Salisbury Cathedral
Elderly man wearing a sash gesturing at a mechanical clock, people are watching and taking photos

Demonstrations

Enhance your visit to the Cathedral with live demonstrations, included with your general admission ticket.

Tours and Demonstrations

Embroidery Demonstration

Thu 5 Nov 2026 | 10:30 am

Try some embroidery. Watch our sewing volunteers at work and enjoy the opportunity to add your own stitch to our Visitor’s Frame. Drop-in any time between 10.30pm -2.30pm

Demonstration

Medieval Clock Demonstration

Thu 5 Nov 2026 | 11:05 am

See and hear the world’s oldest working mechanical clock in action. Made in 1386 or earlier, it is mounted in an iron frame and has no dial. In the past the clock struck a bell to remind the priests to pray. Come and watch while the mechanism is unlocked allowing the clock to strike a bell as it first did over 600 years ago. This demonstration lasts 10 to 15 minutes.

Tower Tour
Guided Tour
Thu 5 Nov 2026 | 11:15 am

Tower Tour

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Service

Holy Communion

Thu 5 Nov 2026 | 12:00 pm

A Said service of Communion lasting approximately 30 minutes, and 45 minutes on Sunday. On Sundays, a sermon will be given.

Tower Tour
Guided Tour
Thu 5 Nov 2026 | 1:15 pm

Tower Tour

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Stonemasons Tour
Guided Tour
Thu 5 Nov 2026 | 2:00 pm

Stonemasons Tour

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Tower Tour
Guided Tour
Thu 5 Nov 2026 | 2:15 pm

Tower Tour

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Demonstration

Stories from the Archive

Thu 5 Nov 2026 | 2:15 pm

A 10-15 minute talk showcasing a selection of fascinating items from the Cathedral’s Archive.

Last Admission

Last Visitor Entry 3pm. Sightseeing until 4pm.

Thu 5 Nov 2026 | 3:00 pm

The Cathedral remains open for sightseeing until 4pm (last entry 3pm), with the Gift Shop and the Chapter House and Magna Carta exhibition also closing at 4pm. For those enjoying refreshments, the Refectory Restaurant serves until 4.45pm.

The Cathedral will reopen at 5:30pm for Sarum Lights: a sound and light exeperience. Entry to this event requires a separate ticket. Please check our What’s On page for further information.

Service

Evening Prayer

Thu 5 Nov 2026 | 4:30 pm

Evening Prayer is sometimes held instead of Choral Evensong and is a said service of readings and prayers to end the day. This service lasts around 25 minutes.

Sarum Lights: Great Journeys
Immersive Experience
Thu 5 Nov 2026 | 5:30 pm

Sarum Lights: Great Journeys

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Service

Morning Prayer

Fri 6 Nov 2026 | 7:30 am

A service of Bible readings, psalms and prayers, using Common Worship. This service lasts about 15 minutes and is followed directly by a service of Holy Communion.

Service

Holy Communion

Fri 6 Nov 2026 | 7:45 am

A Said service of Communion lasting approximately 30 minutes, and 45 minutes on Sunday. On Sundays, a sermon will be given.

First Visitor Entry

First Visitor Entry

Fri 6 Nov 2026 | 10:00 am

The Cathedral opens to visitors from 10am. The Chapter House, where the Magna Carta is on display, opens from 10.30am. Enjoy lunch and refreshments at the Refectory Restaurant (open 9.30am–4.45pm) or browse for a souvenir in the Gift Shop, open throughout the day alongside the Cathedral.

Demonstration

Medieval Clock Demonstration

Fri 6 Nov 2026 | 11:05 am

See and hear the world’s oldest working mechanical clock in action. Made in 1386 or earlier, it is mounted in an iron frame and has no dial. In the past the clock struck a bell to remind the priests to pray. Come and watch while the mechanism is unlocked allowing the clock to strike a bell as it first did over 600 years ago. This demonstration lasts 10 to 15 minutes.

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