Considering that there are buildings in the UK that are older than some countries, it’s not strange to think that it would have some of the oldest, most architecturally impressive churches and cathedrals in the world. From cathedral spires in London to the beautiful stained glass windows in churches around Wales, the UK is filled with hundreds of churches worthy of visit.
No matter what your beliefs are, it’s undeniable that these churches are a testament to human ingenuity, art, architecture, culture, and history. If you’re vacationing in the UK or are looking for a destination for the weekend, you’re in the right place.
List of Best Churches And Cathedrals In The UK
There are hundreds of churches around the UK and all of them have great charm and character. The churches come from different periods in time, with some being hundreds of years apart. If you’re thinking about taking a trip through the ages, here are some of the best churches and cathedrals in the UK:
1. Canterbury Cathedral, Canterbury
Canterbury is one of the most visited cities in the country. The Canterbury Cathedral is one of the oldest Christian churches in England and currently serves as the seat of the Church of England. Built in 597 AD, the cathedral is one of the oldest in the country. Its spires stand proud above the city’s landscape, and the walls are brimmed with rich history. It is no wonder the Canterbury Cathedral is the most visited attraction in the country, amassing millions of visitors each year.
2. St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
Looking more like a place of governance than of worship, St. Paul’s Cathedral is considered one of the most iconic buildings in London. The massive dome on top of the cathedral is a signature trait of the building, dominating the London city skyline. Construction of the church began in 1675 and would not finish until 35 years later. The church was built by the esteemed architect Sir Christopher Wren and is built on top of an already existing church that dates back 1,400 years ago. Today, it serves as the seat of the Diocese of London.
The massive dome is the church’s greatest feature, being one of the largest in the world. St. Paul’s Cathedral also has a large underground crypt which houses some of the country’s most notable people, including the Duke of Wellington, Admiral Lord Nelson, and Sir Christopher Wren himself.
3. Ely Cathedral, Cambridgeshire
Above the cobbled city stands an impressive feat of architectural prowess. This classical cathedral looms over the city of Ely at 500 feet. The church dates back to the Roman and Norman periods, and the historian Nikolaus Pevsner said that the Ely Cathedral is “the single greatest achievement of architectural genius.”
The historic city of Ely rests between the Norfolk coast and Cambridge. It had always been referred to as a city, but Queen Elizabeth II only granted the official status in 1974. Ely Cathedral’s surrounding architecture adds to the church’s overall look as it makes visitors feel as if they have been transported back in time.
4. St. Giles Cathedral, Scotland
The constant redesigns, renovations, and many additions throughout the years have given the St. Giles Cathedral a standout and unique look. Since it has been around for almost a thousand years, there are noticeable architectural design cues from different periods from the 13th century up to the 19th century. These combined make the cathedral one of the most iconic buildings in Scotland. The huge stained glass windows on the front facade paired with the church’s spires create a stark contrast to the surrounding buildings. It’s no wonder how it became the official principal place of worship for the Church of Scotland.
5. Norwich Cathedral, Norfolk
Norwich Cathedral’s massive 320-ft spire is the second tallest in the country. The church rises above the town of Norfolk near the River Wensum. Walking up to the church, you’ll make your way through an orchard before it clears to the main cathedral entrance. The church rises several stories above the closest structure which emphasizes how imposing the structure is. Considered the largest monastic cloister in England, Norwich Cathedral’s tall roof and massive arches are a sight to see.
6. Salisbury Cathedral, England
Sitting at the crossroads of the rivers Nadder, Avon, and Bourne, the city of Salisbury is an adorable cobbled city. The region is rich with history as Stonehenge is only a stone’s throw away. Salisbury Cathedral has been standing above the city for over 800 years and contains the world’s oldest clock, dating back to the 12th century.
Named the Cathedral of Saint Mary, the beautiful Anglican-style church has the tallest spire in England at 400 feet. The church’s design is regarded as one of the best-preserved architectural marvels of any place of worship. It also contains one of four existing copies of the original Magna Carta for women.
7. St. Edmundsbury Cathedral, Suffolk
Believed to have originally been named “Beodericsworth,” St. Edmundsbury is a charming little market town in Suffolk. The name may be a giveaway, but the town has been around for almost a thousand years. Edmundsbury Cathedral is the Church of England’s Diocese of St. Edmundsbury and Ipswich.
The dainty church was built in the 11th century and has undergone several rebuilds and restoration throughout the centuries. The area where the church was built had been a place of worship and pilgrimage for over 1,000 years. The cathedral is also surrounded by a beautiful garden filled with various collections of flowers and plants from all over the world.
8. Winchester Cathedral, England
The Winchester Cathedral was once the seat of the monarchy and was the centre of English spiritual life. Found in the old and historic town of Winchester, the cathedral has been a place of worship for 1,500 years. This places the cathedral 500 years before William the Conqueror. On top of its already impressive history, the cathedral also holds a few noteworthy architectural features. It has the largest nave and is the longest Gothic-style church in Europe. Winchester Cathedral also holds the largest and oldest collection of 12th-century English bibles.
9. Derby Cathedral, Derbyshire
Housing the oldest set of bells in the world, Derby Cathedral in Derbyshire has one of the tallest perpendicular towers of any church in the country. First made in the 10th century, the church is witness to the town’s growth and may have once had Romans, Saxons, and Vikings in its halls throughout the centuries. The town of Derbyshire where the church is located was also built around the same time.
10. St. David’s Cathedral, Wales
St. David is the smallest city in the UK and serves as the final resting place of its patron saint of the same name. Found in the westernmost part of Wales, the church is surrounded by a beautiful landscape with rolling hills, cliffs, and forests. Though first built in 1181, the original church has since suffered destruction and decay. Even Oliver Cromwell’s forces made contributions to St. David Cathedral’s destruction. Earthquakes have also toppled the towers. Despite this, rebuilding and reconstruction took place, and the church was soon returned to its former glory. The current cathedral standing is the product of a restoration attempt in the 1800s.
11. Lincoln Cathedral, Lincolnshire
Most of the churches and cathedrals on this list are unique and intricately distinct from one another. They are also some of the oldest structures in the country, with some dating back to Medieval times. If you plan to visit a church or cathedral that will transport you into the medieval world, a visit to Lincolnshire may be the trip you’re looking for. The Lincoln Cathedral stands stories above its surrounding cityscape and was once the tallest building in the world for more than 200 years. Its unique mix of Norman and Gothic architecture is the result of continuous repairs and restorations throughout time. It also contains one of the four original copies of the Magna Carta.
12. St. Magnus Cathedral, Scotland
Originally built for northerner Earls, the St. Magnus Cathedral is a unique spectacle of red stone and Norman architecture. The quarried red sandstone undoubtedly makes the cathedral pop out of the green, brown, and black landscape surrounding it. Dotted with large pillars and small arches, the church is a textbook example of Norman architecture. The cathedral’s patron saint and creator’s remains lie within the crypts of the old section of the church.
13. Southwell Minster, Nottinghamshire
Voted by most as one of the prettiest towns in East Midlands, Southwell is an adorable little town lying near the River Green in Nottinghamshire. Southwell Minster is the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham and has some of the most prominent Norman naves in Europe. The minster started its life as a Roman villa before being transformed into a Saxon church. A renovation later, it became the minster locals and tourists admire today.
14. Durham Cathedral, England
Durham is a historic cathedral city and, some would argue, is one of the prettiest cities in the UK. With hundreds of buildings all having unique and rich histories, taking a trip to Durham Cathedral would mean immersing yourself in a millennia’s worth of stories. Durham Cathedral captures centuries of English religious, political, and social history. It remains today a place of worship, pilgrimage, and an important attraction for visitors. Constructed between the 11th and 12th centuries the Roman-style cathedral still has immaculately preserved religious paintings, sandstone pillars, and Naves. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.
15. Wells Cathedral, England
The seat of the Bishop of Bath and Wells sits in Somerset countryside. It was Birtain’s first Gothic cathedral upon its construction, a time when Norman architecture was dominant. Though having been through numerous renovations, additions, and reconstructions since it was erected, Wells Cathedral still maintains a lot of its Medieval-era style charm. It was built between 1175 and 1490 and was consecrated in 1239.
16. Ripon Cathedral, East Yorkshire
Ripon is yet another cathedral city in North Yorkshire. A historic city, Ripon’s cobbled streets and old marketplace are untouched by time. First established by Scottish monks in the year 600, Ripon Cathedral has been a pilgrimage site and place of worship for 1,400 years. Something interesting about this cathedral is the fact that the Gothic and Early English architectural style is said to have inspired Lewis Caroll and Wilfred Owen.
17. Carlisle Cathedral, Cumbria
Carlisle City, otherwise known as the “Great Border City” lies 10 miles south of the Anglo-Scottish border and is over 2,000 years old. Carlisle Cathedral was founded in 1122 and was declared a priority church. Ten years later, King Henry I would create the Diocese of Carlisle. The cathedral’s massive stained window is the largest Flowing Decorated Gothic-style window in England.
18. York Minster, North Yorkshire
The walled city of York was founded in 71 AD by Romans and later became Jovik under Viking rule. York is the county town of England’s largest county and is home to lots of historical landmarks and the historic York Minster. This massive church is the largest of its kind in Europe and serves as the seat of the Archbishop of York.
19. Lichfield Cathedral, Staffordshire
The Lichfield Cathedral is the only Medieval cathedral with massive spires. Just 10-15 minutes away from Birmingham, Lichfield is a city filled with museums, shops, and lots of old-style restaurants that pay homage to Lichfield’s biggest attraction. The church is an imposing piece of Medieval architecture that boasts high-level craftsmanship and preservation of classical Medieval style.
Final Thoughts
For centuries, even millennia, humans have looked to the earth, the skies, and the stars for answers. Wherever civilization appeared, religion soon followed. No matter your religion, it’s undeniable that churches are a testament to human ingenuity. These buildings are filled with rich history and culture and have stood witness to generations of human existence. The United Kingdom has some of the oldest and most impressive churches and cathedrals in Europe and around the world. One look at the exterior facade and sheer scale of any of the mentioned examples is a stark reminder that there is nothing stronger than a people with a united belief.
Featured Image: “Wells Cathedral”, by Diliff, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0