Salisbury Cathedral

Learn about the historic events of the Magna Carta and its legacy of social justice in the interactive Magna Carta exhibition. You can also admire the world’s oldest working mechanical clock (dating to 1386), enjoy afternoon tea in the Bell Tower Tea Rooms, or climb the 332 steps of the spire for sweeping views of Salisbury. Day trips from London often combine cathedral visits with stops at Stonehenge or Avebury stone circle. 

• The church is a working place of worship; opt for modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. 
• Daily guided tours of the cathedral’s stained-glass windows and main floor are conducted in several different languages. 
• The cathedral floor, cloisters, and Refectory restaurant are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. 
• Facilities include restrooms plus a restaurant, café, and gift shop at the cathedral. 

From London, Salisbury Cathedral is a 2-hour drive via the M3, A303, and A345. You can also take the train from London Waterloo to Salisbury station. From there, the cathedral is about a 10-minute walk away via level walkways.  

Both Salisbury Cathedral and the Magna Carta are open during standard business hours from Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, the cathedral is open for worship only.

Covering more than 80 acres (32 hectares), Salisbury Cathedral is set in the largest cathedral close in Britain. The close harbors several must-see sights, including Salisbury Museum, home to a significant collection of archaeological artifacts; Sarum College, a Christian exhibition center; Mompesson House, a National Trust property; and Arundells, the former home of British Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath.