Visiting England's Top Cathedrals
Durham, York Minster, Canterbury, Ely and St Paul's in London
Dec 30, 2008
No visit to some of England's major cities is complete without touring the cathedral. These religious buildings have amazing atmospheres, and contain centuries of history, along with tales of murder, mystery and royalty. Here are some of the finest cathedrals in the country, two in London and the rest of the best all easily visited on day trips from London.
Canterbury
60 miles southeast of London
Canterbury is one of the oldest cathedrals in England, and its origins go back to its founding in 602. Work on the present building began in 1070, and its most notable event happened exactly 100 years later when the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas a Becket, was murdered. The spot can still be visited, while Canterbury itself, along with its Cathedral, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Durham
270 miles north of London
Travel by train from London to Durham and first views of the city show one of the best cityscapes in England – with Durham Cathedral standing proud on top of the rock around which this medieval city first grew. Opposite the cathedral is Durham Castle, and the two buildings form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral was founded in 995 when monks brought the remains of St Cuthbert from the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and buried them here. Work on today's buiilding began in 1090. Be sure to visit the cloisters, the tomb of the Venerable Bede, and the Coal Miners' Memorial.
Ely
80 miles north of London
The tower of Ely Cathedral is clearly visible for miles around, standing out from the flat landscape of the surrounding fens. Up close the building dominates this small town, with its lovely riverside setting. The splendid cathedral with its unique octagonal tower also contains a Stained Glass Museum, while Ely itself was once the home of Oliver Cromwell whose house is now a museum.
Lincoln
120 miles north of London
When it was built in 1300 Lincoln Cathedral was the tallest building in the world, and remained so for the next 200 years. Today only St Paul's Cathedral in London and York Minster are bigger than Lincoln Cathedral, which is reached after a challenging climb up Lincoln's appropriately-named Steep Hill
Liverpool
200 miles northwest of London
Liverpool has two cathedrals, with its Anglican cathedral being by far the most notable. Curiously, it was designed by a Catholic while the more modern Catholic cathedral was designed by an Anglican. At the start of the 20th century Liverpool had no cathedral at all, but work on the Gothic-style Anglican Cathedral began in 1903, and its tower is still one of the tallest in the world. Ex-Beatle Paul McCartney was once turned down for the Liverpool Cathedral Choir.
Peterborough
80 miles north of London
Peterborough is not on many people's list of must-see tourist destinations in England, but its cathedral is worth the visit alone – and it is easily done on a day-trip by train from London. The cathedral dates mainly from the 12th century and its West Front, with three huge arches, is considered architecturally unique.
St Paul's
London
St Paul's Cathedral is not only one of the most visited places in London, it is one of the country's finest cathedrals. There have been several buildings on the site, but the 17th-century design by Sir Christopher Wren is a beautiful architectural marvel. It is where many of England's most notable funerals have taken place, along with the wedding of Prince Charles to Lady Diana. Don't miss the crypt or the famous Whispering Gallery.
Salisbury
80 miles southwest of London
Salisbury Cathedral is noted for having the tallest church spire in the United Kingdom. The spire was added to the cathedral in 1320, the building itself being put up in the comparatively short timespan of 38 years, between 1220 and 1258. Salisbury is an easy day trip from London by train.
Westminster
London
Many visitors naturally assume that the wonderfully grand and ancient Westminster Abbey is a cathedral, but it isn't. It was briefly a cathedral in the 16th century but is now oficially known as the Collegiate Church of St Peter at Westminster. Westminster Cathedral is further along Victoria Street, closer to Victoria Station, and is the mother church of the Roman Catholic faith in England and Wales, and the largest Catholic church in either country. It was opened in 1903, and has become renowned for the Westminster Cathedral Choir, making a visit to a service here memorable.
Winchester
65 miles southwest of London
Winchester is a delightful old city, easily reached from London, and its 11th-century cathedral is its crowning glory. It is a breathtakingly beautiful building, and among its many notable features is the grave of novelist Jane Austen, a frequent visitor to Winchester and its splendid cathedral.
York
200 miles north of London
York Minster is the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe, and many visitors make the 2-hour train ride from London just to see it. There has been a church here since the 7th century, and the present building is the result of various constructions and reconstructions dating from the late 11th century.
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