Winchester or Salisbury cathedrals

I've been to both. Tough to choose. What I remember about Salisbury is the beauty: it has an incredible spire and beautiful grounds. What I remember about Winchester is the history, plus it is the longest cathedral in Europe. Both have many historical tombs. I find Salisbury more visually appealing so I guess I would choose that one. Plus its close to Stonehenge.

Salisbury looks better on the outside, but Winchester is more interesting on the inside, mainly because of the historic mortuary chests. I did see recently information that some of those chests had been taken down for refurbishment, so if you choose Winchester, you might want to check to see if the chests have been reinstalled.

Winchester is a smaller town, quite walkable. You can also see the 13th century reproduction of Arthur's round table which is quite interesting. Salisbury is good if you also want to visit Old Sarum or Stonehenge, but you would need transportation to see either of those.

It is much easier to go London (Waterloo) to Salisbury and then Salisbury to Bath. This is because Salisbury is on a direct line to Bath and Winchester isn’t. I think that the City of Winchester is nicer than Salisbury but Salisbury Cathedral is ‘better looking’ than Winchester Cathedral.
Rail network map:>http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/static/documents/content/routemaps/nationalrailnetworkmap.pdf

I vote for Salisbury Cathedral. I've been to both but have been to Salisbury more often. I love the setting of this cathedral with the impressive close surrounding it. In addition to the nearby Stonehenge and Old Sarum, one of the original Magna Carta is held in the Salisbury Cathedral Chapter House.

If you have time (which I realize is in short supply) you can walk out thru the water meadows to see the views painted by John Constable or go to the Salisbury Museum (across the close from the West entrance of the cathedral) to see their interesting collection of artifacts from Stonehenge.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Constable

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Salisbury_Museum

Not sure how you are going to manage a trip to either in conjunction with the train to Bath.
This is a tough call. We have been to both cathedrals. As others have pointed out, they are both impressive.
I would go with the one that fits your other touring the best.

If you stay in Winchester, I highly recommend this 250 year old inn that is very close to the cathedral.

Wykeham Arms
75 Kingsgate Street, Winchester, SO23 9PE, GB Phone: +44196285383

I will say this, neither tops York Minster cathedral. That cathedral is amazing. Durham is not far behind.

They are both wonderful! The tower tour at Salisbury is fascinating, if you have the time. Be sure to take a docent tour for whichever cathedral you choose. Also, check each cathedral's website to make sure you won't run in to any unexpected closings.

I was assuming that you were staying in Bath - not making a return trip to London on the same day. Going to Salisbury and then to Bath and then back to London is pushing it.

Three suggestions if you opt for Winchester Cathedral

1. The Blue Badge guides are excellent and will enhance your visit to the Cathedral.

2. There is an excellent Cathedral cafe and gift shop, a separate small building across from the Cathedral entrance.

3. The Winchester City Museum is a 5 minute walk away. It is a small but interesting museum, worth an hour of your time.

Salisbury because 1) it is the most beautiful cathedral in the universe and 2) the tour of the spire, with attendant views, is fabulous. The Wykham Arms is a fine pub though.

I was more impressed with the outside architecture of Salisbury and of Salisbury Plain than the inside of the cathedral. I'll blame Constable! I'd love to visit Winchester and wonder if it's feasible as a day trip by train from London.

Very feasible. Five or so trains per hour from Waterloo, journey typically an hour or a little more on some.

You can walk to the Cathedral from the RR station in less than 15 minutes, I would guess.

We love visiting cathedrals and have been to quite a few, although not Winchester,yet. Still, Salisbury has always been one of my favorites: built with extremely shallow foundations in about the only spot dry enough for far around/ the tallest spire in England at 404 feet and so heavy you can SEE the stone bending in the columns supporting the crossing/ the world's oldest working clock from 1386 (okay possibly the second oldest after Beauvais) and an original copy of the Magna Carta.

You can't go wrong with either choice in the end.

Thank you all -- as usual I love this forum! I think it's going to be Salisbury on the way to spend 4 days in Bath.
If I have time in London, I may try Winchester as a day trip.

Consider spending one night in Salisbury and 3 in Bath. That way you can do Evensong at 530. I try to go to Evensong wherever I am visiting and this one is my favorite. Everyone sits in the Quire and even though many in attendance are visitors it feels like a real congregational service unlike Evensong at Westminster Abbey which feels more like a tourist event. I know it's not but Salisbury's intimate setting, the heartfelt service and the gorgeous choral setting are magic.

I guess you could get an evening train from Salisbury to Bath - it's only about an hour.

If you get the chance, the Evensong service in Bath is also very nice. Very moving, spiritually renewing, and calming even if one isn't particularly religious.

I'll just add that they do not have Evensong every day in Bath. Some nights they have Evening Prayer instead with no music at all. Check the Bath Abbey website for details.

I have, however, stumbled on to an organ recital at Bath Abbey which was fabulous. Actually, went to one at Salisbury Cathedral as well which was wonderful too. It really pays to read the websites of various cathedrals to see what is happening when you visit. Both recitals had a small entrance fee or donation - seems like 5-15£, usually to defray costs. Well worth it.