Salisbury Cathedral: One of the Best Reasons to Visit Salisbury England
Salisbury Cathedral is definitely the highlight of visiting Salisbury, England.
Of course, the other reason to visit this town is the nearby Stonehenge.
I’m sure you’ve heard of it!
Anyway…
While many folks may base themselves in Salisbury just to visit Stonehenge, my advice is to stay a few nights in this authentic and fun town and set aside a good half day to spend some quality time in the beautiful Salisbury Cathedral.
Where is Salisbury with its impressive cathedral?
The town of Salisbury is located in the South West of England, specifically Wiltshire County.
Located just 80 miles from London, a 90 minute train journey, you can see why it’s tempting to make this a day trip from London.
But as I mentioned above, do stay in this fabulous town.
Salisbury Cathedral is located in a beautiful spot in the historic center of town just a 10 minute walk from the train station.
It’s surrounded by Sarum College and Salisbury Cathedral School as well as Queen Elizabeth Gardens.
In fact, the close — which are the closed grounds around the cathedral — cover 80 acres making it the largest cathedral close in Britain.
It’s really a beautiful, tranquil space with places to sit and meditate or to have a cup of tea.
The Cathedral Structure
Salisbury Cathedral is an early English Gothic structure built between 1220 and 1258 — at least the main part of the building was finished then.
38 years was actually pretty quick to finish a building of this magnitude!
The cloisters were added in 1240, the chapter house in 1263 and the tower and spire in 1320.
The spire is the tallest in Britain with the spire itself being 55m and the total height — from the ground to the top of the spire — being 123m.
Salisbury Cathedral also has the largest cloister in Britain.
FYI — a cloister is a covered walkway or an open arcade that runs along the walls of a building.
Yeah, I wasn’t quite sure what cloisters were either until I looked it up.
The Entrance
The main entrance faces west and it’s impressive.
Now there are some cathedrals that have grander facades.
But I like this one as it’s not overpowering.
Despite it not being as grand as some other English cathedrals there still are some 73 statues in shallow niches.
You’ll find statues of angels and archangels, dudes from the Old Testament, apostles, martyrs and philosophers.
Be sure to spend some time outside checking out the entrance before you go in.
The Nave
I think the nave of Salisbury Cathedral is gorgeous!
Apparently it’s a bit taller and narrower than other English Gothic cathedrals so it’s unique in this way.
Between the pillars you’ll find some tombs of a few somewhat notable English folks such as the illegitimate son of Henry II who was the first person buried in this cathedral.
The other unique feature of the nave is the very modern font that was installed in 2008.
This modern sculpture replaced a neo-Gothic Victorian font that was actually portable.
I guess they moved it around the building?!
Now this modern one, in the shape of a cruciform, is set in place.
The water actually flows over in the corners and into bronze gratings that are embedded in the stone floor.
It is the largest working font in any British cathedral.
I came across a NY Times article about Salisbury Cathedral and the author wasn’t too keen on this modern font in this very old, historic religious building.
However, I think it’s quite stunning as the water flows over the sides and into the ground.
I really like the juxtaposition of modern with the old as the font, while yes, modern in many ways, seems less so in this location.
Maybe that’s just me.
Plus the reflections of the tall Gothic ceilings and arches in the font are beautiful — and make for some interesting photography opportunities.
The stone floor of the nave is also very cool with varying sizes of stones.
I always say that walking on the floors of these old churches is like walking on history.
Can you imagine all the feet that have walked on these stones over the centuries?!
Do spend some time really looking at all the details of this stunning area of the cathedral.
The Choir
The choir area is the small area in the center of the cathedral.
It may also be called the altar or sanctuary.
This is where Evensong (see below) takes place.
It is typically roped off but you can see it and get some pics of it.
If you attend Evensong — which I highly recommend — you’ll be in the choir area so you’ll get the full experience.
The Other Areas of the Cathedral
Do wander around, slowly, the rest of the cathedral itself.
There are 4 transepts to Salisbury Cathedral.
A transept is a part of building that lies across the main body of the structure, so it kind of forms a cross.
Salisbury has 4 of these, 2 on each side, with 1 of them being a bit larger than the other.
A transept separates the nave — the center aisle — from the sanctuary or choir.
Sometimes the transepts pay homage to important people or saints and can even be small chapels.
Do explore each of the 4 transepts of Salisbury Cathedral as each one has its own character.
You’ll also want to wander around the left and right aisles outside the choir area.
There is a lot to to this grand cathedral so look at all the details.
The other area I want to mention is the cloisters which are outside the cathedral itself.
It’s fun to wander through the these covered walkways and take in views of the spire.
I walked the cloisters after visiting the Chapter House and before I entered the cathedral itself.
However you organize your visit, don’t forget to explore the cloisters.
I think, like me, you’ll feel like you have been transported back in time as you wander through them.
The Chapter House and The Magna Carta
One of the best things about Salisbury Cathedral is the Chapter House.
First of all it is shaped like an octagon.
The Chapter House has this really cool central pillar that’s not very wide.
It reminds me of an umbrella as you look at it.
Below the stained glass windows, notice the Medieval frieze with all the details of people and scenes from the times.
This part of the cathedral is incredible.
But the best part is the document that is housed here.
The best preserved of the 4 remaining original copies of the Magna Carta is in the Chapter House.
OMG!
This document is of such historical significance as it served as the foundation for the idea of individual freedom and the rights of ordinary people.
It influenced the American colonists as they built a new country.
You can actually walk into a little tent where they keep this very old, very important document in a glass case.
Since you can’t take photos of it, I don’t have any.
But I took my time in that dark tent, really examining it.
Wow!
I was so impressed.
Do not miss the Chapter House and the Magna Carta.
Evensong
To me, the best way to experience Salisbury Cathedral is to attend Evensong.
What is Evensong?
This is a late afternoon, short religious service that features one of the choirs of the cathedral.
It’s a kind of prayer service that focuses on songs and hymns versus spoken words.
Evensong at Salisbury is at 17:30 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and at 16:30 on Sunday.
Queue up early for this as space is limited.
Once in the choir/sanctuary area, be respectful as you are attending a religious service — so no photos or video.
Then be prepared to be wowed.
Hearing these voices blend together in this old, magnificent cathedral may very well bring tears to your eyes — even for those who aren’t religious (that’s me).
It’s such a beautiful, ethereal way to experience the splendor of Salisbury Cathedral.
I actually attended my first Evensong in York at the York Minster.
So I knew what to expect at Salisbury — and it didn’t disappoint.
And yes, there were a few tears.
Tips for Visiting Salisbury Cathedral
Check the website for the latest as you’ll want to avoid times when there is a church service (other than Evensong).
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you do have to book your visit to the Cathedral and Magna Carta in advance. You can do so online.
Tickets are £8 for adults.
Times for visiting the Chapter House and the Magna Carta are 10:30 to 16:00.
My advice is to book a late afternoon time of around 15:00 and visit the Magna Carta first.
Then you can wander around the cloisters and the cathedral itself and attend Evensong at the end of your visit.
This is how I did it and I thought it was perfect.
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Thank you so much for your wonderful pthotos of Salisbury Cathedral, they are fabulous.
I hope you don’t mind my pointing out that Salisbury is classified as a city. It received a city charter in 1227 as New Sarum
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salisbury
Kind regards,
Andy watts – Salisbury
I kind of use town and city interchangeably especially when some cities are not that big. It’s probably an American thing as often we don’t worry about the difference. I technically live in the City of Sharonville but to me, it’s a town. A suburb of greater Cincinnati. But I appreciate your comment and clarification.
Also noteworthy at Salisbury Cathedral is the 14-th century mechanical clock which rings the bells.
This is the OLDEST operating mechanical clock in Western civilization. It stands in the northwest part of the nave.
I don’t know if I saw this or not but I remember reading about it. Just one more reason to visit Salisbury Cathedral!
Your photos are stunning. The history is incredible, something you just don’t see where I’m from in New Zealand. Lovely post 💛
You don’t get the history in the USA either which is why I love traveling to Europe.
I have visited Salisbury many times, as I used to live quite close to it. Every time I would pop in to the Cathedral, as it’s such a beautiful place to visit. Back then it used to be free to get into the Cathedral and also to see the Magna Carta.
Lucky you! I think I’d visit every week and I’d see the Magna Carta weekly too…it’s so impressive.
I’ve always wanted to visit Salisbury Cathedral but never make it down to that part of England. You’ve made me want to plan a little road trip!
I highly recommend it. The town is wonderful too. Very real.
What a lovely cathedral. I visited years ago and still remember standing in awe inside. Your photo at a slant caught my eye — love that!
Ah, yes, my strange angle photography! I love to do that when photographing architecture. Salisbury Cathedrals is definitely awing!
Wow that is beautiful! When I think about 11th/12th century, I would not think they were so advanced, but clearly they had great architect skills!
It’s mind blowing how much they did without the use of our modern day equipment. It’s a stunning cathedral!
Wow – as an architect/architectural history lover, this post made my day! So great to see a fellow lover of historical and cultural sites. Thanks for such great information. My England trip was canceled this year but when I finally do go (and I WILL!) I will be sure to visit Salisbury!!!
Salisbury Cathedral is beautiful! And the town has a nice authenticity to it that you will probably like. I’d go back for sure!