With over 70,000 tons of medieval craftsmanship to admire and nearly 800 years of history to explore, we suggest you allow between 1.5 – 3 hours for your visit. If you don’t have that long, you can see most of the highlights in 45 minutes. Occasionally the Cathedral, or parts of it, may need to close or offer restricted access so please check before you travel. We warmly invite you to join one of our services to hear our talented choirs in action – you can find all the information and times you need by clicking on the button below. You can also download our latest event leaflet at the bottom of this page.

Please scroll to the bottom of this page to see details of dates and time where access might be restricted due to major services or special events.

View Events

Opening hours

Our standard opening hours can be seen in the table below. We suggest arriving at least one hour before closing to make the most of your visit. Please note that we do not have a left luggage facility on site.

Restricted access/closures

Occasionally the Cathedral, or parts of it, may need to close or only offer restricted access for a service, special event or day to day maintenance. We try to minimise these periods as much as we can, as we know that people travel long distances to visit us. Please remember to check for last minute changes prior to your visit as some events, such as funerals, are only arranged at short notice.

16 February to 19 November 
There will be minor disruption to the Quire aisles due to essential repair work to our Father Willis Organ. During this time there will be a temporary exhibition in the North Transept about this project. Click here for more details. 

Saturday 10 August - Talk in the Nave 11:30am - 12.00pm
We will be open to visitors throughout the talk but guiding will not be posible during this time

Thursday 15 August - Funeral in the Nave at 2pm - 3pm
From 1.30pm The East End of the Cathedral will be roped off to sightseeing from the Font. Only the far West End will be open during the funeral. No gudied tours or comentary is permitted during the funeral. The Chapter House will be open as normal.

Saturday 14 September
The Chapter House with Magna Carta will close at 3.15pm.

Thursday 19 September - School Speech Day 3pm - 5pm
The Cathedral Floor will be closed to sightseeing from 2.15pm. Recommended last entry is 1.30pm. The Chapter House with Magna Carta will be open as normal.

Saturday 28 September - Admission & Licencing of Lay Ministers in the Nave, 11am - 12.30pm
The Cathedral Floor will be closed to Sightseeing between 10.15am and 12.45pm. The Chapter House with Magna Carta will be open as normal. Visitors are very welcome to attend the Service.

Friday 25 October - Wiltshire College Graduation
The Cathedral Floor is closed to visitors until 1.15pm. The Chapter House is open as normal.

Friday 6  December
The Cathedral will be closed for sightseeing all day as there is a performance of the The Snowman - tickets available.  Worship will take place as normal.  

Sunday 15 December
The Cathedral Floor will be closed for sightseeing all day. The Chapter House and Magna Carta will be open. Worship will take place as normal.