We’re lucky to live in a country with such a long, intricate history. Walking around cities in the UK, it’s easy to feel as if the iconic heritage buildings have transported you back to another time.
Nothing has this effect more than our beautiful cathedrals – breathtaking national treasures that define the skylines in which they stand. If you’re visiting the UK for the first time, you must explore one or two of these magnificent sites.
Although you might think you know what to expect, no two cathedrals in the UK are the same. Each building has a unique flair and flavour that gives everyone an interesting experience. We’ve decided to use this week’s post to showcase some of the UK’s most beautiful cathedrals. Check out our favourite five.
Saint Paul’s
We really couldn’t start this list with anything else. Saint Paul’s Cathedral is one of London’s most spectacular highlights, and certainly one of Sir Christopher Wren’s most iconic works. After the great fire of London, Wren was tasked with rebuilding churches across the city.
He began designing the new St Paul’s in 1669, though the building would not be completed and consecrated for official use until 1697. If you haven’t seen it yet, take the time to do so on our London in One Day experience.
York Minster
The sturdy yet elegant-looking Minster has survived a long history of tribulation. From fires to civil war and religious turmoil, this stunning Gothic building has played its part in generations of English history.
It’s also one of the largest in Europe and contains some of the most fascinating features of any church in the UK. Spend some time exploring its marvellous stained glass and unique King’s screen.
Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury Cathedral’s founding story is as fascinating as the building itself. We really recommend spending some time absorbing its stories as you walk the magnificent cloister gardens.
Largely completed by 1258, the cathedral is today the tallest church spire in the UK and houses one of only four remaining copies of the Magna Carta. It’s a must-see!
Lincoln Cathedral
Of course, we couldn’t talk about tall spires without mentioning Lincoln Cathedral. For 238 years, the magnificent central spire of Lincoln made it the tallest building in the world before it came toppling down during a storm in 1549.
The Cathedral still has so much to offer, including its own Wren Library, the tower clock, its famous wooden trusses and the fabulous story of the Lincoln Imp.
Lichfield Cathedral
The darkened local sandstone of Lichfield Cathedral gives the site a unique look and makes it one of the more striking buildings on our list. If you visit, check out the Lichfield Angel – a fascinating sculptured panel of the archangel Gabriel that’s nearly 2000 years old.
Durham Cathedral
If you’re a big fan of Harry Potter, you might recognize some sights around Durham Cathedral. Many of the films’ Hogwarts scenes were filmed here, and the building itself is one of the most whimsical on our list.
On top of a grand hill in the centre of town and surrounded by lush green trees, Durham is magnificent. You could be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped into a fantasy novel when you first lay eyes on it. Add to this its great historical significance as the resting place of Saint Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede, and you have a truly magical destination.
We highly recommend getting out to visit some of these spectacular sites. But if you’re only stopping in the capital, check out our London in One Day tour to visit St Paul’s before leaving. England’s cathedrals show off the best our country has to offer.
