Salisbury Cathedral

Salisbury Cathedral has been a place of worship, welcome, and hospitality for over 800 years. Its Spire (the tallest in the country and a feat of medieval engineering) rises to a breath-taking 404ft/123m, guiding travellers, merchants, and pilgrims to the historic city.

The story of this great Cathedral is a tale of defiance and ingenuity that begins back in 1218, when the Bishop of Salisbury abandoned the original cathedral at Old Sarum, and moved down to the banks of the Avon, where the Cathedral stands today. You can learn the reasons for this move and about the people who made it happen by following the new family-friendly trail inside the Cathedral.

You can also discover how one of only four surviving original 1215 Magna Carta came to the Cathedral and view it in a special exhibition explaining its origins and continuing relevance to our lives today.

Time in the Cathedral is marked by the tick of the oldest working mechanical clock in the world, accompanied by the sound of water trickling from the contemporary baptismal font. The modern blue ‘Prisoners of Conscience’ window dominates the East end, a powerful reminder of the sacrifices that many have made, and still make, to protect freedom and justice.

In the Cathedral’s Refectory Restaurant, ancient and modern combine with the glass roof offering a stunning view of the Spire above. Next door, the Cathedral Gift Shop offers a wide range of products from homemade chutneys to jewellery, books, and traditional travel mementos. From late Spring until Autumn, the seasonal Bell Tower Tea Rooms provide a wide range of snacks and refreshments, served at tables and chairs on the North Lawn.

Outside, the Cathedral’s Close is Britain’s largest, an oasis in the city with rolling green lawns fringed by historic houses - perfect for picnics!

There are four other attractions to visit in the Close - Salisbury Museum, The Rifles Museum, the National Trust’s Mompesson House and Arundells - each offering a special insight into the history of this charming city.

Be sure to check what’s on before you visit – the Cathedral hosts a wide range of tours, musical performances and family friendly events throughout the year. It is dog friendly too – as long as your furry friend is well behaved and on a lead!

    • City Centre Location
    • Dog Friendly
    • Disabled Access

  • General opening times are listed below. However, as a living church there may be times where the Cathedral is closed to visitors. Before making a booking or setting out to visit please check the latest information about closures on the Salisbury Cathedral website.

    Cathedral and Chapter House with Magna Carta (standard opening hours)
    Monday - Saturday: 09:30 - 17:00 (with last bookable entry slot at 16:00)
    Sunday: 12:30 - 16:00 (with last bookable entry slot at 15:00)
    (The Chapter House and Magna Carta open 30 minutes after the Cathedral opens to visitors)

    Refectory Restaurant
    Monday - Saturday: 09:30 – 17:00 (last orders 16:45)
    Sunday: 10:00 - 16:00 (last orders 15:45)

    Bell Tower Tea Rooms (open March-September)
    Monday - Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00
    Sunday: 10:00 - 16:00

    Gift Shop:
    Monday - Saturday: 09:30 - 17:00
    Sunday: 11:00 - 16:00


    Ticket prices

    All tickets are valid for repeat visits to the Cathedral for 12 months from the date of purchase* - avoid disappointment and save time on the day by booking in advance online.

    Adults £10 in advance, £12 on the day

    Students (17+ with valid student ID)  £6.50 in advance, £7.50 on the day

    Young people (12 - 16 years)  £7.50 in advance, £8.50 on the day

    Children under 12  Free

    Residents of SP1, SP2 and Laverstock Free (with proof of residence)

    Friends of Salisbury Cathedral Free

    Refectory Restaurant and Gift Shop are free to enter.

    For those unable to book in advance online, a telephone booking service is available on 01722 512156 from 09:00 - 17:00 Monday - Friday only.

    Tickets to Salisbury Cathedral is also included in The Stonehenge Tour, along with Stonehenge and Old Sarum.

    Parking - There is limited parking available within the Cathedral Close at a fixed cost of £10.00 for the whole day, this includes disabled car park spaces. There is a charge of £1 for motorcycles. 

    The nearest public car parks are Lush House (SP2 7TD) and the the Old George Mall (SP1 2PH), both about a 5-minute walk from the Cathedral Close. Park and Ride stations are also located on all main routes into the city.

    Salisbury railway station is under ten minutes away by foot, and the Cathedral is a short stroll away from the City centre and Charter market.

    There is a coach drop-off point in Exeter Street, which is a short level walk to the Cathedral.

    Accessibility - The Cathedral floor, Chapter House, cloisters, the Refectory Restaurant, shop and toilets are all fully wheelchair accessible. Three wheelchairs are available to borrow during your visit – ask at the Welcome Desk for more details. 

    There is also: 

    • A ‘touch and feel’ model of the Cathedral with a linked commentary for those with sight difficulties (currently suspended due to Covid-19)
    • A hearing loop system during services
    • Large print versions of hymn books and service sheets on request
    • Water for assistance dogs, which you will find near the Refectory Restaurant entrance

     

    * Please note that your return visit may not be valid for certain special events during the year.

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