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Salisbury Cathedral Tickets and Tours

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.

Salisbury Cathedral

Salisbury Cathedral is among the oldest cathedrals in England. One of the best examples of early English Gothic architecture, it took nearly four decades to complete construction. Salisbury is about 140 kilometers from London, making it a wonderful option for a day trip, as it is also very close to the prehistoric monument, Stonehenge. Read on to know more about your Salisbury Cathedral ticket options.

Why Visit Salisbury Cathedral

When it comes to historic attractions in the United Kingdom, Salisbury Cathedral just cannot be missed. Apart from breathtaking surroundings, stunning architecture, and Britain’s tallest spire (404 m), it also has an original copy of the Magna Carta. There are a total of four surviving copies, with two in the British Museum, one in Lincoln Cathedral, and one in this cathedral, which is the one copy which is best preserved.

All Your Salisbury Cathedral Ticket Options

Guided Tour of Salisbury Cathedral

For a stress-free and informative visit, your transfers will be pre-arranged, and you will be accompanied by an expert guide who knows the cathedral like the back of their hand. They will give you insight into its history, along with facts and trivia.

Non-Guided Salisbury Cathedral Tours

A non-guided or self-guided tour is a flexible option that lets you explore the venue at your own pace. Note that these Salisbury Cathedral tickets do not include transfers or a guide — just entry.

Salisbury Cathedral Combo Tours

If you want to explore beyond Salisbury, get the Salisbury Cathedral combo tickets. As part of this option, you get to visit other popular tourist destinations such as Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath, among others.

Discounted Salisbury Cathedral tickets: Children under the age of 13 can enter for free. Students pay £5 for entry upon presenting a valid student ID. Residents from SP1, SP2, and Laverstock can visit for free upon presenting a valid proof of residence such as a photo driver’s license. Carers for disabled visitors also enter for free.

Guided vs. Non-Guided Tours

Guided Tours

You are accompanied by a guide who will give you information about the venue.
Guided tours are conducted in groups, making it a great way to meet new people and also ensuring safety.
Your transportation to, from, and within Salisbury is included in the tour.
You can avoid the hassle of planning and simply follow the itinerary provided.

Non-Guided Tours

As part of a non-guided tour, you can explore Salisbury Cathedral at your own leisure.
Non-guided tours are not usually done in a group setting.
For non-guided tours, visitors have to arrange their own transportation.
You can explore Salisbury Cathedral at your own pace — you can choose when you want to go, how long you want to spend at the venue, etc.

Which Salisbury Cathedral Tickets Are Best For You?

1. Looking for something budget-friendly?

For Salisbury Cathedral tickets that are easy on the pocket, pick a regular entry ticket or a skip-the-line ticket. If visiting from a different city, try to take coach tickets — while they do take longer, they are the cheapest transport option.

2. Want to get as much information as you can?

To get deep insight and information on the rich Salisbury Cathedral history, architecture, and surroundings, take a guided tour. You will have the company of a knowledgeable guide, who will give you information and trivia, and answer all your questions.

3. Itching to explore more than Salisbury?

Pick a combo tour and discover more than just Salisbury Cathedral. With this tour, you can explore beyond this enchanting cathedral, and head to tourist favourites like Windsor Castle, Roman Baths, Stonehenge, and others.

What to See in Salisbury Cathedral

Cloisters

The arcaded cloisters are the largest in all of England. It is made in the Early English Gothic architecture style and was added to the premises in 1240. It also consists of a garden, where visitors can take a stroll.

Magna Carta

The Magna Carta is a royal charter of rights that was signed by King John in 1215. Today, only four of its original copies exist, the best-preserved one being the Salisbury Cathedral Magna Carta, which is on display for the public.

Spire

Upon its completion in 1320, the Salisbury Cathedral spire has been the tallest in the country at 404 metres. It is also said to have inspired William Golding's novel, The Spire, which is about a man who wants to build a cathedral's spire in his lifetime.

Clock

The Salisbury Cathedral clock is the oldest working clock in the world. It is believed to have been completed in 1386. It was rediscovered in 1928 and has since been an important point of attraction in the Cathedral.

Plan Your Visit to Salisbury

Getting there

Best time to visit

Food & beverages

Stay

Shopping

Must Do

Train: There are frequent trains between London Paddington and Waterloo stations to Salisbury, some of which will require you to change. The journey should take about two hours. The cathedral is a ten-minute walk from the station.
Bus: National Express runs regular coaches from London Victoria Coach Station to Salisbury, New Canal. You will have to change at Ringwood. The journey takes about three hours. You can also take coaches from Bristol, Brighton, Cambridge, and Oxford.
Car: You can drive from London to Salisbury via the M3, then the A303 and the A345. The journey takes between 2-2.5 hours. Please note that there are limited parking spaces in the Cathedral Close at £7.
Guided Tour: Your Salisbury Cathedral guided tour tickets are inclusive of transfers, which are done in a private air-conditioned coach.

The best time to visit Salisbury is between April and October. The pleasant and mild weather during these months makes for a comfortable and enjoyable visit.

Please note that May to July is the peak season for tourists, so if you want to avoid the crowd, try to visit before or after these months.

Winter is a good time to avoid tourists as well, but the weather tends to be chilly and businesses close earlier, so keep that in mind when planning a trip to Salisbury.

Visitors can check out the Refectory Restaurant in Salisbury Cathedral, which offers an array of finger foods, cakes, and drinks with a gorgeous view of the spire.

The town of Salisbury has a large selection of eateries such as pubs, cafes, fine dining restaurants, and bistros, among others to choose from.

If you’re looking for an authentic English afternoon tea experience, you can head to Beatons Tea Rooms or the Bell Tower Tea Rooms at the Cathedral, which will open in summer 2021.

When visiting Salisbury Cathedral, you can choose from numerous accommodation options — B&Bs, inns, farm stays, camping, hostels, hotels, guesthouses, and self-catering places.

Here are some choices to get you started:

Bed & Breakfast: Caboose, Websters Bed & Breakfast, and Victoria Lodge Guest House.
Hostels: The Merchant's House, Qudos, and Cholderton Stonehenge Youth Hostel.
Hotels: Mercure White Hart Hotel, Milford Hall Hotel & Spa, and The Cathedral Hotel.

Shopping in Salisbury is a delight, as visitors can head to shopping centres, open markets, or independent and specialised shops to find something unique and memorable.

The Salisbury Charter Market and Salisbury Farmers Market are two hugely popular outdoor markets.

The Salisbury Antique Market is perfect for those looking for beautiful collectables.

Looking for gifts and souvenirs for your loved ones? You can visit Casa Fina, Salisbury Cathedral Gift Shop, Cross Keys Arcade, and Fisherton Mills, among other stores.

Check out Britain’s tallest spire.
Examine the original surviving copy of the Magna Carta.
Witness the world’s oldest working clock.
Amble through the largest cathedral cloisters in all of England.
See the many beautiful carved tombs.
Discover the infinity font within the cathedral.
See the intricate stained glass windows up close.

Visitor Tips

Once in a while, the cathedral has exhibitions, so be sure to visit those. Starting 23 September 2020, the treasures of the cathedral will be on display as part of The Cathedral That Moved exhibition.
You can also take a Salisbury Cathedral virtual tour to discover this structure.
Only contactless payment is accepted in the premises.
While you can feel free to take pictures throughout the cathedral, photography of the original Magna Carta is strictly prohibited due to conservation reasons.
If you want to avoid crowds try visiting on the weekdays.
Be sure to book your Salisbury Cathedral tickets in advance.
Wear comfortable shoes to ensure a smooth visit.

All Your Questions About Salisbury Cathedral Tickets Answered

Is Salisbury Cathedral open to visitors?

Yes, Salisbury Cathedral opened to visitors on July 5, 2020 with stringent hygiene measures in place.

What are the Salisbury Cathedral opening times?

The Salisbury Cathedral is open from Monday to Saturday between 10 AM to 4 PM. There are entry slots every 30 minutes between 10 AM to 3 PM, with the last entry time being 3:30 PM.

Are guided tours available at Salisbury Cathedral?

While Salisbury Cathedral is currently not hosting any guided tours of its own, you can head to third party ticketing websites to look for guided tours.

Are there any discounts on Salisbury Cathedral tickets?

Yes. Students pay £5 for entry upon presenting a valid student ID, as compared to the normal adult price of £8. Children under the age of 13 and carers for disabled visitors can enter for free. Residents from SP1, SP2, and Laverstock can visit for free upon presenting a valid proof of residence such as a photo driver’s license.

What are the best Salisbury Cathedral tickets?

The best Salisbury Cathedral tickets are those that include a guided tour. This is because you'll be accompanied by a guide who will give you information about the venue, thus enriching your experience. Moreover, your transfers are arranged, ensuring a smooth visit experience.

Should I purchase my tickets to Salisbury Cathedral in advance?

Yes, as the cathedral operates on a timed slot entry system, they will not let anyone without a pre-booked ticket enter. Thus, it is best to book your Salisbury Cathedral ticket in advance. Additionally, this will also ensure you get the date and time slot of your choice.

Can I purchase same day tickets to the Salisbury Cathedral?

This depends on whether or not slots are available on the day. To avoid disappointment, it is best to book your ticket in advance for the date and time of your choice.

Can I take an audio guided tour of Salisbury Cathedral?

There are currently no audio guided tours available at the cathedral.

How long should I spend at Salisbury Cathedral?

Most visitors spend an hour or an hour and a half at the venue.

What is the best time to visit Salisbury Cathedral?

The best season to visit is between April and October. The best time to visit is during the weekdays, when there are fewer visitors around.

Is Salisbury Cathedral wheelchair-friendly?

There is a permanent ramp at the main level. The Cathedral floor, Chapter House, cloisters, Refectory Restaurant, shop, and toilets are all fully wheelchair accessible. You can also borrow wheelchairs during your visit, based on availability.

How long will a tour of the Salisbury Cathedral take?

A guided Salisbury Cathedral tour takes about 90 minutes.