Top 10 Best Cathedrals In England You Must Not Miss

There are so many cathedrals in England, it’s hard to know where to begin. Cathedrals are significant religious buildings, and there are around 130 of them dotted around the country. They have a rich history and each one is different from the next. Many cathedrals in England date back to medieval times, with some being built on older foundations. Some are in smaller cities that you might not expect: for example, while others are large and impressive city cathedrals. Visiting cathedrals makes for a great way to explore different English cities, whilst learning about the religion and history of the location.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

• The building is decidedly Baroque in style. It has a facade that was inspired by the architectural design of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
• St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most famous cathedrals in England. It is located in the capital city of London.
• St. Paul’s Cathedral was not built as a traditional cathedral, though, but as a church, specifically a Protestant one. This was due to a shift in the country’s religious structure following the English Reformation.
• It was completed in 1710 and is the second-tallest church in the country. It stands at a whopping 101 meters tall, as well as being the second-largest by volume.
• Inside, the cathedral is lavishly decorated, with intricately carved wooden panels and gold leaf covering the walls and ceilings.

Westminster Abbey

• Westminster Abbey is one of the most famous and well-visited cathedrals in England. Although, it is not technically a cathedral.
• It is a former Benedictine monastery and was built in the 12th and 13th centuries. It has since undergone expansions and renovations.
• The abbey is most famous for its association with the British monarchy.
• It has been the setting for coronations since 1066 and houses the tombs of many monarchs and other famous figures.
• The abbey is also famous for having the country’s only remaining example of Anglo-Saxon architecture, with the remains of a 10th-century wooden structure that was once the abbey’s nave.
• The abbey is still in use today, with many different services and celebrations occurring throughout the year.
• It is used for services for the Royal Family.
• It is also a great place for literary fans to visit, due to Poet’s Corner. This is a tribute to the memory of the UK’s most beloved writers.

Read more about Poet’s Corner in my Literature Lover’s Guide To The UK

Canterbury Cathedral

• Canterbury Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in the country.
• The cathedral is famous for having the remains of Saint Augustine, the first Archbishop of Canterbury, buried there.
• The cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, who is the head of the Anglican Church. This position is very significant to England’s history and culture.
• The cathedral was founded in the 500s and has been expanded upon as the centre of Christianity in the UK.
• Canterbury Cathedral is undeniably one of the most visually striking cathedrals in England, with a facade that is magnificently ornate.

See The Highlights of Canterbury Cathedral

Check out this great video to see the top sights of Canterbury Cathedral so you know what to look out for when you visit.

Durham Cathedral

• Durham Cathedral is the most famous of the country’s three palladian cathedrals.
• It is often referred to as “the loveliest cathedral in the land.”
• Durham Cathedral is noted for its ornate and eclectic design, with a large central spire and many different architectural features, as well as its extensive use of stained glass.
• It also has the largest cloister in the country, as well as being one of the largest cathedrals overall.
• The cathedral was built between 1093 and 1350, although various additions and renovations have been made since then.
• The cathedral is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country, due to its stunning architecture and central location in Durham city.

I mentioned this in my Dark Academia UK travel post, due to its amazing gothic aesthetic value.

York Minster

• York Minster is the largest Gothic cathedral in the country. It has a length of 447 meters and a width of 82 meters.
• The first church on the site of York Minster was built in the 8th century, although the current building was completed in 1400.
• The building is the fourth-largest cathedral in the world, as well as being the largest Gothic cathedral in the country.
• It is famous for its ornate stained glass, with the largest panel being the Great East Window.
• The minster is also known as one of the most environmentally friendly cathedrals in the world. It has been awarded a bronze-level certification by the Green Building Council.
• The minster is definitely worth visiting if you are ever in York, being one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.

Bath Abbey

• Bath Abbey is one of the most ornate and beautiful cathedrals in the country, with a distinctive architectural style and a striking facade.
• It is built on the site of a Romanesque church, which was later destroyed by a fire in the 14th century.
• The abbey was completed in the 19th century, but its design was inspired by the architectural style popular during the 13th century.
• The abbey is famous for having the largest church organ in the country, as well as being one of the most popular wedding venues in the Southwest of England.
• It is also home to a café, shop, and gardens, making it an ideal day trip for anyone visiting Bath.

Bristol Cathedral

• Bristol Cathedral is famous for being one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the Southwest of England, with a distinct architectural style that is heavily influenced by the Gothic revival movement.
• The new building retained many of the same architectural features as its predecessor, with the main difference being that the new building was built in the Gothic revival style.
• Bristol Cathedral is most famous for its impressive stained glass windows, which are the largest collection in the country.
• It is near to the docks and surrounded by a beautiful Cathedral green – which will be recognised by fans of the UK TV shows Skins and Doctor Who.

Liverpool Anglican Cathedral

• Liverpool Anglican Cathedral is another building that was built to replace an earlier church that was destroyed by fire in 1904.
• The building was completed in 1967, making it one of the youngest cathedrals in the country.
• It is most famous for its striking design, which features a large open spire that was built with a steel framework.
• The cathedral is one of the most iconic buildings in the city, being visible from many different viewpoints.
• It has a diverse congregation and hosts many cultural events and exhibitions throughout the year.
• This cathedral is particularly special for music lovers, as it is the place that a young Paul McCartney auditioned auditioned to be a choir boy.

Check Out Highlights Of Liverpool Cathedral

Liverpool Cathedral is absolutely stunning. Take a sneak peek inside with this great video.

Exeter Cathedral

• Exeter Cathedral is another striking example of gothic architecture, with many of the buildings and structures within the cathedral being built of ashlar stone.
• The cathedral was built on the site of an earlier church although it has since undergone many renovations.
• The current structure was completed in 1415, with the tower being added in the 15th century.
• Exeter is one of the most popular cathedrals in the country, being visited by over 1 million people each year.
• It is particularly well known for its impressive ceiling, which is the longest uninterrupted medieval vault stone ceiling in the world.

Manchester Cathedral

• Manchester Cathedral is a grand and iconic Cathedral based in the north of England.
• There is often music playing in this cathedral, with a dedicated cathedral choir and an amazing large organ often producing grand sounds for you to enjoy.
• It has had to be often refurbished due to damage to its old and fragile structures.
• The windows in particularly were destroyed during the Blitz and have been restored to an extremely high and beautiful standard.
• This is one of the larger cathedrals, complete with a beautiful memorial garden as well as lots of spots within the cathedral to explore as well.

Check out my post on Manchester to find out what else you can do whilst you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Cathedrals are significant buildings that are worth visiting at any point in your life. No matter which one you choose to visit or when you’re sure to find an interesting architectural structure and learn more about the history of the country. If you’re religious or spiritual, then a tour around the cathedrals of England can be a really special experience. However, even if you’re not religious, it can be a wonderful experience to explore these ornate and impressive historical buildings.

Thank you so much for reading. Please feel free to leave a comment telling me about your favourite cathedral city in England, and I hope to see you back here again soon.

Ta-ta for now! x