Every year, millions of visitors love to visit the popular Cathedrals in England. Though out of the special category of cathedrals, St Paul is very well known to everyone. Each of these ecclesiastical fortresses merits a place in the list of the ten best cathedrals in England for various reasons.

Each Cathedral in England is awe-inspiring in stone. The Cathedral serves its community as the mother church of its area. Often, the most impressive, intricate, and antique building in the local area is the Cathedral Church, a physical and cultural landmark.

1. 11 Breathtaking Cathedrals in England

1.1. Canterbury Cathedral in England

It is in Canterbury, Kent. Canterbury Cathedral is the first Cathedral, founded in 597 AD. For several generations, the ongoing morning and evening prayer has been held here. St Augustine is an important early Christian teacher and a founder of the English Church. The Church of England books of daily prayer can help one join the formal Church prayer.

It has been home to pilgrimage and visitors since the Middle Ages. The Canterbury Cathedral Church gives us a picture of England through its stories. Its thrilling history spans over 1,400 years. The Cathedral Church of Canterbury is the oldest and most famous Christian building in Canterbury.

1.2. York Minster

It is famous for its incredible Gothic architecture. The largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe is York Minster. The Metropolitical Church is the Cathedral and Church of York in North Yorkshire, England, and Saint Peter in York, respectively. It is a type of diocese, along with eparchies, exarchates, and archdioceses.

1.3. Westminster Abbey

Traditionally, this religious building has significance not only in the enthronement ceremony but also as the funeral site for the English and, later, for British Monarchs. Westminister Abbey is an Anglican church, whereas Westminster Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Church.

An abbey is built to serve varied functions compared to cathedrals, which are primarily for Christian worship only. Westminster Cathedral is not only the mother church but also the largest Catholic Church in England and Wales.

Even if you do not happen to be Catholic, Mother church is an enthralling place to visit.

1.4. Salisbury Cathedral

One would take into account the Salisbury Cathedral, which is one of the most striking examples of architecture in Wiltshire. Salisbury Cathedral is perhaps the finest example of early English Gothic architecture in existence.

It has the tallest church spire and is home to the best preserved of only four surviving Magna Carta documents from 1215 in the Southern English county of Wiltshire. Salisbury is a Medieval Cathedral City.

1.5. Durham Cathedral

Durham Cathedral is another popular example of Romanesque architecture, the largest and finest example of it. It is a religious building located in the city of Durham.

Home of the Shrine of St Cuthbert, Durham Cathedral marks a turning point in the history of architecture because of its nave vault, which has a significant architectural element. This cathedral in England has the world’s first structural pointed arch.

1.6. Gloucester Cathedral

It is the finest medieval Cathedral Church, which has superb vaulted cloisters. Situated in Gloucester, this Cathedral is the Church of St Peter and the Holy and Indivisible Trinity.

The earliest images of golf can be depicted from the stained-glass window of Gloucester Cathedral. This magnificent cathedral in England is where many Hogwarts scenes in the Harry Potter films were shot.

1.7. Bristol Cathedral

Situated in the city of Bristol, Bristol Cathedral has astounding architecture.

1.8. Wells Cathedral

Well known for its breathtaking architecture, Wells Cathedral is also an Anglican Cathedral situated in Wells, Somerset, and is dedicated to St Andrew the Apostle and the seat of the Bishop of Bath and Wells. 

Having the amazing 300 medieval carvings and the rarest fourteenth-century Scissor Arches, the Wells Cathedral is an iconic one

1.9. Winchester Cathedral

This magnificent Cathedral, being one of the largest of its kind, has inspired people for over 900 years. Located in Winchester, Hampshire, Winchester Cathedral Church is uniquely designed.

Dedicated to the St Peter, St Paul, Holy Trinity, and St Swithun, Winchester Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of Winchester. It has the longest nave in the world, along with an impressive height.

1.10. Paul’s Cathedral

This Cathedral has figured prominently in many major cultural and religious events, from the funeral of Lord Nelson and Winston Churchill to the marriage of Prince Charles and Diana Spencer.

1.11. Coventry Cathedral

Located in Coventry, West Midland, this is the Cathedral Church of Saint Michael and is the seat of the Bishop of Coventry. The Church is considered to be the custodian of the single largest number of listed places of worship. 

The Cathedral is not only a centre of worship and mission but also the seat of the bishop. Christian worship is its primary purpose. 10 British churches were destroyed during the dissolution of the Monasteries.

A territorial area administered by a bishop is known as a diocese. Every diocese is divided into distinct parts. The word diocese originally referred to a governmental area governed by an imperial vicar in the Roman Empire.

Final Note

Most of the Cathedrals in England are recognized as World Heritage Sites. Out of forty-two cathedrals, thirty-nine are listed as grade one and are the best cathedrals. They are not only the center of learning, worship, and Christian mission but also of the Anglican choral tradition of living heritage and even tourism.

Europe is also home to many of its ecclesiastical buildings that surprise thousands of visitors with their awe-inspiring architecture.

Last Updated on March 11, 2024 by Parina Parmar