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Salisbury Cathedral and the 1215 Magna Carta Tour

Visit the earliest English example of Gothic architecture and the best-preserved version of the Carta Magna, UNESCO protected document

Standout list

Exclusive experience

Meet the world's best-preserved version of the 1215 Magna Carta.

Highlights

  • Admire the magnificent example of Gothic architecture that Salisbury Cathedral is, built between 1220 and 1258 and home of the world’s best-preserved version of the 1215 Magna Carta.
  • The Magna Carta is a legal document that was issued by King John in June 1215, to outline certain rights of individuals and covers many areas of the nation’s life, including the right to a fair trial.

  • There are only four versions of the great charter, as the ancient document is also known, and all of them are in Salisbury Cathedral.

  • The Magna Carta is a UNESCO protected document permanently housed in the Cathedral’s 13th century stone carved Chapter House, which depicts 60 Old Testament scenes.

  • Learn more about Britain’s tallest spire at 123 metres and see in awe the world’s oldest working mechanical clock - dating back to 1836 - in a building set on an 80 acre walled Close in Southern England.

What's included

  • Cloisters, Close and Chapter House’s access
  • Sneak-peek to the restoration works

Prepare for the experience

  • You must print the QR code e-ticket, bring it with you and exchange it for your entry ticket upon arrival at the venue. 

Children information

  • Children under 13 years old can access free of charge.
  • Children under 16 years old must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Accessibility information

  • Please contact our team before booking should you require further accessibility information regarding the experience.

Ticket restrictions

  • This product is non-refundable.

Additional information

  • You will get full access to the Cloisters, Close and Chapter House housing the Magna Carta.
  • The one-way system takes visitors out via the Cathedral Works Yard, offering a sneak peek behind the scenes where all restoration and repair work is done.

Guests can visit the Salisbury Cathedral and the Chapter House at any time during opening hours.

The Cathedral’s regular operating times are the following:

  • Monday to Saturday: 09:00 am - 04:30 pm (except during church services).
  • Sunday viewing times: 12.00 pm - 04:00 pm (except during church services).

Weekday services are held: 

  • Monday to Saturday: 07.30 am and 05:30 pm.
  • Tuesdays 12:15 pm. 
  • Thursdays 11:15 am.
  • Sunday services are held at 08:00 am, 09:15 am, 10:30 am and 04:30 pm.
  • You are most welcome to join these services, but please be aware that Cathedral access will be restricted.

Closures:

  • The Chapter House, Restaurant and Shop are all closed on Christmas Day.

How to get there

  • Address: Salisbury’s Cathedral, 33 The Close, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 2EJ, England, United Kingdom.
     
  • Nearest train station: Salisbury. 

Supplier information

This product is sold by VisitBritain Shop and provided by Golden Tours.

Upon booking you will receive via email an instant order confirmation from VisitBritain and a second email including a QR code. This must be printed and shown when visiting the attraction to exchange for your entry tickets. This product is non-refundable.