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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 Schedule

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

Inclusions

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
  • 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:

  • Service times: Mon to Sat 7.30am and 5.30pm, Tues 12.15pm , Thurs 11.15am. Sundays 8am, 9.15am 10.30am and 4.30pm.
  • Visitors are welcome to join these services, but Cathedral access will be restricted.
  • Recommended Sunday viewing times: 12.00pm - 4pm.
  • The Chapter House, Restaurant and Shop are all closed on Christmas Day.
  • The Refectory and shop will be closed until March 22nd.

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.

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 world's 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 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.

Schedule

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

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

The refectory and shop are closed until March 22nd. 

Tuesday 11th March 2025:
Early closure for Trade educational.
Last pre-book 11:45am.
Last Walk-up 12pm
Cathedral Floor clear 1pm.
Chapter House to close at 1pm.

Thursday 13th March:
Late opening. 
First entry at 10am.
Chapter House at 10am.


Friday 28th March:
Morning closure.
First walk-up entry 1pm.
First Online pre-book 1:15pm.
Chapter House at 1:30pm.