Salisbury Cathedral and the 1215 Magna Carta

Activity code: SAC

Highlights

See the worlds best-preserved version of the 1215 Magna Carta
Visit Britain's tallest Spire at 123 metre
View the world's oldest working mechanical clock
Set on a 80 acre walled Close in Southern England

Description

Salisbury Cathedral sits on an 80-acre walled Close and is situated around a 1 hour drive from London. The Cathedral is an early English example of Gothic architecture and was built over a 38 year period between 1220 and 1258. Here, you can view Britain’s tallest spire at 123 metres and the world’s oldest working mechanical clock, dating back to 1836.

1215 Magna Carta
Salisbury Cathedral houses the finest surviving of the worlds remaining four versions of the great charter, more famously known as the 1215 Magna Carta. The Magna Carta is a UNESCO protected document and is permanently housed in the Cathedral’s 13th century stone carved Chapter House, which depicts sixty Old Testament scenes. The Magna Carta is a legal document that was issued by King John in June 1215, to outline certain rights of individuals. It has over 60 clauses, covering many areas of the nation’s life, including the right to a fair trial.

Additional Information

What is included

Full access to the Cloisters, Close and Chapter House housing the 1215 Magna Carta,
The one-way system takes visitors out via the Cathedral Works Yard, offering a sneak peak behind the scenes where all restoration and repair work is done.
The art exhibition, Celebrating 800 years of of Spirit and Endeavour, featuring major artists such as Grayson Perry, Anthony Gormley, Henry Moore and others, will be in place until Spring 2021.

Please Note:

Weekday services are held: Monday to Saturday 7.30am and 5.30pm, Tuesdays 12.15pm , Thursdays 11.15am
Sunday services are held at 8am, 9.15am 10.30am and 4.30pm.
You are most welcome to join these services, but please be aware that Cathedral access will be restricted.
Recommended Sunday viewing times: 12.00pm - 4pm
The Chapter House, Restaurant and Shop are all closed on Christmas Day.

Venue Information:
33 The Close, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 2EJ
Nearest Train Station: Salisbury

Golden Tours act as an official agent for these activities, as such you are subject to the terms and conditions of the supplier.

Schedule

April – November
Cathedral 09:30am to 4:00pm (last entry 3:45pm/Cathedral clear by 5:00pm)
Chapter House 10:00am to 5:00pm
Refectory and Bell Tower 9:00am to 5:00pm
Shop 9:30am to 5:00pm

November – March
Cathedral 10:00am to 3:30pm (last entry 3:15pm/Cathedral clear by 5:00pm)
Chapter House 10:30am to 4:00pm
Refectory 9:00am to 5:00pm (Bell Tower Closed Oct – May)
Shop 9:30am to 5:00pm (except Jan/Feb 22 when times are 10:00am to 4:30pm)

Click here to view closure information