We look forward to welcoming you to our Cathedral
General opening times for visiting the Cathedral are listed below. However, as a living church there may be times when the Cathedral is closed to visitors.
Before making a booking or setting out to visit us please check the latest information about closures in the blue box further down this page.
If you are interested in the timings of regular services you can find more information here.
Opening Hours
Cathedral and Chapter House with Magna Carta (winter opening hours)
Monday – Saturday: 10:00 – 16:30 (with last bookable entry slot at 15:45)
Sunday: 12:30 – 16:00 (with last bookable entry slot at 15:00)
(The Chapter House and Magna Carta open 30 minutes after the Cathedral opens to visitors)
Food & Drink
Refectory Restaurant
Monday – Saturday: 09:30 – 17:00 (last orders 16:45)
Sunday: 10:00 – 16:00 (last orders 15:45)
The Refectory will be temporarily closed from 31 December 2024, while the windows are refurbished. Our restaurant will be temporarily relocated to the South Transept for around two months, starting 6 January 2025.
Bell Tower Tea Rooms (open March-September)
Monday – Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 16:00
Gift Shop
Monday – Saturday: 09:30 – 17:00
Sunday: 11:00 – 16:00
Opening times may vary the week of 22 December 2024. The Gift Shop will be closed temporarily for around two months, starting 31 December 2024.
Entry Tickets
For the best prices, book your tickets online in advance via the button below.
Book Your Tickets
Tickets include entry into the Cathedral and Chapter House with Magna Carta and are valid for a year (from the date of purchase), enabling you to return for free (in the same group). Please note that your return visit may not be valid for certain special events during the year.
To make your visit as comfortable as possible, entry is by bookable time slots every 15 minutes during opening times (you can enter up to 15 minutes after the start of your timed slot).
Before booking, take a look at the Tours and Demonstrations information below, in case you would like to enhance your visit with a special ticket that includes a ‘Behind the Scenes’ tour or demonstration.
Standard Ticket Prices
Prices
Adults £10 in advance, £12 on the day
Students (17+ with valid student ID) £7.50 in advance, £8.50 on the day
Young people (12 – 16 years) £6.50 in advance, £7.50 on the day
Children under 12 Free
Residents of SP1, SP2 and Laverstock Free (with proof of residence). Excludes large groups and school groups.
Friends of Salisbury Cathedral Free
Tours and Demonstrations
To enhance your visit we offer a range of ‘Behind the Scenes’ tours and demonstrations, including visiting the fascinating Stonemasonry Works Yard, taking a Tower Tour to the foot of the spire or visiting the historic Cathedral Library. There are also free demonstrations and tours scheduled throughout the week, including regular Stained Glass Window Tours and demonstrations of the Medieval Clock. Click on the button below to view full details and to book:
Please note that the Cathedral is a living church and during your visit you may witness preparations or rehearsals for concerts, services and weddings. You may also hear our choristers rehearsing for Evensong, our organist practicing or our famous Willis organ being tuned. During services there may also be restricted access to some areas of the Cathedral.
Upcoming Closures
-
Sunday 22 December 2024
Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta will be closed for a special service: Carols by Candlelight. All are welcome to join the service at 5pm. The Gift Shop will be open 11 – 4pm and the Refectory Restaurant will be open 10 – 3pm, with additional refreshments in the Cloisters from 2.30-4.30.
-
Monday 23 December 2024
Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta will close at 3.45pm for a special service: Carols by Candlelight. All are welcome to join the service at 7pm. The Gift Shop will be open 9.30 – 4.30pm and the Refectory Restaurant will be open 9.30 – 4.15pm, with additional refreshments in the Cloisters from 4.30-6.30pm.
-
Tuesday 24 December 2024
Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta will close at 12pm for the Christmas Eve family services. All are welcome to join the services at 1pm or 2.30pm. The Gift Shop will be open 9.30 – 2.30pm and the Refectory Restaurant will be open 9.30 – 4.15pm, with additional refreshments in the Cloisters from 9.30-2.30pm.
-
Wednesday 25 December 2024
Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta will be closed for the Christmas Day services listed below. All are welcome.
8am: Holy Communion
10.30am: The Eucharist on Christmas Day
3pm: Festal Evensong
The Gift Shop and Refectory will be closed. -
Thursday 26 December 2024
Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta will be closed to visitors. The Gift Shop and Refectory will be closed.
-
Friday 27 December 2024
Salisbury Cathedral will be open for visiting from 10am-3.30pm (10.30am-3.45pm for Magna Carta), with last visitor admission at 2.45pm.
The Gift Shop will be open 10am – 4.30pm and the Refectory Restaurant will be open 9.30am – 4.30pm.
-
Saturday 28 December 2024
Salisbury Cathedral will be open for visiting from 10am-3.30pm (10.30am-3.45pm for Magna Carta), with last visitor admission at 2.45pm.
The Gift Shop will be open 10am – 4.30pm and the Refectory Restaurant will be open 9.30am – 4.30pm. -
Sunday 29 December 2024
Salisbury Cathedral will be open for visiting from 12.30pm-4pm (1pm-4pm for Magna Carta), with last visitor entry at 3.15pm.
The Gift Shop will be open 10am – 4.30pm and the Refectory Restaurant will be open 9.30am – 4.30pm. -
Monday 30 December 2024
Salisbury Cathedral will be open for visiting from 10am-3.30pm (10.30am-3.45pm for Magna Carta), with last visitor entry at 2.45pm.
The Gift Shop will be open 10am – 4.30pm and the Refectory Restaurant will be open 9.30am – 4.30pm. -
Tuesday 31 December 2024
Salisbury Cathedral will be open for visiting from 10am-3.30pm (10.30am-3.45pm for Magna Carta), with last visitor entry at 2.45pm.
The Gift Shop will be open 10am – 4.30pm and the Refectory Restaurant will be open 9.30am – 4.30pm. -
Wednesday 1 January 2025
Salisbury Cathedral will be open for visiting from 10am-3.30pm (10.30am-3.45pm for Magna Carta), with last visitor entry at 2.45pm.
The Gift Shop and Refectory Restaurant will be closed. -
Thursday 2nd January 2025 – Monday 6 January 2025
The Gift Shop and Refectory Restaurant will be closed.
-
Magna Carta Closure 6-26 January 2025
The Chapter House and Magna Carta will temporarily close for the refurbishment of the Magna Carta enclosure from 6-26 January 2025. During this time, there will be a new mini-exhibition inside the Cathedral featuring a facsimile (replica) of Magna Carta and associated documents from the Archive.
-
Gift Shop Closure early 2025
The Gift Shop will be closed temporarily for around two months, starting 1 January 2025.
Travel and Parking
By Train
Salisbury has strong rail links with London, Southampton, Bath and the West Country.
The Railway Station is about a 15-minute walk from the Cathedral, along Mill Road, passing Queen Elizabeth Gardens with views of the Spire.
By Bike or On Foot
Salisbury sits in the heart of Wiltshire’s countryside, and offers some beautiful walks and cycling routes. Cycle parking is available in the Cathedral Close and in the city centre.
By Car
If you are using a Sat Nav or GPS, Salisbury Cathedral’s postcode is SP1 2EJ. We are approximately a 1 1/2 – 2 hour drive away from London, and 1 – 1 1/2 hours from Bath.
During 2024 improvements are being made to the approach to the city around the Railway Station and Fisherton Street area. This includes temporary road diversions which may mean heavier than usual levels of traffic in the city centre at some times of the day.
If you are planning to arrive by car, please allow plenty of time to park.
Parking
Limited parking is available within the Cathedral Close at a fixed cost of £10 for the whole day, this includes disabled car park spaces. There is a charge of £1 for Motorcycles.
The nearest public car parks are Lush House (SP2 7TD) and the Old George Mall (SP1 2PH), both about a 5-minute walk from the Cathedral Close.
Park and Ride stations are also located on all main routes into the city.
Coaches
There is no parking in the Close for coaches as there are height restrictions. Please visit https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/parking-salisbury for coach parking information.
what3words
what3words is a really simple way to talk about precise locations. It has given every 3 metre square in the world a unique combination of three words: a what3words address.
To find our traffic kiosk easily, you can download the free what3words app (or use the map site, what3words.com) and enter librarian.soda.rarely into the search bar or click this link.
To get directions to a what3words address, tap ‘navigate’ in the app and use your preferred navigation app (e.g. Google Maps or Waze) to travel to that precise point.
Accessibility
If you use a wheelchair, you can easily access the Cathedral floor, Chapter House, Cloisters, Refectory Restaurant, Gift Shop and toilets.
There are three wheelchairs available to borrow during your visit – please ask at the Welcome Desk. Large print versions of our visitor maps are available and water for assistance dogs can be found near the Refectory Restaurant entrance. Disabled parking spaces are available in the Cathedral Close at a fixed price of £10 per day.
The nearest Changing Places public toilet can be found at Queen Elizabeth Gardens (Lush House).
If you have any questions please telephone 01722 555120.
For detailed information, please read our accessibility guide by clicking the button below.
Dogs
Salisbury Cathedral is dog-friendly. Well-behaved dogs are welcome inside the Cathedral, but must be kept on leads at all times. You’ll find water bowls in the Cloisters, and you can collect a biscuity treat for your dog at our Welcome Desk. Dogs are not permitted inside the Refectory restaurant and you must not leave your dog unattended.
Discover What’s On
From services, exhibitions, workshops, concerts, and talks, our exciting events programme offers something for everyone.
See What’s On
Food and Drink
Whatever your appetite, we have a range of food and drink options for you. From full hot meals, to tasty sweet treats, to picnics in the sunshine.
Food and Drink
Our Shop
If you are on the lookout for a special gift, or a simple trinket to remind you of your visit, our gift shop is full of interesting and unique products, many of which are locally sourced.
Gift ShopFAQs
Transport
-
How do I get to the Cathedral?
You’ll find us in the heart of Salisbury. You can get to us easily by car or coach, or just take a bus into the city centre. Salisbury train station is only a 15 minute walk away.
Parking
-
Is there parking at the Cathedral?
There’s limited parking within the Close at a fixed cost of just £10 for the whole day (including disabled car park spaces). Your nearest public parking is at the Old George Mall and Lush House car park. The Central car park is only a 10-minute walk away. Alternatively, you can use one of the five Park and Ride sites. Please note: there is no parking in the Close for coaches as there are height restrictions.
Accessibility
-
Is the Cathedral accessible?
If you use a wheelchair, you can easily access the Cathedral floor, Chapter House, cloisters, the Refectory Restaurant, shop and toilets. We’ve also got three wheelchairs you can borrow during your visit – please ask at the Welcome Desk. We offer large print versions of our visitor maps, and you can even find water for your assistance dog near the Refectory Restaurant entrance.
Food and Drink
-
What food and drink options are available?
With stunning views of the spire through its glorious glass roof, our Refectory Restaurant is open all year round, Here, you can enjoy a selection of delicious cakes, sausage rolls, deli sandwiches, and hot and cold drinks. You can choose to eat in the tranquil cloisters, or take your refreshments outside for a picnic in the Close. During the summer months, why not try our Bell Tower Tea Rooms, overlooking the North Lawn of the Cathedral.
Services
-
Can I combine a visit with attending a service?
We are a living church. So, we think the best way you can experience the true nature of the Cathedral is to come to one of our daily services – especially those featuring the Cathedral choir. You’ll find a complete list of our service times on our website to help you plan your visit. If you wish to spend some time in quiet reflection, we have chapels for private prayer. Just ask a member of the team or take a look at our visitor map for more details.
Tickets
-
Do I need a ticket to visit the Cathedral?
A ticket is required for entry into the Cathedral and Chapter House on a tourist visit. These tickets can be purchased online (at a discounted price) or when you arrive. Entry tickets are valid for one year, and you can use the same ticket for as many return visits as you like within that time.
-
Where does the income from my admission ticket go?
Your admission ticket plays a vital role in supporting our work. As a registered charity, Salisbury Cathedral receives no public funding from the government, local authorities, or the Church of England, meaning we rely heavily on the generosity of our visitors to maintain and operate this historic building. It costs over £17,000 per day to keep the Cathedral running, which includes essential expenses such as repairs, maintenance, and staffing. Your ticket contributes directly to these operating costs, ensuring that we can sustain the Cathedral’s vibrant community and heritage.