Salisbury Cathedral & Magna Carta

About

COVID-19 VISITENGLAND WE’RE GOOD TO GO ACCREDITED BUSINESS.

Salisbury Cathedral offers one superlative after another, including Britain’s tallest spire (123m) and the world’s oldest working mechanical clock, dating back to 1836. 

Visible from miles around, the Cathedral sits within an 80-acre walled Close with rolling green lawns fringed by historic houses. It is one of the finest examples of Early English Gothic architecture, built in just 38 years between 1220 and 1258. 

Visitors can stroll around the Cloisters that enclose a landscaped Garth, shaded by two large cedars planted to commemorate Queen Victoria accession to the throne. The Cloisters are the largest in the country and afford fabulous views of the Spire. Wooden crosses dedicated to soldiers who fought and died in the First War line the West Cloister Wall. 

The Cathedral is home to the finest surviving copy of the 1215 Magna Carta, one of only four remaining in the world. The priceless document is UNESCO protected and sits within a permanent Magna Carta exhibition in the Chapter House, which is a beautiful space in its own right and boasts a magnificent 13th century carved frieze depicting sixty Old Testament scenes.  

The exhibition has recently been updated to reflect the relevance of the medieval document in society today. Now containing multimedia displays, it explores how our rights and freedoms during lockdown and the Black Lives Matter protests were tested. 

There’s a spectacular art exhibition in place, Celebrating 800 years of Spirit and Endeavour, and special new exhibits which tell the story of our 800th anniversary this year - plus a range of fun activity sheets and guides for families. 

The Bell Tower Tea Rooms are open daily and have outdoor seating that overlook the Cathedral lawns and branching off of the Cloisters are the Cathedral Gift Shop and Refectory Restaurant, available Monday - Saturday. All are open from 10:00 – 16:00 (contactless payment only in the Tea Rooms and Refectory).  

Guided tours are not currently running, but self-guided leaflets are available. Dogs are welcome as long as they are on a lead. 

You can read our frequently asked questions here. 

We depend on income from visitors to raise the £14,000 it costs daily to maintain this incredible building and open it to the public.  

Tickets give unlimited access to Salisbury Cathedral and the 1215 Magna Carta for 12 months after the date of purchase. Advance booking is highly recommended due to current capacity restrictions.  

£8 for adults  

£5 for students (aged 13-18 years) 

Up to 6 children aged 12 and under are free with one adult ticket 

Pre-booking is essential in order to guarantee entry at your time of choice - tickets can be booked here.  

If you are a UK taxpayer and choose to Gift Aid your tickets, the Cathedral can gain an additional 25p for every £1 you spend at no additional cost to you. 

If you are unable to book your tickets online or would like support with getting tickets, please call us on 01722 512156 (available Monday - Friday, 09:00 - 17:00). 

Salisbury Cathedral has achieved the 'Good to go' COVID-19 tourism industry safety standard.