About
Salisbury Cathedral has been a place of worship, welcome, and hospitality for over 800 years. Its Spire (the tallest in the country and a feat of medieval engineering) rises to a breath-taking 404ft/123m, guiding travelers, merchants, and pilgrims to the historic city.
The story of this great Cathedral is a tale of defiance and ingenuity that begins back in 1218, when the Bishop of Salisbury abandoned the original cathedral at Old Sarum, and moved down to the banks of the Avon, where the Cathedral stands today. You can learn the reasons for this move and about the people who made it happen by following the new family-friendly trail inside the Cathedral.
You can also discover how one of only four surviving original 1215 Magna Carta came to the Cathedral and view it in a special exhibition explaining its origins and continuing relevance to our lives today.
Time in the Cathedral is marked by the tick of the oldest working mechanical clock in the world, accompanied by the sound of water trickling from the contemporary baptismal font. The modern blue ‘Prisoners of Conscience’ window dominates the East end, a powerful reminder of the sacrifices that many have made, and still make, to protect freedom and justice.
In the Cathedral’s Refectory Restaurant, ancient and modern combine with the glass roof offering a stunning view of the Spire above. Next door, the Cathedral Gift Shop offers a wide range of products from homemade chutneys to jewellery, books, and traditional travel mementoes. From late Spring until Autumn, the seasonal Bell Tower Tea Rooms provide a wide range of snacks and refreshments, served at tables and chairs on the North Lawn.
Outside, the Cathedral’s close is Britain’s largest, an oasis in the city with rolling green lawns fringed by historic houses - perfect for picnics!
There are four other attractions to visit in the Close - Salisbury Museum, The Rifles Museum, the National Trust’s Mompesson House and Arundells - each offering a special insight into the history of this charming city.
Be sure to check what’s on before you visit – the Cathedral hosts a wide range of tours, musical performances and family friendly events throughout the year. It is dog friendly too – as long as your furry friend is well behaved and on a lead!
To learn how we will keep you safe during your visit to the Cathedral please use the link above.
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