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 CartaSalisbury 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.
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Why visit
- See the world's best-preserved version of the 1215 Magna Carta.
- See Britain's tallest Spire, standing at 123m.
- View the world's oldest working mechanical clock.
- Admire Salisbury Cathedral's stunning Gothic architecture.
What's 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
What's not included
- Transport
- Food and drink
Additional information
Days of Operation:
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