E is for Ecclesiastical Attractions

As well as hosting the weddings and funerals of the Kings and Queens of England, the best English cathedrals, as well as smaller churches, chapels, and crypts have been featured in famous works of art and literature as well as in popular Hollywood film franchises. Visitors may also enjoy free choral performances at several of these sites, or view important sacred and historic relics, like two of the four surviving copies of the Magna Carta, which turned 800 years old in 2015.

These copies can be viewed at Salisbury Cathedral and Lincoln Cathedral. In addition to the rich history and culture, you'll find while visiting these important sites cathedrals can be a wonderful place to dine within the crypt, near the magnificent tombs of Admiral Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington the café and restaurant at St. Paul's Cathedral specializes in English cuisine, including locally sourced honey from bees in Regent's Park.

Canterbury is home to the Archbishop of Canterbury, the highest office in the Church of England and the head of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The cathedral, which is one of the oldest and most famous Christian structures in England, is also the scene of one of the most infamous assassinations in English history - that of Thomas Beckett by the followers of his adversary, Henry II in 1120. Staying in the Southeast of England you will find Winchester Cathedral one of the largest cathedrals in Europe, with the longest nave and greatest overall length of any Gothic cathedral in Europe.

Guilford Cathedral in Surrey has a memorable hill-top setting upon Stag Hill close to the heart of Guildford in Many ways. Why not step inside and experience the special atmosphere of tranquillity, light and space. The Southeast of England is home to some equally beautiful ecclesiastical sites including Cambridgeshire's Ely Cathedral the cathedral itself has its origins in 672 AD when St. Etheldreda built an abbey church. Architecturally the cathedral is truly outstanding due to scale and stylistic details.

The origin of the famous Bramley apple, once home to Lord Byron, the place of King Charles I's last night of freedom, quaint streets full of independent boutiques and shops, and the home of the glorious Minster (the cathedral church of Nottinghamshire) - Southwell, a rural market town just 7 miles from the A1, really is the jewel in Nottinghamshire's crown. Set in beautiful grounds adjacent to the Archbishop of York's Palace, Southwell Minster traces its foundations back to Saxon times and even has elements from an old Roman bath house found just a short walk away. Radiant stained glass complements beautiful stone and wood carvings which adorn the cathedral throughout, with 'The Leaves of Southwell' being quite exquisite and widely regarded as the finest example of naturalistic stone carvings anywhere in Europe - indeed it was voted the UK's No. 1 cathedral treasure back in 2024! Open 365 days per year and with an on-site shop, café and gardens, there is something for everyone and a warm welcome always awaits. Guided tours available - office@southwellminster.org.uk Festivals Arts events & Cathedral Markets One of Shakespeare's most powerful and poignant plays will be performed in Norwich Cathedral's Cloister this summer as Othello takes to the stage for this year's Shakespeare Festival.

The Lord Chamberlain's Men (TLCM) will perform the show on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th July 2026 at the annual open-air theatre event which is always a summer highlight at the Cathedral. In 2026 the St Edmundsbury Cathedral Christmas Market takes place from Thursday 26 November - Saturday 28 November.

Why not browse stalls while also taking in the beautiful setting of the 16th century Cathedral.