Salisbury Cathedral Tours

Salisbury Cathedral featuring religious aspects and a church or cathedral
Salisbury Cathedral featuring interior views, a church or cathedral and religious aspects
Salisbury Cathedral featuring a park
Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury Cathedral which includes a statue or sculpture


Climb to the top of the country’s tallest spire and check the time on the hands of a 14th-century clock.

Home to England’s best-preserved copy of the Magna Carta, Salisbury Cathedral is a fine example of Early English architecture from the 1200s. Its spire, which reaches a height of 404 feet (123 meters), is hollow and accessible via a spiral staircase. The church is a venue for art exhibitions and concerts as well as a place for prayer. Inspect what is said to be the oldest working modern clock in the world, dating back to 1386.

Admire the hypnotic façade of the large church from the grassy plaza outside. It is adorned with crisscrossing columns, niches and ornamental motifs. Capture photos of possibly the tallest spire in England. Enter the church to admire Purbeck marble columns and the tall, narrow nave. Take a guided tour of the building to learn about its history.

Look at the Magna Carta 1215, which is always on display in the octagonal-shaped Chapter House. Enjoy the interactive Magna Carta Exhibition with interesting displays and films. Modern replicas of medieval armor and other intriguing items decorate the exhibit. Gaze up at the frieze portraying scenes from Genesis and Exodus.

Join a tower tour, which generally lasts around 90 minutes. Ascend the 332 steps to the base of the spire and gaze up into the narrow peak. The wooden scaffolding here dates back to medieval times. Outside, four balconies offer views of the charming city, the archeological site of Old Sarum and its green countryside. This vista inspired John Constable’s famous painting Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows.

Purchase religious and spiritual souvenirs from the church’s gift shop. The church is also home to a refectory restaurant.

The site is open daily year-round from morning until late afternoon. Make the recommended donation for visitors, in lieu of an entrance fee. Tower tours run once per day and have a fee, with discounts for kids and families.

Salisbury Cathedral is in the middle of the main landmarks in the heart of the city. Located just east of the River Avon, its nearby attractions include the Salisbury Museum, Arundells and Mompesson House.

Plan a trip to see Salisbury Cathedral

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Bristol Grand Hotel By Sunday
The Bristol Hotel
Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel

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Best Lodging Options Near Salisbury Cathedral

Legacy Rose and Crown Hotel

Legacy Rose and Crown Hotel

4 out of 5
Harnham Road, Salisbury, England
Legacy Rose and Crown Hotel
Mercure White Hart Hotel Salisbury and Apartments

Mercure White Hart Hotel Salisbury and Apartments

4 out of 5
St John Street, Salisbury, England
Mercure White Hart Hotel Salisbury and Apartments
The Merchant's House, BW Signature Collection

The Merchant's House, BW Signature Collection

3.5 out of 5
29 Milford St, Salisbury, England
The Merchant's House, BW Signature Collection
Best Western Red Lion Hotel

Best Western Red Lion Hotel

4 out of 5
Milford Street, Salisbury, England
Best Western Red Lion Hotel
The Chapter House

The Chapter House

4 out of 5
9-13 St John's Street, Salisbury, England
The Chapter House
The Riverside

The Riverside

4 out of 5
Harnham Road, 70, Salisbury, England
The Riverside
Sarum College

Sarum College

2.5 out of 5
19 The Close, Salisbury, England
Sarum College
Old Mill Salisbury

Old Mill Salisbury

2.5 out of 5
Town Path, Salisbury, England
Old Mill Salisbury
Caboose

Caboose

4 out of 5
115 S Western Rd, Salisbury, England
Caboose
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Salisbury Cathedral

Salisbury Cathedral offers a variety of engaging activities for visitors. You can challenge yourself at the Salisbury Escape Rooms, explore the stunning architecture on a tower tour, or delve into history with archaeological tours. Additionally, don’t miss the chance to visit during open days for special events, and benefit from insights provided by knowledgeable volunteer guides who enhance your experience of this magnificent site.

Shopping

For a unique shopping experience near Salisbury Cathedral, explore local shops and markets in the area. If you're up for a drive, check out WestQuay Shopping Centre, 20 miles away, and Castle Point Shopping Centre, 22 miles away, both offering a variety of stores and entertainment options.

Recreation

Dinton Park & Philipps House, 8 miles from Salisbury Cathedral, offers serene walking trails and peaceful gardens for relaxation. At Larmer Tree Gardens, 14 miles away, immerse yourself in nature’s tranquility. For an active escape, the New Forest Golf Club, 17 miles from the cathedral, provides a vibrant outdoor experience.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Go Ape at Moors Valley Ringwood, a zipline ropes course located 15 miles from Salisbury Cathedral, perfect for adventure enthusiasts. For climbing adventures, visit Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Activity Centre, 18 miles away, offering exciting outdoor sports activities. Splashdown Waterpark, 23 miles away, guarantees family fun and entertainment.

Nightlife

Experience the fun at Frankie's Fun Factory for arcade adventures, just 14 miles from Salisbury Cathedral. For a cultural night out, visit Plaza Theatre, where romance and entertainment blend perfectly. If you're up for excitement, Delta Force Paintball Southampton, located 16 miles away, offers thrilling adventure for all ages.

Find the best attractions near Salisbury Cathedral

When visiting Salisbury Cathedral, immerse yourself in its rich history by exploring the cathedral church and the nearby Salisbury Museum. Families can enjoy outdoor activities, while couples may find picturesque wedding venues in the area. Don't miss the chance to discover the historic sites and theme parks that enhance the cultural experience surrounding this majestic landmark.

  • Stonehenge: Located 8 miles from Salisbury Cathedral, Stonehenge is one of the world's most iconic prehistoric monuments. This ancient ruin, surrounded by mysterious history and cultural significance, offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the past, making it a must-visit for history buffs and curious travelers alike.
  • Paultons Family Theme Park - Home of Peppa Pig World: Situated 13 miles away, this vibrant theme park is perfect for families. With engaging rides and attractions featuring Peppa Pig and friends, it promises a fun-filled day of entertainment and laughter for visitors of all ages.
  • Old Sarum: Just 2 miles from Salisbury Cathedral, Old Sarum is a fascinating historic site where you can explore the remnants of a medieval castle and the original city of Salisbury. The site offers rich cultural vibes and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Best time to go to Salisbury Cathedral

The best time to visit Salisbury Cathedral is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.1°F (4.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February41.0°F (5.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
April47.7°F (8.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
May53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July62.4°F (16.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August61.7°F (16.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly High
September58.1°F (14.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
October52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
December42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Salisbury Cathedral

To save money on your visit to Salisbury Cathedral, take advantage of its free entry and plan your trip between December and February for lower accommodation rates. Mondays typically offer the best hotel prices, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia's search tool to compare prices and filter for eco-friendly hotels. Consider booking a package that includes flights and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia’s One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and rewards for future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Salisbury Cathedral are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Salisbury Cathedral is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Salisbury Cathedral is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool lets you specify your budget, desired location, and other criteria. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type—checking the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking a package with Expedia, which combines your hotel stay near Salisbury Cathedral with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.