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Salisbury Cathedral and the 1215 Magna Carta

Activity code: SAC
Sculpture exhibition at Salisbury Cathedral
Sculpture exhibition at Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury Cathedral
Sculpture exhibition at Salisbury Cathedral
Sculpture exhibition at Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury Cathedral and the 1215 Magna Carta
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Highlights Inclusions Description Additional Information Schedule
location 33 The Close, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 2EJ
e ticket accepted

Highlights

  • At 123m, Salisbury Cathedral’s spire is the tallest in Britain
  • View the world's oldest working mechanical clock
  • See the world's best-preserved version of the 1215 Magna Carta

Inclusions

What's Included:


  • Full access to the Cloisters, Close and Chapter House, which is home to one of only four surviving versions of 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

What's Excluded:


  • Transport
  • Food and drinks

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 one of the world’s four surviving 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 60 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

  • There are regular, daily services throughout the year. Visitors are welcome to join these, but Cathedral access will be restricted.
  • The Chapter House, Restaurant and Shop are all closed on Christmas Day.
  • You will receive an e-ticket for this activity.

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

Schedule

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

01 March – 31 October 2026
Monday to Saturday
Cathedral: 9.30am to 4pm (last bookable time slot)
Chapter House (for Magna Carta): 10am to 5pm
Refectory Café and Bell Tower: 9.30am to 5pm
          
Sunday
Cathedral: 12.30pm to 3pm (last bookable time slot)
Chapter House (for Magna Carta): 1pm to 4pm
Refectory Café and Bell Tower: 11am to 4pm
 
01 November 2026 – 28 February 2027
Monday to Saturday
Cathedral: 10am to 3.30pm (last bookable time slot)
Chapter House (for Magna Carta): 10.30am to 4.30pm
Refectory Café and Bell Tower: 9.30am to 5pm
          
Sunday
Cathedral: 12.30pm to 3pm (last bookable time slot)
Chapter House (for Magna Carta): 1pm to 4pm
Refectory Café and Bell Tower: 11am to 4pm
 
The Cathedral must be clear one hour after the last bookable time slot.