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What is your favourite UK Cathedral (or Minster/Abbey)?

322 replies

Littledidsheknow · 28/09/2026 20:45

The companion thread to my “favourite castles”thread!
Which is your favourite UK cathedral?
I love side chapels, bell towers, stained glass, cloisters, burial places, flying buttresses, crypts, interesting history… all the classic stuff!

I’ve particularly enjoyed Lincoln, York Minster, Winchester, Wells and Salisbury in recent years.
I used to live in Worcester, and enjoyed popping in there after a bit of shopping, too.

Please recommend your favourites! Thanks!

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CharityShopCharlie · 28/09/2026 20:46

Canterbury.

Perplexed20 · 28/09/2026 20:48

I really like St Albans and Ely. Also think Peterborough is underrated especially given the two tragic Queen connections

Littledidsheknow · 28/09/2026 20:49

Not familiar with any of those, @Perplexed20 Ill check them out.

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ButFirstTea · 28/09/2026 20:51

Durham! Especially the view of it from the train.

Skinnylegend · 28/09/2026 20:52

I live near Worcester. Cathedral and the area around it is fab and massively underrated.

Pastlast · 28/09/2026 20:52

Wells. I live near one of the others mentioned above which is very nice too but I’m used to it I guess.

RandomUsernameHere · 28/09/2026 20:55

Salisbury and St. Paul’s.

Girliefriendlikespuppies · 28/09/2026 20:56

Winchester, I was a student in Winchester many years ago and I loved just going to the cathedral and contemplating things.

MustUseAName · 28/09/2026 20:58

Durham. It’s lovely.

Smallpoxy · 28/09/2026 20:58

Exeter. Mostly because of all the hours spent there exploring then ds was a choirister.

Silverbirchleaf · 28/09/2026 20:58

St Albans Abbey was my first thought also.

Rituelec · 28/09/2026 20:59

Salisbury or Peterborough

Holidayhooha · 28/09/2026 21:00

St Albans although not been to all the others. This is a great thread, I want to check them all out now!

DierdreDaphne · 28/09/2026 21:01

MustUseAName · 28/09/2026 20:58

Durham. It’s lovely.

Absolutely this. OMG what a building, and what a location! 😍😍

Pinkspadeinthesunshine · 28/09/2026 21:08

Dornoch ❤️

CoffeeAndCakeBringMeJoy · 28/09/2026 21:08

Another vote for Durham. Just beautiful.

JasmineTea11 · 28/09/2026 21:09

There are so many! But top 3 (of the ones I've been to) Durham, Ely, and York. They're different and brilliant in different ways. Always climb the tower if that's an option. Go back after dark to admire the stained glass.

EBearhug · 28/09/2026 21:12

Winchester and Salisbury are my home cathedrals, but I was at Canterbury on Saturday, and appreciated it rather more than when it was my graduation venue (shortly after Augustine founded it.) I have also recently visited Rochester and Arundel and they did not really grab me. Quite liked Chichester though. And Lincoln.

Probably voting for Winchester on the grounds it needed a diver.

DancingFerret · 28/09/2026 21:12

St David's. Well worth the drive to Pembrokeshire.

ProdTraybakeQueen · 28/09/2026 21:13

St Paul’s and Durham are def top 2. My DD is very fortunate to study at Durham and has classes in the building next to the cathedral on Palace Green - what a stunning place to learn! I also have a real soft spot for Truro Cathedral - don’t know why, just always liked it when we visited.

Whisperwaves · 28/09/2026 21:14

Lincoln.

moggerhanger · 28/09/2026 21:14

Southwell is a little cracker. Lots of gargoyley bits and a Mouseman altar rail.

devonshireduke · 28/09/2026 21:15

Liverpool Metropolitan, just love it and the light and atmosphere inside.

Gengha · 28/09/2026 21:17

Durham

Aviarythebird · 28/09/2026 21:18

Agree Peterborough is underrated. I have a soft spot for Coventry as well.

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