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Salisbury Cathedral Tower Tour

• Salisbury Cathedral, 6 The Close, Salisbury, SP1 2EF
• 11:15 and 14:15 Monday to Saturday
• 01722 555150
• [email protected]

For many people, the Tower Tour is the absolute highlight of their visit to Salisbury Cathedral.

Wind your way up narrow spiral staircases climbing 332 steps in easy stages into our ancient roof spaces to the foot of our iconic spire, 68 metres above ground level. On your tour you will enjoy spectacular sights -an uninterrupted aerial view of the inside of the Cathedral, the inside of the spire supported by medieval wooden scaffolding and panoramic views of Salisbury and surrounding water meadows. Our experienced guides will tell you all about the construction of this architectural masterpiece.

Tours are scheduled daily Monday - Saturday at 11:15 and 14:15 and includes admission in to the Cathedral and Chapter House with Magna Carta on the day of your tour.

• From £90 for a group of up to 6

Booking information:

Advance booking is highly recommended This tour runs daily all year round Tours may be restricted or cancelled in the event of high winds We regret that children under the age of 7 or anyone under the height of 1.2m cannot participate in this tour due to health and safety regulations Each child aged 7-10 must be individually accompanied by a responsible adult. For 11-17 year-olds, there must be at least one adult for every five children Dogs are not permitted on this tour Some of the stone spiral staircases date back to the 13th century and have no handrails, so care must be taken Sensible footwear is essential – no high heels, bare feet or flip flops. Sandals must be securely fastened Tickets cost £90 for adults for up to 6 people. (Group bookers please click here to enquire) Tour lasts around 105 minutes, but timings can vary.

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• 10 min read

SALISBURY CATHEDRAL: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO VISITING IN 2023

Salisbury Cathedral is world renowned for its beauty, its tallest spire and its unique Gothic architecture, as well as its location in the stunning Cathedral Close. People travel miles to see it, and it welcomes over 600,000 visitors a year, many including it in a trip to nearby Stonehenge.

If you're visiting Salisbury Cathedral and want to know what you shouldn't miss, here we have the definitive guide written by a local.

Click on the links to skip to the part you want:

1. Basic Facts >>

2. Top 12 must see highlights of a visit to Salisbury Cathedral >>

3. Visiting details to help you plan your visit, book tickets and tower tours >>

4. Suggestions for other places to visit within a 10 minute walk of the Cathedral Close >>

5. Where to eat when visiting Salisbury Cathedral >>

6. Getting to Stonehenge from Salisbury Cathedral >>

7. Where to stay when visiting Salisbury Cathedral >>

1. Basic facts about Salisbury Cathedral

Salisbury Cathedral has the tallest spire in the UK at 123 metres (404 feet).

It was built 800 years ago (in 1220) and is unique in that it was built in a short time span - 38 years - so it is all of the same style of architecture - Early English Gothic.

The foundations are only 70 cm deep and it is constructed on a barely drained watery swamp.

The Cloisters (covered walkway) are the largest in the UK.

The Cathedral Close is the largest in the UK at 80 acres.

It holds one of only 4 copies of the Magna Carta in the world - the one here is the best preserved copy of them all.

It contains the world's oldest working mechanical clock which dates from around 1386.

2. Top Must-See Attractions in Salisbury Cathedral

Most visitors visit the main body of the cathedral first, starting near the West Door and working their way down the nave to the altar and the transepts. The tower is only available to those who are doing a tower tour (see below for booking details.) When you leave the main body of the church, you exit into the Cloisters, where you will find the Chapter House and the Magna Carta. A walk round the Cloisters will then lead you to the restaurant, the gift shop and the exit. This list of Must-See Attractions is in the order you are likely to encounter them.

The Tower and Spire

The cathedral was originally a rather squat looking building until the magnificent spire was added in 1310 - 1330. The top-heavy weight of the stone on a building with such shallow foundations has meant that it has caused some damage to the structure of the cathedral over the years. The spire itself still has the medieval scaffolding used to repair it when it was first damaged in the 14th century. Christopher Wren wrote a report on how to stop the spire shifting in 1668, and the iron bands he advised were added in 1670. They are still there today and have prevented further structural damage.

You can go on a tower tour which takes you up into the roof, right to the base of the spire and out onto the parapet with far reaching views over the city - it is a fascinating look at the upper reaches of the cathedral and most definitely worth doing if you get the chance.

Read all about taking a Salisbury Cathedral Tower Tour, how to book, what there is to see and the history of the tower and spire >>

You can also see the original 14th century cross which was once at the top of the spire, encased in 18th century copper; it was replaced in 1950. It now sits in the north quire of the cathedral near the pulpit.

The world's oldest working mechanical clock

Believed to be the world's oldest working mechanical clock, although there are other contenders for that title, this faceless clock is thought to date from 1386. It was originally housed in the adjacent Bell Tower, which was severely damaged in the Civil War and eventually destroyed altogether.

The clock has no face and instead strikes once on the hour, although this mechanism is often clamped to prevent it from striking. It still has to be hand wound each day by cathedral staff.

Tombs and Memorials

There is a wide variety of traditional tombs and memorials, the oldest being that of Bishop Osmund, Bishop of the forerunner to the cathedral at Old Sarum. Other notables include William Longspee, son of Henry II and half brother to King John who signed the Magna Carta, Mary Herbert who is recognised as the first English female poet, World War I poet Edward Tennant and as well as Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath, who lived in the Close.

There are other lesser known, but no less fascinating individuals, buried and memorialised within the cathedral bounds. You can read more about them and their stories in this article on Tombs and Memorials to look out for in Salisbury Cathedral >>

The Infinity Font

The Infinity Font is a beautiful, modern font right in the centre of the nave.

Added in 2008 as the cathedral hadn't had a font for over 200 years, the font was designed and created by William Pye, renowned water sculptor. It is the only font to have its own water supply and power source, and the only one which is centre stage in a cathedral, rather than tucked away as so many other fonts are.

It is 10 feet across and in a cruciform shape. The water is so still that it looks like a mirror, leading to some incredible reflective photos from visitors.

Apparently one visitor was so convinced it was glass she put her handbag on it - with rather soggy consequences. The water leaves the font in streams at the sides, running into channels in the floor. Although it took a while for locals to warm to its presence in the cathedral, we now love it and wouldn't be without it.

The Prisoners of Conscience Window and Amnesty Candle

At the East end of the cathedral behind the altar is a large, blue stained glass window dedicated to Prisoners of Conscience, and a candle wrapped in barbed wire which is kept permanently alight in memory of those who are imprisoned for their beliefs.

Each morning at 7.30am, the members of the cathedral community meet there and pray for Amnesty International's Prisoner of Conscience for that month.

The Bumping Stone

The Bumping Stone is in the south choir aisle, part of a ledge where for centuries male choristers have been initiated into their role in the cathedral choir on the day they get their surplices.

Their heads are gently bumped seven times against the stone, and as you can see from the size of the dent, this practice has been going on for some time. Salisbury Cathedral was the first to have a girls choir in 1991 - their heads are gently bumped on a bible instead.

Father Willis Organ

The cathedral are very proud of their Father Willis organ, which is over 140 years old and an important piece of musical heritage, considered to be the best pipe organ in the country. It still sounds the same as it did in 1877 as although it has been restored, it has never been updated or modernised.

You will hear it if you attend any of the services, or if you are visiting while it is being tuned. They do warn you about the tuning in advance as it is not the easiest of sounds on the ear - find out the tuning dates in advance and read more about the organ here >>

The Chapter House

The Chapter House is where meetings were held by the clergy, and was in daily use until the Reformation, when it fell into some disrepair. It has since been restored. It is a polygonal room with high vaulted ceiling supported by a central column, stained glass windows and a frieze of stills from Genesis around the spandrels, some of which were destroyed during the 17th century. The floor is 19th century tiles emulating the original medieval inlaid tiles. Overall it is an impressive and dramatic space, and hosts changing exhibitions from the cathedral archives or about the Magna Carta.

The Chapter House isn't always open every time the cathedral is, so check here before you go if it will be open. It is usually open Monday - Saturday, 10am - 5pm.

The Magna Carta

The star attraction of the Chapter House, the Magna Carta is housed in a shrouded tent to protect it from the light. It is one of only four remaining copies, and is the best preserved of them all.

Written in 1215 and signed under pressure by King John in a field in Runnymede, it is the foundation of human rights in the Anglo-American legal systems, declaring the rights and liberties held by free men and that the King is not above the law.

Salisbury has a copy of the Magna Carta because present at Runnymede was Elias of Dereham, who was steward to the Archbishop of Canterbury. Once Magna Carta was sealed, he was entrusted with delivering ten of the thirteen copies made, one of which was given to the original cathedral at Old Sarum. He later oversaw construction of Salisbury Cathedral and transferred the Magna Carta across.

The Cloisters

The cloisters in Salisbury are the largest in the country and were built just five years after the main body of the cathedral. The two cedar trees were planted about 150 years ago to commemorate Queen Victoria's ascension to the throne.

There is a rather odd Barbara Hepworth sculpture in the corner of the green, called Construction (Crucifixion), gifted to the cathedral by the artist in 1969.

Visitors can walk round the cloisters but not in the central area. There are memorials on the walls, including some poignant wooden crosses from the original graves of World War I soldiers, before their permanent headstones were put in place.

One side of the cloisters is filled with tables for visitors to the Refectory restaurant to be able to eat and drink while admiring the view.

Peregrine Falcons

Peregrine Falcons were regular visitors to the cathedral over the centuries, with records of them nesting in the tower from 1864 - 1953.

They disappeared for many years due to the use of dangerous pesticides and being hunted, but they returned to the tower in 2014 in a specially built nest box made by the Cathedral Works Team.

Since then they have hatched and fledged from the tower every year (except for 2018 when a territorial battle between two females prevented it) and they now have their own You Tube channel live stream, in breeding season, where you can watch them hatching.

Depending on the time of year you visit, you may well be able to see them swooping and wheeling in the skies above when are you are in the Cathedral Close.

Art Installations

The cathedral has regular and ever changing art exhibitions both within its walls and outside in the Close. Some of these are fantastic and well worth seeing if you get the chance. They range from static displays to light shows such as the incredible Sarum Lights in Feb 2020 which filled the cathedral with a wall of colours, lights and sounds.

You can find out what art events they have coming up here >>

The Library

The cathedral's library is only open for tours or on special open days but keep an eye on the Events and What's On page to see when it is open. You can read about a visit to the library here >>

3. Visiting Salisbury Cathedral

Getting to salisbury cathedral.

Train: There are regular trains from cities such as London and Bath. Book your tickets 12 weeks in advance to get the largest discounts. Salisbury train station is a 5-10 minute easy walk to the cathedral, or you can get a taxi from the taxi rank outside the station - no pre-booking required.

Bus: There are regular buses into and around Salisbury with several bus stops just outside the Cathedral Close. Find your bus >>

Car: It is not advisable to park in the Cathedral Close. Instead your best bet is to park in the central car park at SP1 3SL and walk the 5 minutes to the cathedral. If you are coming from out of town, consider using one of the Park & Ride sites, as traffic in Salisbury can be busy and confusing at times.

Opening hours: Monday - Saturday, 9.30 - 5pm

You can book in advance or just show up - tickets are cheaper if you book in advance.

Ticket Prices:

Adults: £8 advance, £9 on the day

Students (13-18 years): £5 advance, £6 on the day

Children under 13: Free

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

Book tickets here >>

Tower Tours

At the moment you can only book for a group to go on a tower tour, at £90 for 6 people. Once the pandemic is fully over, hopefully they will go back to allowing people to just book individual spaces on a tour. It is however a fantastic tour and well worth doing if you can. No under 7s and you need a reasonable level of fitness to get up all the steps.

Book Tower Tour tickets here >>

4. Other places to visit within a 10 minute walk of Salisbury's Cathedral Close

(Click on the pictures for further details)

5. Where to eat when visiting Salisbury Cathedral

The cathedral has a good refectory in the Cloisters where you can get full meal, snack or just a drink. It is a modern addition to the building with a glass ceiling where you can look up at the spire.

Both Salisbury Museum and the Rifles Museum in the Cathedral Close have a café where you can get snacks and drinks - if it is a sunny day you can sit outside and admire the cathedral.

Just a four minute walk away is the 16th century New Inn - a traditional British pub with excellent food and a large, verdant garden. It is well worth a visit.

6. Getting to Stonehenge from Salisbury Cathedral

By car: Leave Salisbury on the A360 heading north. It is a straight line out of town and takes about 20 minutes. Go straight over the roundabout with the A303 and turn right into the Stonehenge car park.

By bus: Walk from the Cathedral to Salisbury train station - it is a 5 minute walk. Outside the station there are regular buses with their own dedicated bus stop which will take you straight there. Find timetables and prices here >>

Don't want to pay to see Stonehenge?

Why not do a walk in the wider ancient landscape and walk from Woodhenge to Stonehenge , seeing both for free?

7. Where to stay when visiting Salisbury Cathedral

There is plenty of choice when it comes to finding somewhere to stay in Salisbury. If you are looking for something independently owned or a bit quirky, try our Independently owned accommodation in Salisbury page. Otherwise, have a look on Booking.com (below) who give you the advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours before you stay on most of their properties.

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Salisbury Cathedral

What to expect when visiting salisbury cathedral.

Salisbury Cathedral is one of the most popular Cathedrals in England to visit and the spire, the tallest in England, dominates the skyline of Salisbury as you approach the city.

Every year over 600,000 visitors come from all over the world to the Cathedral and Close, the largest and best preserved Cathedral Close in Britain.

How to get into Salisbury Cathedral

The Cathedral sits within the Close, one of the few left intact. The only way to enter the Close is still through one of the two main gates, impressive in their own right. They look like gates that are part of old medieval city walls, but the walls and gates are to keep the towns people out, not to protect the city.

About Salisbury Cathedral   Admission   Visiting Salisbury Cathedral   Around the Cathedral  

About Salisbury Cathedral

The Cathedral was begun in 1220, and finished, with the exception of the tower and spire, in 1258.

Salisbury Cathedral was built after the clergy abandoned the Cathedral at Old Salisbury ( Old Sarum ) on the hill above modern day Salisbury. Moving down into the valley by the River Avon.

Because of the relative speed in which the Cathedral was built it is unusually complete in one style. One of the amazing facts about the Cathedral is that the foundations are only 4 feet deep. Astounding when you stand next to the immense stone structure.

The Cathedral was built as a Catholic Church but after Henry VIII the Cathedral it became Church of England.

Today it is very much a working Cathedral, opening hours are frequently changed for religious events so do check in advance.

Magna Carta at Salisbury Cathedral

Especially for US visitors, the highlight of a trip to Salisbury Cathedral is often seeing the Magna Carta in the Chapter House.

Salisbury Cathedral’s Magna Carta is one of only four surviving original documents from 1215. The Magna Carta is over 800 years old and is still today a powerful symbol of social justice.

An original document drawn up to proclaim the freedoms and rights of individuals under the rule of law; this practice went on to be adopted across the globe. Magna Carta established the right of trial by jury and ensured that no one, including the crown, was above the law.

Mechanical clock

In the nave you can see what is probably the  oldest working mechanical clock in the world , dating to 1386. There are no hands and no clock face; rather, it rings a chime of bells every hour. It was originally built to call the bishops to services.

Salisbury Cathedral admission fee, guides, and facilities

For visitors this is not a Cathedral that you just wander in, there is an admission fee. You can get the cheapest prices by booking online in advance (£9 in advance, £11 walk-up price). Most people just wander through the Cathedral, ending up at the Chapter House for the Magna Carta.

There is a good sized gift shop and restaurant by the cloisters.

Volunteer guides are very good and enthusiastic and worth taking advantage off, though on Sundays probably won't be available.

Tower Tours (extra charge) are very popular, lasting up to 2 hours and should be booked in advance.

Tower Tours at Salisbury Cathedral

When to visit and how long you will need at Salisbury Cathedral

Sundays are not a great day to visit with services, non availability of volunteer guides and often closed off sections. Access to the Chapter House and Magna Carta is not always as advertised.

Most people who just walk through the Cathedral take up to an hour, but some stay a bit longer. There is a reasonably priced self guided walking tour book available on entrance.

Allow enough time to absorb the architecture, learn a bit about the history of the cathedral and make time of course to see the Magna Carta and the oldest mechanical clock.

Salisbury Close - around the Cathedral

Just as there is more to the cathedral than the spire, so there is more to the city than the cathedral. A wide green space, The Close, surrounds the Cathedral. The Close, essentially a walled city within the city, is ringed by wonderful period houses, many of them now museums you can enter.

Mompesson House (National Trust)

A perfect example of Queen Anne architecture and was built for Charles Mompesson in 1701. It is noted for its elegant and spacious interior, especially the magnificent plasterwork and fine oak staircase. See the important Turnbull collection of 18th century drinking glasses, fine period furniture and charming walled garden with its garden tea room.

Mompesson House featured as Mrs Jennings' London home in the award-winning film `Sense and Sensibility.'

Mompesson House is now owned by the National Trust.

The Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum (The Wardrobe)

This popular museum displays with a vast collection of artefacts from the Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiments. The Wardrobe dates from 1254 and was known as the Wardrobe having been used as a clothing and document store by bishops in the 14th century.

In addition to the museum there is a lovely mature garden with established trees, planted areas and a lawn flowing down to the river.

You can buy a ticket just to enter the garden, and an annual garden membership (for just a few pounds) is used by many locals so they can take time out in the beautiful surroundings.

The Rifleman's Table Cafe is situated next to the museum offering coffee, cake, lunches and more.

Salisbury Museum

Salisbury Museum is the home of the award-winning, redesigned Stonehenge Gallery, the Monkton Deverill gold torch, and the now famous Warminster Jewel and the famous `Amesbury Archer.'

Displays include Early Man, the Romans and Saxons, history of Old Sarum and Salisbury (with the renowned Giant and Hob Nob), the Pitt Rivers collection, pottery, porcelain and Wedgwood in beautiful 17th century rooms, a pre-NHS surgery, costume, lace and embroidery.

MOST POPULAR TOURS FROM LONDON 2024

Visiting stonehenge and/or windsor and/or bath, visiting cotswolds and/or oxford and/or stratford and/or warwick, visiting canterbury, leeds castle & dover, special theme tours, day tours by train to liverpool, paris & scotland, 2 to 12 day tours covering great britain, ireland, paris & amsterdam.

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Stonehenge & Salisbury Cathedral | DRIVER TOUR

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Proceed booking, or continue as guest, tour start times, stonehenge & salisbury cathedral.

VEHICLE & DRIVER SERVICE ONLY

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“This was always on our “to do list”. Was very happy to book with Dorset Tours, from the start the communication through to execution was excellent.”

• Visit the magical ancient site of Stonehenge Learn about the millennia of use that created Stonehenge as we see it today!
• Solve the mystery of the "Blue" stones! To this day the mystery remains about the stone circle and how the ‘Blue’ stones that make up the henge were transported from as far away as Wales!
• Visit the historic and market town of Salisbury! Wander the streets of one of Britain's first and oldest cities!
• Explore Salisbury Cathedral, built in 1220 View the tallest and most beautiful church building in Britain!
• See the Magna Carta! The medieval document written in 1215, that forms the foundation of the rule of law and many countries’ constitutions.

Please note that tickets to the Stonehenge & Salisbury Cathedral are not included in the cost of this tour. Before your tour date, it’s essential to check for any special events or occurrences at Stonehenge & Salisbury Cathedral and secure your tickets in advance or be prepared to purchase at the gate. We cannot be held accountable if you are unable to gain entry due to a lack of pre-purchased tickets or failure to check the attractions schedule.

WHAT DOES "VEHICLE & DRIVER" MEAN?

The English Heritage and the National Trust do not allow private guides or drivers on site.

You’ll have a dedicated driver to orientate you at each site and give you a time to be back at the minibus. Whilst not a traditional guide, they’ll make sure you’re all set for your own adventure!

QUICK FAQ's

What is your cancellation policy.

Cancel more than 7 days before the tour: Full refund .

Cancel 3-6 days before the tour: 50% refund .

Cancel less than 3 days before the tour: No refund .

No show, cancellation on the day or after the tour has started: No refund .

Cruise Ship Fails to Dock

We strongly advise obtaining comprehensive travel insurance for your journey. It offers invaluable peace of mind, providing coverage for unexpected instances such as missed ports or tour cancellations.

In unforeseen circumstances, like your ship not docking, we ensure 50% of your payment is returned to you. This approach aims to mitigate your disappointment, while reasonably covering the preparatory costs of your tour, like hired guides, insurance, equipment and vehicle reservations.

*Be aware: An international reversal transaction cost can be incurred by third party booking software (Stripe), your bank or credit card company. International reversal transaction costs can be up to 15%. This is out of our control.

When do we return to the ship?

Our first priority is getting you back to the ship on time.

We ensure you arrive at least 1 hour before your scheduled departure time.

If your time on shore becomes limited, some of the attractions on the itinerary may vary in order to get you back to the ship on time. This is not negotiable.

When does the tour start?

Your tour is carefully planned to align with the arrival and departure times of your cruise ship.

You’ll receive an email with your tour start times along with your meet and greet instructions 2-3 weeks prior to your tour date.

Any questions – drop Sally an email: [email protected]

Do you pick up from the Port?

Portland Port is a working commercial port and they do not allow you to roam freely.

You are permitted to get the FREE BLUE SHUTTLE BUS that transports you to our location. (See the shuttle bus in photo below)

Portland Castle a 3 minute ride from your ship.

One of our representatives will be waiting for you as you exit the shuttle.

Why a Guided Tour outshines a Taxi ride!

Exploring the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is no ordinary journey. So why opt for an ordinary taxi ride? Here’s why a guided tour truly outshines a simple taxi trip:

1. Knowledge is Power : Our guides are not just drivers; they’re storytellers, historians, and lovers of the coast. They provide rich, contextual information about the region’s 185 million years of history, ensuring you don’t just see the sights, but truly understand them.

2. Tailored Experiences : A taxi might take you from Point A to Point B, but our guided tours cater to your interests, making spontaneous stops at lesser-known gems, or lingering at spots that intrigue you the most.

3. Local Insights : Our guides have a wealth of local knowledge . Whether it’s a recommendation for the best seafood restaurant, a hidden beach, or an age-old legend associated with a landmark, you’ll gain insights only a local can provide.

4. Time-Saving : No need to navigate, research, or plan. Our guides have the entire tour streamlined, ensuring you see the best in the time you have, without the guesswork.

5. Safety and Comfort : Our priority is your well-being. With a knowledgeable guide, you’re in safe hands, ensuring you stick to safe paths and avoid any potential hazards of the coast.

Ditch the generic taxi ride. Choose a journey where every moment is crafted for discovery , wonder, and memory-making. Dive deep into the Jurassic Coast’s wonders with a guided tour!

Why book a small group tour?

Smaller groups, Its Cheaper & You See More! Cruise ship excursions come with a premium price tag and they tend to follow a one-size-fits-all approach. We offer competitive cheaper prices tailored to smaller groups, providing excellent value for money with a more personalized experience!

Make the most of it! Our local knowledgeable guides, well-versed in the region’s history and culture, can provide in-depth insights, creating a richer and more immersive journey. So, embark on a journey of discovery and let us guide you through the wonders of the Jurassic Coast.

FULL ITINERARY

Stonehenge & salisbury itinerary (in detail), depart portland.

Meet and greet your fellow passengers for the day ahead to Stonehenge. We will always wait for those running late.

Here you’ll have free time to visit the magical ancient site of Stonehenge World Heritage Site. Learn about the millennia of use that created Stonehenge as we see it today. Fortress, calendar, temple or hospital? You decide!

Salisbury & Salisbury Cathedral

Explore the historic city and market town of Salisbury that grew up around the cathedral. Visit Salisbury Cathedral, built in 1220, the tallest and most beautiful church building in Britain. Within the Cathedral view the best preserved copy of the Magna Carta, the medieval document written in 1215, that forms the foundation of the rule of law and many countries’ constitutions.

Head back to Portland

Heading back to Weymouth through the Wiltshire countryside, start uploading those spectacular shots you caught to social media!

Arrive Portland Port

*Times and itinerary variations should be expected due to opening times, traffic conditions and site availability.

MINIMUM NUMBER

This tour needs a minimum number of passengers to operate. If this number is not met before your tour date you will be contacted and offered another tour (if available) or the tour will be cancelled and you will be refunded in full.

Salisbury Cathedral

Opt for the all inclusive ticket to take in a visit to Britain’s finest Medieval Cathedral and see one of the world’s most famous documents, the 1215 Magna Carta.

Set against a backdrop of the beautiful Wiltshire countryside, surrounded by historic buildings and museums within the spectacular Cathedral Close, it’s easy to see why many visitors find Salisbury Cathedral a place of inspiration and tranquillity.

Marvel at the stunning Gothic architecture and explore the past and the present of this living church. Explore 800 years of history by viewing the best preserved original Magna Carta, it celebrated it’s 800th anniversary in 2015. And don’t forget to take some time out to explore the gifts available in the shop or to enjoy a snack or meal in the newly refurbished Refectory Restaurant gazing up at the soaring Spire for which Salisbury Cathedral is so famous.

If you run out of time your Stonehenge Tour ticket is valid up to 48 hours after the date you take the bus tour at the Cathedral, and visitors are very welcome to join services so why not come to our daily Evensong?

Before you book

For Salisbury Cathedral opening times and scheduled closures, please check here: Closures March 24

Visiting Times

For more information, visiting times, details of tower tours, exhibitions and events, see: Salisbury Cathedral website .

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Attend a service

Services take place every day at Salisbury Cathedral. For the most up-to-date service and music information, please see the current music scheme

For more information about our regular worship, please see our Service Schedule

Our Services

• Monday - Saturday 09:30 – 17:00
• Sunday 12:30 - 16:00

Worship and Music

You can join us in person at our regular services, or from the comfort of your home through a livestream. Either way, we’d like to invite you to join us in prayer and experience our rich tradition of worship and musical excellence.

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• Friends of Salisbury Cathedral

Enjoy the serenity and splendour of this stunning Cathedral, gaze up at Britain’s tallest spire, explore Britain’s largest Cathedral Close and Cloisters, see the world’s oldest mechanical clock and the best-preserved original 1215 Magna Carta – all in one beautiful place.

Our Cathedral and community share over 800 years of history. Come and explore the secrets of ‘the Cathedral that moved’ and learn about what it takes to restore and conserve this historic building for future generations.

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Beyond Stonehenge: How To Explore The Prehistoric Landscape Of Salisbury Plain

• Salisbury Plain, known for Stonehenge, is a historic site in southern England with stunning views and a rich archaeology to explore.
• Beyond Stonehenge, visitors can discover the Avebury Stone Circle, West Kennet Long Barrow, Windmill Hill, and Silbury Hill.
• Salisbury Cathedral, with its impressive architecture and Tower Tour, is a must-visit site that offers a glimpse into the region's history.

Salisbury Plain, the expansive, windswept region of southern England, is famous for its iconic monument, Stonehenge. It is one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world. The monument is a massive stone circle that was built roughly 4,000 to 5,000 years ago and was part of a larger sacred landscape. Stonehenge is a popular tourist destination, perfect for a weekend road trip .

Stonehenge is undoubtedly the most famous prehistoric site in the area, but there are many other sites to explore beyond Stonehenge. Visitors can explore the area on foot, by bike, or by car, and they can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside. In this comprehensive guide, explore how to make the most of one's visit to Salisbury Plain , going beyond the stone circle to uncover its rich history, archeological sites, and breathtaking landscapes.

Related: Stonehenge At Sunset: How To Have A Magical Evening At This Ancient Site

The History Of Salisbury Plain

Salisbury Plain is located in the Bay of Isles. James Cook discovered Salisbury during his second voyage in 1772–1775. It made its way onto the British Admiralty charts in 1931, bearing its name in homage to the Salisbury Plain in England.

This plain in southern England spans 300 square miles and is primarily composed of chalk, a part of a network of chalk downlands that extends through eastern and southern England. It mostly resides within Wiltshire County but stretches into Hampshire.

Renowned for its rich archeology, including the iconic Stonehenge, the plain holds the distinction of being the largest remaining area of calcareous grassland in northwest Europe, despite significant portions dedicated to military training. It also features arable land, pockets of beech trees, and coniferous woodland, with Easton Hill being its highest point.

Historically, the Neolithic period saw early settlements on the plain, particularly around the causewayed enclosure of Robin Hood's Ball. The Bronze Age brought further settlement, with areas near Durrington Walls and Stonehenge becoming focal points. Iron Age hill forts sprang up around the plain's periphery.

Roman roads, villas, and Anglo-Saxon settlements left their marks, and the medieval period brought prosperity through the wool and cloth trade.

In the mid-19th century, as the textile industry waned, the plain shifted from sheep farming to agriculture and military use. The introduction of chalk carvings, such as the Westbury White Horse, added cultural significance.

The area was also used for military training during World War I and World War II, and it is still used for military training today.

Things To Do At Salisbury Plain (Beyond Stonehenge)

While Stonehenge is undoubtedly the most famous prehistoric site in the area, there are many other archeological sites to explore beyond Stonehenge , plus more to see.

The Avebury Stone Circle

A short drive from Stonehenge, the Avebury Stone Circle is an equally remarkable prehistoric site, often referred to as the 'Stonehenge of the North.' This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts the world's largest stone circle and a fascinating village nestled within the Neolithic earthwork known as Windmill Hill.

The Avebury Stone Circle is just one of several remarkable sites that dot the landscape of Wiltshire, England, dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. These ancient marvels offer a journey into the past, and visitors can explore them all during their visit to Stonehenge.

Here are some notable sites nearby:

• West Kennet Long Barrow : Dating to approximately 3650 BC, the West Kennet Long Barrow is a series of chambered tombs where around fifty people were laid to rest. This ancient burial site provides a poignant connection to the Neolithic inhabitants of the region, offering insight into their burial practices and beliefs.
• Windmill Hill : This site consists of three concentric but intermittent ditches, suggesting a rich history of human activity. Excavations at Windmill Hill have uncovered numerous animal bones, hinting at feasting or ritualistic practices conducted by Neolithic communities.
• Silbury Hill : An enigmatic artificial mound, Silbury Hill stands as the largest of its kind in Europe and was completed around 2400 BC. Despite extensive research and study, the purpose of Silbury Hill remains a mystery, shrouded in the veil of time.

Visitors can also cast off on a mystical journey from London to Stonehenge , discovering thrilling road trip stops along the way for adventurous souls.

Salisbury Cathedral

Salisbury Cathedral , officially known as the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, stands as an iconic Anglican cathedral in Salisbury, England . It holds the distinction of being the mother church of the Diocese of Salisbury and serves as the episcopal seat for the Bishop of Salisbury.

Architecturally, the cathedral is revered as one of the most prominent examples of early English Gothic architecture. One of the unique attractions for visitors is the "Tower Tour," which offers a fascinating glimpse into the interior of the cathedral's hollow spire.

Here, visitors can marvel at the ancient wooden scaffolding that has supported this architectural marvel for centuries.

Related: Legends And Lore: Every Myth Associated With Stonehenge

In addition to its architectural splendor, Salisbury Cathedral boasts the largest cloister and the most extensive cathedral in all of Britain, covering an expansive 80 acres. This serene and historic space surrounding the cathedral provides a peaceful setting for visitors to explore and reflect.

• Address: Salisbury SP1 2EJ, United Kingdom
• Operation hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:30 AM to 4:15 PM; Sunday, 12:30 PM to 3:15 PM

There's so much more to see in Salisbury Plain beyond Stonehenge; this guide is just the beginning.

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Free, Self Guided Walking Tour of Salisbury, Wiltshire

As one of England’s heritage cities, Salisbury is an ideal destination for both history and archaeology enthusiasts. There truly is a lot to see and do in and around this quintessential English city. You will not be able to miss the tell-tale signs of a fascinating and prosperous Medieval past. So set aside a few hours to explore this history with Sarah’s self guided walking tour of Salisbury. Who better to point out the must-see features than a local devotee?

• Last Checked and/or Updated 15 December 2021
• No Comments
• England , History Walks , Itineraries

The cathedral city of Salisbury often crops up under travel headlines such as the loveliest town in England (Telegraph) or one of the Top Ten cities to visit in the world (Lonely Planet) as well as the best place to live in England 2019 (Sunday Times). With accolades like this, and famous as the home to Salisbury Cathedral with the tallest spire in England, and the nearest city to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Stonehenge, it is no surprise that the city receives many tourists throughout the summer season.

There is more to Salisbury than the Cathedral and its Close, with other historic sites dotted around the town, particularly Medieval ones. We have put together a one day itinerary for those looking to see the best that Salisbury has to offer for the history enthusiast, all of which are free to visit. The itinerary focuses on the historic centre of the city, avoiding some of the places where city planners have not been kind to the area.

Directions between the venues are given using What3Words. This is a free navigation app where each three metre square in the world is given a unique, three word identifier that never changes. You can download the app to your smartphone, then all you do is enter the three words into the app’s search field app and it will give you the directions to where you want to go.

Start your morning at the church of St. Thomas and St. Edmund, which is about a 3 minute walk away from the central car park, or 9 minutes walk away from the train station.

Church of St Thomas Beckett

Cost: Free but please do leave a donation if you can

The church is as old as the city, with a wooden structure on the site to serve as the place of worship for the builders of the cathedral. The current church mostly dates from the 15th century, and although the interior has undergone some changes over the years, you can still see the medieval wall paintings showing the badges of the guilds. There are some fascinating objects in the church, but what stands out the most is the Doom Painting above the chancel, which is the largest and best preserved one in England. It was painted around 1470 and has recently been restored. Doom paintings were once a common feature in churches, an ever present reminder to the congregation as to what the afterlife has in store for them. Read all about St. Thomas’s Doom painting >>

When you leave St. Thomas’ turn left out of the church, walk around the corner to the Haunch of Venison.

The Haunch of Venison

Cost: Free unless you buy food or drink here

One of the regions oldest hostelries, the pub dates back over 700 years with its first recorded use being in 1320 to house workmen who were working on the cathedral’s spire. The huge oak beams throughout the pub actually pre-date the building by several hundred years and come from sailing ships. At the front of the pub is a ‘horsebox’ bar, called a ‘Ladies snug’ as it dates back to when women were not allowed in public drinking houses. The pewter top of the bar counter is one of only six left in the country, and the arch of gravity fed spirit taps are one of only five left in the country. It was here that Churchill and Eisenhower are said to have met to plan D-Day in 1944, when nearby Wilton House was Southern Command for the invasion.

The pub also has a former bread oven which houses a smoke preserved mummified hand holding 18th century playing cards, which was found when the building was undergoing some modifications in 1911. Reputedly the hand of a card player who was caught cheating and had it chopped off and thrown in a fire, it has been stolen several times from the pub, but always found its way back, where it is now under lock and key. The pub has a secret tunnel which leads to St. Thomas’ church, which is said to date from the days when the pub was a brothel, as well as a secret bar that is only occasionally opened to the public. It is also said to be one of the most haunted pubs in England, haunted by the ‘Demented Whist Player’ as well as several other ghosts.

As well as a fascinating historic place to stop for a drink, there is a restaurant that serves some excellent food.

Opposite the Haunch of Venison is the Poultry Cross, less than a 30 second walk away.

The Poultry Cross

Poultry Cross is a Grade I listed market cross, one of four which once stood in Salisbury, the others being a cheese cross, Barnards Cross (livestock) and a wool cross. They all marked the venues of the markets in the city. Salisbury was granted a market charter in 1227 and there has been a market cross on the site since 1307. The structure you see today dates back to the 15th century with some 19th century additions. On Tuesdays and Saturdays it is still surrounded by market stalls; otherwise it is used by locals as a meeting place or a good place to sit for a rest, or shelter if it is raining.

The Market Square

Salisbury’s Market Square has been in continuous use since about 1269, and was larger than it currently is, as Fish Row, Ox Row, Butcher Row and Oatmeal Row have crept into the original space, probably built to hold permanent shops to replace the temporary stalls. The lime trees you see around the market square were planted in 1867 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. The square now is fronted on two sides by an eclectic mix of building styles and shops, many of which are cafes or pubs with large outdoor seating areas.

The Guildhall Square

Next to the Market Square is the Guildhall Square, which contains the Guildhall and the war memorial. Erected after World War I in 1922, it was unveiled by TE Adlam, a Salisbury resident who was awarded the VC for his bravery in battle. It is Grade II listed and is somewhat unusual for war memorials as it is horizontal in style, with a bronze sculpture. The names of the fallen in World War II were added later. The memorial is still the focal point for rememberance services within the city. Behind the memorial is the Guildhall, Salisbury’s civic building. There are a couple of rooms which are usually open to the public and which display works of art, the city’s silver, and an impressive oak court room. Unless there is an event on, you can just walk inside and ask to look at the rooms which are open to the public. Read more about the Guildhall and what there is to see >>

When you leave the Guildhall, turn right. Opposite you is Queen Street. It is less than a ten second walk away.

Queen Street

No. 8 Queen Street, the double gabled medieval house was built in 1425 and restored in 1930. The house is known as the House of John A’Port, a wool merchant who was Mayor of Salisbury six times and is one of the rich merchants houses which overlooked the market place. Now a clothing shop, it still has a few original features, but has sadly covered up much of its wattle and daub walls.

For these, you need to go next door to No. 9 Queen Street. Now a Cotswold Outdoor shop, go inside if it’s open and walk up to the first floor. Here, there are some magnificent examples of original wattle and daub on display, the timber beams and brick walls showing the craftsmanship involved in the work. It is really worth a look.

Head south down Queen Street and turn right onto New Canal. Over the road you will see the Odeon. It is less than a 2 minute walk.

The House of John Halle/the Odeon Cinema

Cost: Free unless you choose to watch a film

Built in 1470, this building was once the home to John Halle, a local wool merchant, mayor and Member of Parliament for Salisbury. The frontage that you see is actually mock Tudor and was added in 1881, you need to go inside to see the Grade I listed medieval hall. You don’t need a ticket to go in and see the hallway, so it is worth popping in for a minute to admire the medieval fireplace, beamed ceiling, stained glass windows and swords and spears which decorate the walls. The cinema also runs free guided tours once a week, or you could even book a ticket to see a film there. Read more about the history of the building and the guided tours >>

As you leave the Odeon, turn right and walk two minutes up New Canal Street.

The Red Lion

Cost: Free unless you buy food or drink

The first thing you will notice about the Red Lion Hotel is the stunning entrance. Through the coaching doors you can see a small stone courtyard with ivy draped down the medieval walls, wrought iron tables and chairs dotted around and an abundance of plants. The effect is spectacular. The Red Lion has the distinction of being the longest running, purpose built hotel in the country. Built to house the draughstmen and stone masons working on the cathedral, when the cathedral was finished, the ‘White Bear Inn’ was then used to house visitors to the cathedral and the city of Salisbury.

The building has been altered and embellished throughout the years, with the south wing being the oldest part, full of timbered beams and some wattle and daub and a medieval fireplace. Outside the inn was the local Cage and Ducking stool, as one of Salisbury’s watercourses ran outside. This was a way of punishing short-changing shopkeepers, scolds and ‘disorderly women’, who would be dunked in the sewage filled water. The building became The Red Lion in 1769, when the local postmaster took over the inn, and it became the main entrance for all of the mail coaches travelling to and from the city. The carvings on a clock in the main reception were carved by Spanish prisoners in Dartmoor Jail following the 1588 defeat of the Armada.

When you leave The Red Lion Hotel, turn left and then left again onto Catherine Street. Walk down Catherine Street then turn left into Ivy Street. Walk on, cross over at the crossroads and into Trinity Street. About halfway down on the left is the next destination, the Trinity Almshouses. It is about a four minute walk.

Salisbury City Almshouses, Trinity Street

Cost: Free but please do leave a donation

Trinity Hospital is a Grade I listed building, opened as an act of penance by Agnes Bottenham, who you saw in the Doom Painting at St. Thomas’ Church. Opened in the 1370s as a refuge for the sick and needy of the city, the building you see now was a rebuild from 1702. If the large black door in the centre of the building is open, then you can go into the small courtyard, at the far end of which is the Trinity Chapel. The chapel is small but charming, refurnished in 1908, and is free to visit, although they are very grateful for any donations you can give, as it is still a charity for the old and needy of the city. The courtyard has a cast lead sink dating to 1809, doric columns and wooden signs telling of the money bequeathed to the charity over the centuries.

Turn right out of Trinity Hospital and walk up New Street (ironically the oldest street in the city). On the corner with Brown Street is the Rai d’Or (What3Words: curry.calms.gates), which was once the brothel owned by Agnes Bottenham who bequeathed Trinity Hospital to the city as penance. There is a blue plaque on the wall. You will also pass The New Inn (What3Words: choice.matter.tend), which was built around 1380 and is a traditional British pub full of wooden beams. Turn right into the High Street, it is about a five minute walk.

Old George Inn/boston Tea Party

Cost: Free unless you order food or drink

What is now a Boston Tea Party coffee shop is a Grade I listed building which dates back to the early 1300s. The Old George Inn, as it once was, was built in 1314, and had some notable guests. Shakespeare and his players stayed there in 1608, on their way to nearby Wilton, and are said to have rehearsed As You Like It in the back garden (sadly now a concrete clad shopping mall). Oliver Cromwell spent a night there in 1645, Samuel Pepys in 1668 and Charles Dickens in 1845, where it is believed he wrote some of Martin Chuzzlewit. Inside is now an eclectic mix of wooden floorboards, leaded windows, beamed ceilings and comfortable sofas.

As you leave Boston Tea Party, have a quick look at the clock over Waterstones next door. Often missed by many visitors, this vibrant clock is actually a WH Smith clock, as WH Smith used to own these premises from 1924. The weathervane is of a newspaper boy and the numbers are replaced by the letters WH Smith.

Now walk back on yourself up the High Street, towards the High Street gate and the Cathedral.

Salisbury High Street

Mitre house.

As you approach the gate, you will notice a building on the corner which has a bishop’s mitre painted on the side. This is Mitre House, said to be the first house built in Salisbury and is where Bishop Richard Poore is said to have lodged to oversee the building of the cathedral. Although now a clothes shop, it is still also used for its original purpose of being the location where a new Bishop of the city will put on his robes. Traditionally, new bishops dismount from their horse in nearby Bishopdown, hence the name, and walk into the city as pilgrims. They then put on their robes in Mitre House, before entering the Close.

As you get closer to the gate, you will see the shop on the left hand side of it has a model of a ram above the door. This dates from the early 20th century, when the shop was used for Stonehenge Woollen Industries, a charitable organisation aimed at revitalising the rural woollen trade. The ram, a traditional breed of Wiltshire Horn, fell into a state of disrepair over the years and the one you see today was put there in 2015 by the Salisbury Civic Society.

The High Street Gate (North Gate)

The High Street Gate was built between 1327 and 1342 and housed the lock up for those convicted of misdeeds within the Cathedral Close. A portcullis used to be lowered every night to lock the gate, which has since been removed, but the gates are still locked between 11pm and 6am. Next to the gate is a porters lodge, the position of Porter to the Close being much sought after by nobles during the middle ages. The north side has the Stuart Royal coat of arms, which were added in the 17th century between two stone-mullioned windows and the south side has a statue of Edward VII which was added in 1902 and which replaced a statue of Charles I who had replaced a statue of Henry III.

The College of Matrons

After you walk through the gate, on your left is the Grade I listed College of Matrons. Erected in 1682 as almshouses for the widows of clergy and paid for by Bishop Seth Ward, it is still part of Salisbury almshouses. The College was built by a local Harnham builder and it is rumoured that Christopher Wren had some involvement in the style. Above the door is a cartouche in Latin, the translation of which is “Seth, Bishop of Salisbury, most humbly dedicated this College of Matrons to God, most good, most great, in the year of our Lord 1682”. Above that is the coat of arms of Charles II, flanked by scrolls and drapes of fruit. A lead domed roof lantern topped by a golden ball sits on top of the roof along with six chimney stacks. The brick wall and gates are Grade I listed separately to the rest of the building.

The cathedral is ahead of you. Entry to the cathedral is free although there is a suggested donation of £7.50 per adult, which they really do appreciate as they get no external funding. If you don’t want to spend any money at all, you can still go in through the main entrance, walk around the Cloisters and see the Magna Carta without any charge.

The Cathedral Close is a beautiful place for a leisurely walk, with some incredible old buildings, or you can just sit on the lawns and admire the views. Read more about Salisbury’s Cathedral Close >>

If you have the time and the weather is good, then a visit to Salisbury’s Water Meadows is a must. Go back out of the High Street Gate, turn left onto Crane Street and walk across the bridge over the River Avon, turning left after the car park, into Queen Elizabeth Gardens.

‘Lizzie Gardens’ as it is known to the locals, was opened in the 1960s to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. With famous views over the cathedral, from here you can access the Town Path, which takes you along the Harnham Water Meadows. It is a lovely place to walk and has a playpark, free musical events in the summer and prime paddling spots for hot days. Walk through the park to reach the entrance to the Town Path and the Water Meadows.

Harnham Water Meadows

The best known meadow irrigation system in England, the 84 acres of beautiful water meadows once provided the grazing, hay, and craft materials that helped make Salisbury a prosperous market town. Now designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, the meadows are a thriving site for wildlife within the city. From the walk alongside them, you can see one of the most iconic views of the cathedral, as painted by John Constable in his famous 1831 painting, ‘Salisbury Cathedral from the Water Meadows’.

At the end of the Town Path is a pub called The Old Mill, a Grade I listed, 15th century building, with some features which date back to 1250. Originally an ecclesiastical building, it was transformed in the 16th century to be the largest paper mill in the country. It is the perfect place to end your day of exploring Salisbury, with a restaurant in the oldest part of the building, a riverside garden and a large mill pond.

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