Salisbury Cathedral Tours and Activities

Salisbury Cathedral which includes religious aspects and a church or cathedral
Salisbury Cathedral showing religious elements, a church or cathedral and interior views
Salisbury Cathedral featuring a garden
Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury Cathedral showing 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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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 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
The Chapter House

The Chapter House

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

Old Mill Salisbury

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Caboose

Caboose

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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

When visiting Salisbury Cathedral, don’t miss the chance to book a guided tour or participate in a free tour to explore its stunning architecture and history. Consider taking a day trip to the surrounding areas to discover more of Salisbury’s charm. Additionally, check out the renowned theatre in town for a vibrant cultural experience that complements your visit to the cathedral.

Shopping

In Salisbury, explore local shops for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit WestQuay Shopping Centre, 32.2km away, featuring a vibrant mix of stores, or Castle Point Shopping Centre, 35.4km away, offering family-friendly shopping experiences.

Recreation

At Bramshaw Golf Club, enjoy a round of golf surrounded by picturesque landscapes, just 20.9km from Salisbury Cathedral. For luxury vibes, visit Raymond McEnhill Stadium, only 4.8km away, offering exclusive club experiences. For wellness, Dinton Park & Philipps House, located 12.9km away, provides serene relaxation in nature.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of high-speed racing at Thruxton Motorsport Centre, located 20.9km from Salisbury Cathedral. For karting enthusiasts, The Race Centre offers an adrenaline-pumping experience 30.6km away. To cool off, Splashdown Waterpark, 24.8km away, provides family fun and adventure with exciting water slides.

Nightlife

In Salisbury, Gambado offers thrilling arcade adventures suited for the whole family, while Wessex Raceway combines racing excitement with virtual warfare just 11.3km away. For a dose of culture and romance, the Plaza Theatre, located 22.5km from the cathedral, showcases captivating performances perfect for the evening.

Find the best attractions near Salisbury Cathedral

When visiting Salisbury Cathedral, you'll find a range of attractions nearby, including historic houses, national parks, and significant historic sites. These points of interest cater to those seeking cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly activities. Be sure to explore the cathedral itself, check out nearby attractions, and read reviews to enhance your visit. With so much to see just metres from the cathedral, you're in for a memorable experience in Salisbury.

  • Stonehenge: Located 12.9km from Salisbury Cathedral, Stonehenge is a world-famous prehistoric monument steeped in mystery and culture. Marvel at the massive stone circle that has captivated visitors for centuries, and explore the surrounding landscape that adds to the enigmatic atmosphere.
  • Paultons Family Theme Park - Home of Peppa Pig World: Just 20.9km away, this vibrant theme park is perfect for families. Enjoy delightful rides and attractions themed around the beloved Peppa Pig, along with various entertainment options that promise a fun-filled day for visitors of all ages.
  • New Forest National Park: Situated 25.7km from the cathedral, this stunning national park offers breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventures. Explore scenic trails, encounter wildlife, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty that makes the New Forest a must-visit destination.

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 HighSlightly Low
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 CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Salisbury Cathedral

Visiting Salisbury Cathedral on a budget is quite feasible with several money-saving options. Entry to the cathedral is free, and nearby attractions like Cathedral Close and Market Square also come at no cost. To save on accommodation, consider booking your stay between January and March, as these months offer lower prices. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to compare hotel rates, find deals, and consider package options that combine flights and activities for additional savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Salisbury Cathedral are January to March, 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 Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Salisbury Cathedral is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you're looking for. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near Salisbury Cathedral with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.