OUR TOUR: British Cathedrals

 

With summer fast approaching, what better time to explore the fascinating religious history of Britain? Marvel at the impressive architecture and discover the tales of Kings, Queens, saints and sinners of times gone by with our selection of stunning cathedrals.  Britain’s 42 cathedrals welcome more than 11 million visitors in a normal year and are run by 6,000 dedicated staff and 15,000 volunteers.

With grand spires, cobbled limestone, and gothic towers – these sacred places are sure to capture your imagination.  The hotel group Travelodge, who have properties in all the cities, supplied most of the words, in this 'ten of the best' short selection.  There are many others including Sir Christopher Wren's St Paul's in London, and Liverpool’s Catholic and Church of England pair.

CANTERBURY

Standing tall since the Middle Ages, this 1,400-year-old cathedral is well known for its prominence in Medieval England and arguably one of the most important of its type. Thomas à Becket met his end at the Cathedral in 1170.

After being restored to its full glory after many years tourists can now wander the halls decorated with memorabilia and mock scenes from the historical age. Its infamous spire is the highest in the country reaching an impressive 400ft, and making for a gorgeous photo background.
www.canterbury-cathedral.org


DURHAM

Attracting over 700,000 visitors to this North-Eastern city each year, no trip to Durham is complete without taking in its stunning cathedral. Discover previously hidden spaces and artefacts, enjoy make and take craft sessions with the kids and learn all about the product within the herb garden, to name just a few of the activities within this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you are visiting for an experience of the cathedral’s rich gothic history, why not venture around one of the many different sights to behold inside the structure. These range from the Chapel of Nine Altars to The Tomb of Venerable Bede, and their expansive collection of eye-catching stained-glass windows. Outside, the lush green grass of Palace Green is the perfect spot to enjoy the architecture of the historic building and Durham Castle just opposite.
www.durhamcathedral.co.uk


ELY

This towering Romanesque structure dates back to the year 1083 housing the Bishop of this small city in Cambridgeshire. Famous for being built to the Glory of God, Ely Cathedral welcomes thousands of visitors and pilgrims yearly coming from all around the world.

The cathedral itself is over 550ft long and filled with conserved memories and infrastructure such as The Octagon, The Lady Chapel, The Nave Ceiling and St Etheldreda, a gorgeous stained glass window gallery.

Why not go on one of their speciality tours, see parts of the grounds and inside the church, and explore its history.
www.elycathedral.org

GLASGOW

As one of the oldest standing cathedrals in mainland Scotland, it is also referred to as the High Kirk of Glasgow or St Kentigern’s, named after the patron saint of Glasgow. The structure was built in the 12th century with a gothic theme and structure, like many cathedrals all over the world.

Despite what you may think, not everything inside this magnificent cathedral is old, as it homes one of the finest post-war collections of stained-glass windows in Britain.

The cathedral also has a regular and active congregation, making for a perfect evening if you are visiting the city. Why not attend one of their incredible services, guaranteed to teach you a thing or two about the rich history of the cathedral and the city of Glasgow.
www.glasgowcathedral.org

ST DAVID'S

Famous for being a place of pilgrimage and worship, this Pembrokeshire cathedral holds a lot of religious sentiment and is a popular tourist location for guests all around the world.

The cathedral is the main reason for the city of St David's popularity, being the site of the famous St David’s monastery, the origin of St David’s Day. The outside may not seem like much, but once you step inside the doors you will see walls of stained-glass windows, gorgeous marbling and historical infrastructure.

Wander the cobbled walls of the cathedral and learn the ins and outs of the rich Welsh culture in their gallery, treasury and library. St David’s is the smallest city in Britain, with just 1,600 residents, and is the most westerly on the mainland.
www.stdavidscathedral.org.uk

SALISBURY

The gothic Salisbury Cathedral is home to one of only four originals of the Magna Carta, one of the most famous documents in the world. Step into this medieval masterpiece and encounter over 800 years of worship, history and gorgeous infrastructure.

If you are up for it, why not attempt their tour of the tower, the tallest in the country. The cathedral is an incredible 332 steps up to the highest point, and the tour lasts for up to 90 minutes but is well worth it if you’re interested in the history of this magnificent monument. If you are in town in the evening, why not come to the cathedral's choir service that is truly an experience you should not miss.
www.salisburycathedral.org.uk

SOUTHWARK

Located on the bank of the River Thames right near the centre of business in London, Southwark Cathedral is home to years of Augustinian heritage and Christian history. Built sometime between 1220 and 1420, this gothic-themed cathedral is one of two in the Southwark area. Many significant figures throughout history have lived here, which in turn attracts many visitors from all over the UK. Following many extensions and developments in 2000, the cathedral not only houses walls full of history and meaning, but now houses a library, an educational room, and a gift shop. Why not go on one of their informational tours, and learn from the guides all about the history behind this South London church turned cathedral.
https://cathedral.southwark.anglican.org

WELLS

Famous for its unique and remarkable architecture, this cathedral was built in 1175 and stands at just 65ft tall in the nave – also known as the main hall of the church. The western tower stands at 125ft, and the crossing tower at 180ft. The west sculpted window glows gorgeously in the sunlight, and its stunning arches boast the rich medieval history held together on the grounds.

It has often been described as the ‘most poetic of the English Cathedrals’, due to it having international reputation.

Inside the cathedral, you will find a range of stunning architectural displays from historical and religious ages, including the famous Wells Clock, the second oldest mechanical clock in Britain. Why not stay for their Evensong with the cathedral’s world-renowned choir and organ, making for a peaceful and reflective experience.
www.wellscathedral.org.uk


WESTMINSTER

Not to be confused with the equally stunning Westminster Abbey, the Cathedral Church of Westminster is head of all catholic churches in England and Wales. The appearance of the building is most unusual and striking, having not been built in the traditional gothic style of most cathedrals. With its striped terracotta brick and white stone exterior, the design is based on Orthodox architecture and is often confused with a mosque. Inside the cathedral is a stunning display of art, marble and mosaics adorning the walls and ceilings, and the Treasure Exhibition. This gallery showcases some of Westminster’s most important treasures, such as chalices, prayer books, and sacred relics of history.
https://westminstercathedral.org.uk

YORK

Known as York Minster, it is one of northern Europe’s largest medieval cathedrals, an extraordinary example of gothic architecture at its best, complete with stone gargoyles. Look behind the altar to the Great East Window – a breath-taking stained-glass window, the world’s largest cathedral window and depicting the beginning and end of the world as they knew it back then. Will you attempt the climb up 275 steps of the tower? It has arguably the best view of York.  Or perhaps if you are wanting the true cathedral experience, why not attend one of their many choir services and witness the swelling music and transcripts that honour this structure's rich history.
https://yorkminster.org

www.travelodge.co.uk

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OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum

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Peter Barron, United Kingdom

If you head north on the A1 to visit York and Durham it is possible to take in the magnificent cathedrals of Peterborough, Lincoln, Ripon and the ruined abbeys of Fountains and Rievaulx on the route.

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