Salisbury

Salisbury is a compact cathedral city in Wiltshire, about 1 hour 20 minutes from London Waterloo — best known for its 13th-century cathedral (the tallest in England at 123 metres) and as the most convenient train-accessible base for Stonehenge.

Salisbury Cathedral

One of the finest examples of Early English Gothic architecture in the country — built in a single 37-year construction campaign (1220–1258), unusually consistent in style as a result. The cathedral houses one of the four surviving original copies of Magna Carta (1215), on permanent display in the Chapter House. Entry around £10 for adults; the tower tour (separate booking) is highly recommended for the views and access to the medieval stonework close-up.

Combining with Stonehenge

Stonehenge is 9 miles from Salisbury — reachable by the Stonehenge Tour Bus from Salisbury city centre (runs hourly, around £16 return including entry discount). This makes Salisbury + Stonehenge a practical same-day combination from London, though it requires an early start.

Tips

• Book the cathedral tower tour in advance — limited spaces and the best part of the visit.
• The Stonehenge Tour Bus from Salisbury is the easiest way to combine both without a car.
• Leave London before 9am to make the combination comfortable without rushing.