Cathedrals can be amongst the best places to visit during the festive period to get you in the traveling spirit. As well as reminding you of the meaning behind the celebration, these magnificent buildings are always well-decorated with the choral sounds adding to the atmosphere.
Wherever you are in the UK, you won’t be too far away from a spectacular Cathedral. One of the best ways to check them out is one a road trip. Use sites like tirendo.ie to make sure your car is ready and relieve some of that airport stress.
Historically city status was only granted to places with a cathedral which means it is likely that you nearest city has one for you to visit. Alternatively, domestic holiday providers such as run city breaks to a range of destinations with world-renowned cathedrals. Here is my run-down of the best the UK has to offer.
Cambridge
The 14th Century chapel is actively used as a place of worship so it is worth checking whether there is a service on in advance of your visit. King’s is famous for its large stained glass windows as well as its Christmas Eve tradition. They have traditions that rival some of the top Christmas towns in the USA.. It’s a cool city to get work done while on the road.
Liverpool
Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral is situated at the opposite end of Hope Street which connects it to the City’s Catholic Cathedral, the Metropolitan Cathedral which is also well worth a visit. The Anglican Cathedral was designed by famous architect Giles Gilbert Scott and holds the record for being the largest church building in the UK covering an area of nearly 10,000 square metres.
Lincoln
The Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lincoln, to give its full name, is highly regarded as one of the country’s top architectural treasures and was used as the double for St Paul’s in the film of The Da Vinci Code. Lincoln Cathedral has a regular programme of events that will be of interest to travelers.
Salisbury
Writer Bill Bryson, in his book Notes from a Small Island, rates Salisbury Cathedral as ‘the single most beautiful structure in England’. The cathedral was completed in 1258 and has the tallest spire of all UK churches. Salisbury is situated in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside.
London
London has two of the world’s most awe-inspiring Cathedrals in St Pauls and Westminster Abbey. These are two must-see sites for any London visitor. It’s one of the top 10 destinations in the UK.
York
York Minster in the beautiful Yorkshire city is a stunning Gothic cathedral which boasts traces of every age from England’s Roman occupation in the first century. It is a beautiful example of a Gothic Cathedral and shouldn’t be missed.
Gloucester
Gloucester Cathedral will already hold magic for visitors of a certain age as three of the Harry Potter films were filmed there.But don’t worry they let muggles inside.
Canterbury
As part of an awe-inspiring World Heritage site, Canterbury Cathedral is well worth a visit if you are in the Kent area. The Cathedral, originally founded in 597, is one of the oldest in the country. Caterbury it’s own travel niche.
The UK has some stunning cathedrals to visit. Make sure to check out this list. SO grab a car, make sure it has summer tryes and hit the road.