The Most Beautiful Cathedrals in the UK

Britain's fascinating and colourful history offers enduring appeal to visitors, and the nation's majestic cathedrals are among its most impressive displays of engineering triumph and remarkable human effort.



The UK is littered with beautiful cathedrals, many of which are still standing today as proud centrepieces of modern cities, from Manchester to Edinburgh. From the grandeur of Liverpool Cathedral, the largest in the country, to the enigmatic St Paul's that remains one of London's most recognisable landmarks overlooking the Thames, many of Britain's cathedrals are major tourist hotspots while still operating as the important places of worship they were originally built for.



Salisbury Cathedral is a major destination for history buffs, boasting the tallest medieval structure in Britain in the form of its central spire. A product of the famous Battle of Hastings, this impressive building was constructed in just 38 years by 300 dedicated men, and its upper levels are some of the best places around to look out over the surrounding countryside - if you can manage the 332 spiralling steps.

Another cathedral overflowing with history is Canterbury Cathedral, still one of the country's most significant as the seat of the Archbishop. Whether you're drawn by Chaucer's colourful Canterbury Tales or you just want to see the beautiful stained glass murals of local life for yourself, Canterbury Cathedral has many extra features for visitors who look a little further - including the remnants of the monastery and the recently opened cathedral gardens and Herbarium, keeping its appeal alive in the 21st century.



If you're eager to explore edifying cloisters and chambers, Lincoln Cathedral can be an ideal alternative to overcrowded sites such as Westminster Abbey - and indeed, filled in for its London counterpart during the filming of The Da Vinci Code when the abbey's owners declined the filmmakers' permission. The cathedral's impressive edifice is taller than even the Egyptian Pyramids, making it a true marvel of engineering, and you'll find plenty of chances to take guided tours of the building's most impressive features throughout the year.



Wherever you're thinking of travelling on your cathedral-spotting tour of the UK, help your money go further by arranging cheap rail tickets to your destinations ahead of time. While many of the country's finest cathedrals are free to look around and explore, some may request a generous donation to show your appreciation and help fund vital restoration and maintenance work, to keep them operating as tourist attractions for generations to come.