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Library Tours

Discover salisbury cathedral’s hidden library, hear the fascinating stories behind the ancient books in our collection on this one-of-a-kind tour..

A winding stone staircase above the Cloisters leads to our library, which was built in 1445. It contains over 10,000 historic books, with some more than 800 years old. An expert will show you a range of books specially selected to demonstrate the importance and variety of the collection. This is a fascinating glimpse into the Cathedral and its past.

Adult: £24 (when pre-booked online)

Tours last approximately one hour.

Book a Library Tour

Due to access, this tour may not be suitable for everyone (the library is accessed via a small winding stone staircase with 37 steps, some of which are uneven).

Booking online in advance will give you access to the best ticket prices. Tickets may be available for tours on the day for a higher rate. However, tours are often booked up in advance so we cannot guarantee you will be able to book onto a tour on the day.

Fabulous to see such amazing documents and books! A fantastic visit. We’ll be back! Visitor feedback

Private Tours & Group Bookings

Get in touch if you’d like to arrange a private Library Tour, or make a booking for a group. We offer special rates and discounts for groups. Please email [email protected] to learn more.

Library Tour Q&A

General information.

You can book a Library tour online by clicking the ‘book now’ button at the top of this page. You can also book at our Front Desk (email: [email protected], phone: 01722 555156). Booking in advance is essential.

Adults: £22 when prebooked online Tours are scheduled once a month and include admission to the Cathedral and Chapter House with Magna Carta on the day of your visit. Booking online in advance will give you access to cheaper ticket prices. Tickets may be available for tours on the day for a more expensive rate, however tours are often booked up in advance so we cannot guarantee you will be able to book a tour on the day.

A Library ticket includes entry to the Cathedral and Chapter House on the day of the tour only. It does not include the free re-entry (valid for 12 months) that comes with a standard Cathedral entry ticket. The cost of the Library ticket cannot be offset against the previous purchase of a standard Cathedral entry ticket. You can visit the Cathedral and Chapter House before or after the Library tour – please refer to our general opening hours for opening/closing times.

If you’ve ever wanted explore behind-the-scenes in an ancient library, this is the tour for you! Due to access, this tour may not be suitable for everyone (the library is accessed via a small winding stone staircase with 37 steps, some of which are uneven).

The Library tour lasts approximately one hour.

Tours take place about once a month. As the tours are limited in capacity they often sell out, so we recommended booking your tour in advance.

Please check that it hasn’t gone to your spam folder first. If you still can’t find it, please contact us by Email: [email protected], or Phone: 01722 555156.

Due to access, this tour may not be suitable for everyone (the library is accessed via a small winding stone staircase with 37 steps, some of which are uneven). Please phone 01722555120 for more information.

Tours start promptly at the scheduled time and if you are late you may not be able to join the tour. We recommend arriving early, and you may wish to visit the Cathedral, or the shop and restaurant, before your tour. If you are running late please call 01722 555156 to notify our Front Desk team.

Photography in the Library is permitted, but without flash or any additional lighting.

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Salisbury Cathedral Tower Tour

• Salisbury Cathedral, 6 The Close, Salisbury, SP1 2EF
• 11:15 and 14:15 Monday to Saturday
• 01722 555150
• [email protected]

For many people, the Tower Tour is the absolute highlight of their visit to Salisbury Cathedral.

Wind your way up narrow spiral staircases climbing 332 steps in easy stages into our ancient roof spaces to the foot of our iconic spire, 68 metres above ground level. On your tour you will enjoy spectacular sights -an uninterrupted aerial view of the inside of the Cathedral, the inside of the spire supported by medieval wooden scaffolding and panoramic views of Salisbury and surrounding water meadows. Our experienced guides will tell you all about the construction of this architectural masterpiece.

Tours are scheduled daily Monday - Saturday at 11:15 and 14:15 and includes admission in to the Cathedral and Chapter House with Magna Carta on the day of your tour.

• From £90 for a group of up to 6

Booking information:

Advance booking is highly recommended This tour runs daily all year round Tours may be restricted or cancelled in the event of high winds We regret that children under the age of 7 or anyone under the height of 1.2m cannot participate in this tour due to health and safety regulations Each child aged 7-10 must be individually accompanied by a responsible adult. For 11-17 year-olds, there must be at least one adult for every five children Dogs are not permitted on this tour Some of the stone spiral staircases date back to the 13th century and have no handrails, so care must be taken Sensible footwear is essential – no high heels, bare feet or flip flops. Sandals must be securely fastened Tickets cost £90 for adults for up to 6 people. (Group bookers please click here to enquire) Tour lasts around 105 minutes, but timings can vary.

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Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral and the Roman Baths

Stonehenge, Salisbury and Bath

Visit mysterious Stonehenge - Entry to Salisbury Cathedral and see the famous Magna Carta

Entry to Mysterious Stonehenge Entry to Salisbury Cathedral and see the famous Magna Carta Optional traditional English lunch Entry to Roman Baths and Pump Rooms Torch Lighting ceremony at Roman Bath (not in Summer) Complimentary hotel pick up from over 80 central London hotels

Mysterious Stonehenge

You'll never forget your first glimpse of spectacular Stonehenge, its monolithic rocks rising up against the skyline on Salisbury Plain. Theories abound about the mysterious rock formation. Was it intended as a religious temple? An astronomical clock? A Bronze Age burial ground? Make up your own mind as you explore the unique landmark that has had the world stumped for 5,000 years.

Salisbury and the Magna Carta Soaring into the skyline, the spire of Salisbury Cathedral stands at a whopping 123m (404ft)! Erected 800 years ago, the revolutionary spire is considered one of the leading examples of Early English architecture. Ancient meets modern at the cathedral's newest addition: a beautifully sculpted font designed by William Pye. Salisbury Cathedral is also home to the world's oldest working clock and the best-preserved of the four remaining original copies of the Magna Carta. Marvel at this astonishing medieval document in the Chapter House with its slender central pillar and stunning medieval frieze.

Optional Lunch - (click here for sample menu) Tantalise your taste buds at a traditional English pub.

Standing proudly on the slopes of the River Avon, beautiful Bath was the first city in England to be designated an UNESCO World Heritage site. The gorgeous 15th century Bath Abbey, the stunning Georgian architecture, the romantic Pulteney Bridge, modelled on Florence's Ponte Vecchio, are all sights to linger on in the memory of your day.

Roman Baths

No tour of Bath would be complete without a visit to the famous Roman Baths that gave the city its name. This beautifully preserved bathing complex still flows with water from Britain's only hot spring. Marvel at the dazzling torch-lighting ceremony as dusk falls (not applicable in summer) and sip Bath's healing waters in the Pump Room, a stunning neo-classical salon where hot spa waters are drawn for drinking.

This tour will finish at approximately 7.00pm in London.

Free Walking Tour - Special bonus Choose to embark upon one of many enthralling walking tours – for absolutely FREE. Why not follow in the footsteps of royalty, explore the financial epicentre of London that is the City, or attempt to uncover the ever-elusive identity of Jack the Ripper? Whichever free walking tour you decide to go on, you are sure to find it truly captivating, an experience to remember.

Choose from:

The Royal Wedding Walk City of London (Monument) Globe/Borough Market Embankment/Covent Garden Jack The Ripper Walking Tour Lively and Fashionable Soho

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Salisbury Cathedral, boasting the tallest spire in Britain, can be seen with Stonehenge, Bath or Winchester on our personally guided Day Tours - and several of our Overnight Tours including The Best in Britain.

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Our tour guide, Richard, was fabulous ... a wealth of knowledge who presented historical information with so much fun and animation that my kids commented he would make a great history teacher!

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Our guides are personable educated men and women, chosen for their knowledge, special interests, backgrounds and personality. They will collect you by car from any central London location and guide you inside places of historic importance

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Salisbury Cathedral

Opt for the all inclusive ticket to take in a visit to Britain’s finest Medieval Cathedral and see one of the world’s most famous documents, the 1215 Magna Carta.

Set against a backdrop of the beautiful Wiltshire countryside, surrounded by historic buildings and museums within the spectacular Cathedral Close, it’s easy to see why many visitors find Salisbury Cathedral a place of inspiration and tranquillity.

Marvel at the stunning Gothic architecture and explore the past and the present of this living church. Explore 800 years of history by viewing the best preserved original Magna Carta, it celebrated it’s 800th anniversary in 2015. And don’t forget to take some time out to explore the gifts available in the shop or to enjoy a snack or meal in the newly refurbished Refectory Restaurant gazing up at the soaring Spire for which Salisbury Cathedral is so famous.

If you run out of time your Stonehenge Tour ticket is valid up to 48 hours after the date you take the bus tour at the Cathedral, and visitors are very welcome to join services so why not come to our daily Evensong?

Before you book

For Salisbury Cathedral opening times and scheduled closures, please check here: May 2024

Visiting Times

For more information, visiting times, details of tower tours, exhibitions and events, see: Salisbury Cathedral website .

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Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Salisbury Cathedral Tour

Experience England's rich history and iconic landmarks on this jam-packed day tour! Explore royal Windsor Castle, unravel the mysteries of prehistoric Stonehenge, and be awed by Salisbury Cathedral's soaring spire.

Itinerary so far...

This tour is simply packed full of goodies. We visit three major UK attractions—royal Windsor Castle, the prehistoric stone circle at Stonehenge, and the awe-inspiring Salisbury Cathedral with the country's tallest spire.

You start your tour with a stop off at Eton—home town of the renowned school with the same name. Famous Etonians include Prince William, Boris Johnson, George Orwell and Hugh Laurie.

Your next stop will be Windsor Castle, a royal residence that embodies almost a thousand years of historical architecture. The original castle was built after the Norman invasion in the tenth century as a strategic part of the River Thames. The castle has been modified over the years and in recent history has been used for state vists. The Castle was the main residence of Queen Elizabeth II in the closing decade of her reign.

For lunch, how about a traditional English pub experience? We'll take you to a charming country spot where you can tuck into a delicious meal and sample a couple of real ales. We're the experts on finding the perfect pub for a relaxing lunch!

After lunch we visit Salisbury, a beautiful medieval city built on a prehistoric site. See the magnificent Salisbury Cathedral which boasts the tallest spire in Britain. Built between 1220 and 1280, the Cathedral still holds one of the original copies of Magna Carta. There's lots of artistic and historical things to see at the cathedral including a modernist sculpture by Barbara Hepworth and a fouteenth century mechanical clock.

After a sandwich lunch on the go it's time for your tour of the Neolithic site at Stonehenge. You'll certainly feel the magic of the ancient stones which were laid dow 4 to 5 thousand years ago. It's true function is not fully understood but the fact that it aligns with the summer and winter solstices suggests it was used as an ancient calendar.

You'll also get to see Woodhenge, an ancient Neolithic site of wooden posts which have long since rotted away. It's an important World Heritage Site and consists of six concentric ovals of standing posts, surrounded by a bank and ditch.

Our experienced tour guides will help you make the most of your tour to royal Windsor Castle, ancient Stonehenge and the breathtaking Salisbury Cathedral. Travel in chauffeur-driven comfort through the beautiful countryside of Wiltshire. We can pick you up from your hotel, the airport or port.

†Please note that Windsor Castle is not open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Due to time constraints we suggest eating lunch in the vehicle whilst on the move. If you would rather have a pub or restaurant lunch we would need to extend the tour by 2 hours at an extra cost of £100.

• Pick-up at 8.00am
• Windsor Castle
• Lunch at a traditional country pub
• Stonehenge Visitor Centre
• Salisbury Cathedral
• Drop-off back to London at 7.00pm

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Stonehenge & Salisbury

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Tour details.

Ben - Davenport

“Always wanted to visit Stonehenge but was a bit wary of all the driving, I’m glad I found this tour. They also take to you to Salisbury and the Cathedral, which is wonderful. Great tour.”

• Visit the magical ancient site of Stonehenge
• Learn about the millennia of use that created Stonehenge as we see it today
• Have FREE TIME to explore Salisbury treasure chest of museums and galleries!
• Visit the stunning the Cathedral and see the Magna Carta!

STONEHENGE TICKETS

Tickets can be purchased separately during the booking process or online by using the following link: Stonehenge Ticket . Your ticket can also be purchased once you arrive at the visitor center. 

FULL ITINERARY

Stonehenge & salisbury, 09:00 am – depart weymouth.

Meet and greet your fellow passengers for the day ahead to Stonehenge. We will always wait an extra 5 minutes for those running late.

10:30 AM – Stonehenge

Here you’ll have free time to visit the magical ancient site of Stonehenge World Heritage Site. Learn about the millennia of use that created Stonehenge as we see it today. Fortress, calendar, temple or hospital? You decide!

13:00 – Salisbury 

Here you’ll have free time to immerse yourself in history and see how Salisbury’s former residents relaxed all those centuries ago.

16:00 – Head back to Weymouth

Heading back to Weymouth through the Wiltshire countryside, start uploading those spectacular shots you caught to social media!

17:30 PM – Arrive Weymouth Train Station

*Times and itinerary variations should be expected due to opening times, traffic conditions and site availability.

A fantastic day trip visiting Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral and Bath. This tour was the perfect way to see some of England’s iconic landmarks in one day. The knowledgeable guide made the experience enjoyable and memorable. Highly recommend!

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A LIVE walk through Salisbury with views of Salisbury cathedral

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Live stream event from Salisbury, with LILLIAN C.: Historian with PhD in Early Middle Ages, Spain and England Licensed Tour Guide since 2010.

• Live walk in Salisbury
• Salisbury Cathedral
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Description

A walk through the city centre of Salisbury in Wiltshite. Salisbury is one of the most famous market towns in the UK due to its cathedral which we will walk by during the tour.

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I'm Lillian Cespedes Gonzalez, I've got a PhD in history from the University of Winchester (UK) and have been tour guiding since 2010. I decided to combine my 2 passions and make a change for the history and heritage industry by providing accessible, affordable tours while also helping the industry be a more sustainable sphere. Due to my PhD and my love for the subject, the middle ages are my top expertise subject, particularly the Early Middle Ages. But I am also passionate and well versed in art history, culture, identity and gender studies. I love telling stories and bringing things and people often forgotten to the forefront so I invite you in this journey of historical marvel!

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Free, Self Guided Walking Tour of Salisbury, Wiltshire

As one of England’s heritage cities, Salisbury is an ideal destination for both history and archaeology enthusiasts. There truly is a lot to see and do in and around this quintessential English city. You will not be able to miss the tell-tale signs of a fascinating and prosperous Medieval past. So set aside a few hours to explore this history with Sarah’s self guided walking tour of Salisbury. Who better to point out the must-see features than a local devotee?

• Last Checked and/or Updated 15 December 2021
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• England , History Walks , Itineraries

The cathedral city of Salisbury often crops up under travel headlines such as the loveliest town in England (Telegraph) or one of the Top Ten cities to visit in the world (Lonely Planet) as well as the best place to live in England 2019 (Sunday Times). With accolades like this, and famous as the home to Salisbury Cathedral with the tallest spire in England, and the nearest city to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Stonehenge, it is no surprise that the city receives many tourists throughout the summer season.

There is more to Salisbury than the Cathedral and its Close, with other historic sites dotted around the town, particularly Medieval ones. We have put together a one day itinerary for those looking to see the best that Salisbury has to offer for the history enthusiast, all of which are free to visit. The itinerary focuses on the historic centre of the city, avoiding some of the places where city planners have not been kind to the area.

Directions between the venues are given using What3Words. This is a free navigation app where each three metre square in the world is given a unique, three word identifier that never changes. You can download the app to your smartphone, then all you do is enter the three words into the app’s search field app and it will give you the directions to where you want to go.

Start your morning at the church of St. Thomas and St. Edmund, which is about a 3 minute walk away from the central car park, or 9 minutes walk away from the train station.

Church of St Thomas Beckett

Cost: Free but please do leave a donation if you can

The church is as old as the city, with a wooden structure on the site to serve as the place of worship for the builders of the cathedral. The current church mostly dates from the 15th century, and although the interior has undergone some changes over the years, you can still see the medieval wall paintings showing the badges of the guilds. There are some fascinating objects in the church, but what stands out the most is the Doom Painting above the chancel, which is the largest and best preserved one in England. It was painted around 1470 and has recently been restored. Doom paintings were once a common feature in churches, an ever present reminder to the congregation as to what the afterlife has in store for them. Read all about St. Thomas’s Doom painting >>

When you leave St. Thomas’ turn left out of the church, walk around the corner to the Haunch of Venison.

The Haunch of Venison

Cost: Free unless you buy food or drink here

One of the regions oldest hostelries, the pub dates back over 700 years with its first recorded use being in 1320 to house workmen who were working on the cathedral’s spire. The huge oak beams throughout the pub actually pre-date the building by several hundred years and come from sailing ships. At the front of the pub is a ‘horsebox’ bar, called a ‘Ladies snug’ as it dates back to when women were not allowed in public drinking houses. The pewter top of the bar counter is one of only six left in the country, and the arch of gravity fed spirit taps are one of only five left in the country. It was here that Churchill and Eisenhower are said to have met to plan D-Day in 1944, when nearby Wilton House was Southern Command for the invasion.

The pub also has a former bread oven which houses a smoke preserved mummified hand holding 18th century playing cards, which was found when the building was undergoing some modifications in 1911. Reputedly the hand of a card player who was caught cheating and had it chopped off and thrown in a fire, it has been stolen several times from the pub, but always found its way back, where it is now under lock and key. The pub has a secret tunnel which leads to St. Thomas’ church, which is said to date from the days when the pub was a brothel, as well as a secret bar that is only occasionally opened to the public. It is also said to be one of the most haunted pubs in England, haunted by the ‘Demented Whist Player’ as well as several other ghosts.

As well as a fascinating historic place to stop for a drink, there is a restaurant that serves some excellent food.

Opposite the Haunch of Venison is the Poultry Cross, less than a 30 second walk away.

The Poultry Cross

Poultry Cross is a Grade I listed market cross, one of four which once stood in Salisbury, the others being a cheese cross, Barnards Cross (livestock) and a wool cross. They all marked the venues of the markets in the city. Salisbury was granted a market charter in 1227 and there has been a market cross on the site since 1307. The structure you see today dates back to the 15th century with some 19th century additions. On Tuesdays and Saturdays it is still surrounded by market stalls; otherwise it is used by locals as a meeting place or a good place to sit for a rest, or shelter if it is raining.

The Market Square

Salisbury’s Market Square has been in continuous use since about 1269, and was larger than it currently is, as Fish Row, Ox Row, Butcher Row and Oatmeal Row have crept into the original space, probably built to hold permanent shops to replace the temporary stalls. The lime trees you see around the market square were planted in 1867 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. The square now is fronted on two sides by an eclectic mix of building styles and shops, many of which are cafes or pubs with large outdoor seating areas.

The Guildhall Square

Next to the Market Square is the Guildhall Square, which contains the Guildhall and the war memorial. Erected after World War I in 1922, it was unveiled by TE Adlam, a Salisbury resident who was awarded the VC for his bravery in battle. It is Grade II listed and is somewhat unusual for war memorials as it is horizontal in style, with a bronze sculpture. The names of the fallen in World War II were added later. The memorial is still the focal point for rememberance services within the city. Behind the memorial is the Guildhall, Salisbury’s civic building. There are a couple of rooms which are usually open to the public and which display works of art, the city’s silver, and an impressive oak court room. Unless there is an event on, you can just walk inside and ask to look at the rooms which are open to the public. Read more about the Guildhall and what there is to see >>

When you leave the Guildhall, turn right. Opposite you is Queen Street. It is less than a ten second walk away.

Queen Street

No. 8 Queen Street, the double gabled medieval house was built in 1425 and restored in 1930. The house is known as the House of John A’Port, a wool merchant who was Mayor of Salisbury six times and is one of the rich merchants houses which overlooked the market place. Now a clothing shop, it still has a few original features, but has sadly covered up much of its wattle and daub walls.

For these, you need to go next door to No. 9 Queen Street. Now a Cotswold Outdoor shop, go inside if it’s open and walk up to the first floor. Here, there are some magnificent examples of original wattle and daub on display, the timber beams and brick walls showing the craftsmanship involved in the work. It is really worth a look.

Head south down Queen Street and turn right onto New Canal. Over the road you will see the Odeon. It is less than a 2 minute walk.

The House of John Halle/the Odeon Cinema

Cost: Free unless you choose to watch a film

Built in 1470, this building was once the home to John Halle, a local wool merchant, mayor and Member of Parliament for Salisbury. The frontage that you see is actually mock Tudor and was added in 1881, you need to go inside to see the Grade I listed medieval hall. You don’t need a ticket to go in and see the hallway, so it is worth popping in for a minute to admire the medieval fireplace, beamed ceiling, stained glass windows and swords and spears which decorate the walls. The cinema also runs free guided tours once a week, or you could even book a ticket to see a film there. Read more about the history of the building and the guided tours >>

As you leave the Odeon, turn right and walk two minutes up New Canal Street.

The Red Lion

Cost: Free unless you buy food or drink

The first thing you will notice about the Red Lion Hotel is the stunning entrance. Through the coaching doors you can see a small stone courtyard with ivy draped down the medieval walls, wrought iron tables and chairs dotted around and an abundance of plants. The effect is spectacular. The Red Lion has the distinction of being the longest running, purpose built hotel in the country. Built to house the draughstmen and stone masons working on the cathedral, when the cathedral was finished, the ‘White Bear Inn’ was then used to house visitors to the cathedral and the city of Salisbury.

The building has been altered and embellished throughout the years, with the south wing being the oldest part, full of timbered beams and some wattle and daub and a medieval fireplace. Outside the inn was the local Cage and Ducking stool, as one of Salisbury’s watercourses ran outside. This was a way of punishing short-changing shopkeepers, scolds and ‘disorderly women’, who would be dunked in the sewage filled water. The building became The Red Lion in 1769, when the local postmaster took over the inn, and it became the main entrance for all of the mail coaches travelling to and from the city. The carvings on a clock in the main reception were carved by Spanish prisoners in Dartmoor Jail following the 1588 defeat of the Armada.

When you leave The Red Lion Hotel, turn left and then left again onto Catherine Street. Walk down Catherine Street then turn left into Ivy Street. Walk on, cross over at the crossroads and into Trinity Street. About halfway down on the left is the next destination, the Trinity Almshouses. It is about a four minute walk.

Salisbury City Almshouses, Trinity Street

Cost: Free but please do leave a donation

Trinity Hospital is a Grade I listed building, opened as an act of penance by Agnes Bottenham, who you saw in the Doom Painting at St. Thomas’ Church. Opened in the 1370s as a refuge for the sick and needy of the city, the building you see now was a rebuild from 1702. If the large black door in the centre of the building is open, then you can go into the small courtyard, at the far end of which is the Trinity Chapel. The chapel is small but charming, refurnished in 1908, and is free to visit, although they are very grateful for any donations you can give, as it is still a charity for the old and needy of the city. The courtyard has a cast lead sink dating to 1809, doric columns and wooden signs telling of the money bequeathed to the charity over the centuries.

Turn right out of Trinity Hospital and walk up New Street (ironically the oldest street in the city). On the corner with Brown Street is the Rai d’Or (What3Words: curry.calms.gates), which was once the brothel owned by Agnes Bottenham who bequeathed Trinity Hospital to the city as penance. There is a blue plaque on the wall. You will also pass The New Inn (What3Words: choice.matter.tend), which was built around 1380 and is a traditional British pub full of wooden beams. Turn right into the High Street, it is about a five minute walk.

Old George Inn/boston Tea Party

Cost: Free unless you order food or drink

What is now a Boston Tea Party coffee shop is a Grade I listed building which dates back to the early 1300s. The Old George Inn, as it once was, was built in 1314, and had some notable guests. Shakespeare and his players stayed there in 1608, on their way to nearby Wilton, and are said to have rehearsed As You Like It in the back garden (sadly now a concrete clad shopping mall). Oliver Cromwell spent a night there in 1645, Samuel Pepys in 1668 and Charles Dickens in 1845, where it is believed he wrote some of Martin Chuzzlewit. Inside is now an eclectic mix of wooden floorboards, leaded windows, beamed ceilings and comfortable sofas.

As you leave Boston Tea Party, have a quick look at the clock over Waterstones next door. Often missed by many visitors, this vibrant clock is actually a WH Smith clock, as WH Smith used to own these premises from 1924. The weathervane is of a newspaper boy and the numbers are replaced by the letters WH Smith.

Now walk back on yourself up the High Street, towards the High Street gate and the Cathedral.

Salisbury High Street

Mitre house.

As you approach the gate, you will notice a building on the corner which has a bishop’s mitre painted on the side. This is Mitre House, said to be the first house built in Salisbury and is where Bishop Richard Poore is said to have lodged to oversee the building of the cathedral. Although now a clothes shop, it is still also used for its original purpose of being the location where a new Bishop of the city will put on his robes. Traditionally, new bishops dismount from their horse in nearby Bishopdown, hence the name, and walk into the city as pilgrims. They then put on their robes in Mitre House, before entering the Close.

As you get closer to the gate, you will see the shop on the left hand side of it has a model of a ram above the door. This dates from the early 20th century, when the shop was used for Stonehenge Woollen Industries, a charitable organisation aimed at revitalising the rural woollen trade. The ram, a traditional breed of Wiltshire Horn, fell into a state of disrepair over the years and the one you see today was put there in 2015 by the Salisbury Civic Society.

The High Street Gate (North Gate)

The High Street Gate was built between 1327 and 1342 and housed the lock up for those convicted of misdeeds within the Cathedral Close. A portcullis used to be lowered every night to lock the gate, which has since been removed, but the gates are still locked between 11pm and 6am. Next to the gate is a porters lodge, the position of Porter to the Close being much sought after by nobles during the middle ages. The north side has the Stuart Royal coat of arms, which were added in the 17th century between two stone-mullioned windows and the south side has a statue of Edward VII which was added in 1902 and which replaced a statue of Charles I who had replaced a statue of Henry III.

The College of Matrons

After you walk through the gate, on your left is the Grade I listed College of Matrons. Erected in 1682 as almshouses for the widows of clergy and paid for by Bishop Seth Ward, it is still part of Salisbury almshouses. The College was built by a local Harnham builder and it is rumoured that Christopher Wren had some involvement in the style. Above the door is a cartouche in Latin, the translation of which is “Seth, Bishop of Salisbury, most humbly dedicated this College of Matrons to God, most good, most great, in the year of our Lord 1682”. Above that is the coat of arms of Charles II, flanked by scrolls and drapes of fruit. A lead domed roof lantern topped by a golden ball sits on top of the roof along with six chimney stacks. The brick wall and gates are Grade I listed separately to the rest of the building.

The cathedral is ahead of you. Entry to the cathedral is free although there is a suggested donation of £7.50 per adult, which they really do appreciate as they get no external funding. If you don’t want to spend any money at all, you can still go in through the main entrance, walk around the Cloisters and see the Magna Carta without any charge.

The Cathedral Close is a beautiful place for a leisurely walk, with some incredible old buildings, or you can just sit on the lawns and admire the views. Read more about Salisbury’s Cathedral Close >>

If you have the time and the weather is good, then a visit to Salisbury’s Water Meadows is a must. Go back out of the High Street Gate, turn left onto Crane Street and walk across the bridge over the River Avon, turning left after the car park, into Queen Elizabeth Gardens.

‘Lizzie Gardens’ as it is known to the locals, was opened in the 1960s to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. With famous views over the cathedral, from here you can access the Town Path, which takes you along the Harnham Water Meadows. It is a lovely place to walk and has a playpark, free musical events in the summer and prime paddling spots for hot days. Walk through the park to reach the entrance to the Town Path and the Water Meadows.

Harnham Water Meadows

The best known meadow irrigation system in England, the 84 acres of beautiful water meadows once provided the grazing, hay, and craft materials that helped make Salisbury a prosperous market town. Now designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, the meadows are a thriving site for wildlife within the city. From the walk alongside them, you can see one of the most iconic views of the cathedral, as painted by John Constable in his famous 1831 painting, ‘Salisbury Cathedral from the Water Meadows’.

At the end of the Town Path is a pub called The Old Mill, a Grade I listed, 15th century building, with some features which date back to 1250. Originally an ecclesiastical building, it was transformed in the 16th century to be the largest paper mill in the country. It is the perfect place to end your day of exploring Salisbury, with a restaurant in the oldest part of the building, a riverside garden and a large mill pond.

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