - we have worked hard recently to improve our visitor experience so this is disappointing. We would be interested to know more about your visit so please do contact us through our website so we can learn what we can improve (we are unable to share links on this forum).
Written 7 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Hotel inspector
12 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020 • Couples
Booked a tour of Salisbury Cathedral with my husband, the guide Rodney was engaging, informative, incredibly knowledgeable and very amusing with his stories and facts about the Cathedral and it's surroundings. To end a perfect insight into the roof space, bell tower and spire, we ended literally on a high with unspoilt far reaching views from the spire across the city of Salisbury. WELL DONE 👍
Written 9 March 2020
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.

Yorkterrier01
York, UK2,603 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2019
This is a really good place to visit. It is the third cathedral in Salisbury (the first two were at Old Sarum) and it has the tallest spire in the UK (as the certificate from the Guiness Book of World Records shows). A copy of the Magna Carta is held, under tight security, in the chapter house.

It is worth going on a spire tour as you get to go up, in stages, to the base of the spire, seeing its inner workings and also being able to go out and look across Salisbury with great views of teh city and Old Sarum.
Written 11 January 2020
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.

Gonzolongo
Edenbridge, UK185 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 • Family
The whole experience was well managed and the site itself impressive. There was a one way system in place and you need to book a time slot, but that did not impact the experience. The team on site were all very friendly and the actual cathedral towered above and had plenty to awe at. The kids also enjoyed the visit and there were plenty of fact files around to read. There was also art around the building which added an extra element that mixed the old with the new. The Magna Carta is available to see but there is a queue.... there was a replica in the main part of the cathedral which means you don’t have to wait. The grounds are also worth a wonder as there are several large art works to contemplate. Overall a good experience.
Written 22 August 2020
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.

Edward
Santa Rosa, CA3,237 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022
This is a magnificent cathedral, important especially for the tall spire and because it holds one of the four surviving Magna Carta documents. The Magna Carta is in a small covered cubicle in the chapter house,. Visitors go in to the chapter house and are allowed to see the Magna Carta one person/group at a time but it does not take long. The copy is in excellent condition. No photos of the document are allowed but outside there is a copy.

The cathedral is a magnificent example of English Gothic, basically at the earlier style prior to the later version known as English Perpendicular. The spire is the tallest in the UK. They offer tower tours at set times and one may book this in advance. I highly recommend it. It includes tour inside the ceiling vaults and inside the spire up to the top balcony, with views outside. The tour is informative and very enjoyable. The initial climb is a spiral staircase in the stone structure but there is a freestanding spiral staircase for the last part which some may find unpleasant.

I would allow a total of at least 2 hours and 3 hours easily with the tower tour, maybe more.
Written 22 August 2022
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.

JuliaG
23 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022
I visited on the 9th of August having prebooked a time slot. There did not appear to be a long wait if I had not done so. Due to the time I arrived, I did not take part in a cathedral tour but I did watch the clock demonstration and would recommend that people stop and watch this if they have the time.

The Magna Carta exhibition is worth a visit (and included in your ticket price) as the part of the cathedral it is housed in is beautiful.

I found the cathedral interesting with lots of fascinating history as well as plenty of quieter spots for prayer and contemplation.

The gift shop was not overly expensive and had the expected souvenirs. I had lunch at the café and the food was tasty and inexpensive.
Written 18 August 2022
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.

sue j
jersey, ci21 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
Following a wet & windy February, we were fortunate to enjoy our time in Salisbury in bright sunshine & under blue skies. The breathtaking view of the cathedral & the surrounding cathedral close in the spring sunshine was such a joy. We attended choral evensong & the Sunday morning service, immersing ourselves in the splendour of traditional cathedral music. We would recommend the tower tour which we experienced on a previous visit. Would suggest that you leave sufficient time to enjoy all that this beautiful cathedral has to offer, including The Refectory & the cathedral shop!
Written 12 March 2020
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 review. We hope to welcome you back again soon.
Written 15 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta

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