Abbeys, cathedrals and sacred places
Man’s symbols of faith, from monasteries and churches to mosques, synagogues and temples, are part of the English landscape and offer oases of quiet contemplation, and intrigue. Centuries of history are beneath your feet and before your eyes at stone circles, crumbling abbey ruins, medieval chapels, ancient monoliths, holy wells and chambered tombs. Trace the history of our society through our holy places. Most were at one time the focal point of their community, be it a bustling city or a tiny rural village.
Romance at Peckforton Castle and Combermere Abbey
Combermere Abbey and Peckforton Castle make for a romantic trip you’ll never forget.
Location: Nantwich, Cheshire
Kiss under the Heart of Yorkshire window at the Minster
According to legend, all loved up couples that kiss under the 'Heart of Yorkshire' window, will stay together forever.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Murder in the cathedral
Visit one of England's most beautiful cities - and the site of one of its most famous murders
Location: Canterbury, Kent
Take a moment to relax in St Dunstan in the East
Relax in the grounds of this historic church, and enjoy the gardens growing through the ruins.
Location: London, Greater London
Step into the City's oldest church, All-Hallows-by-the-Tower
Though bombed in the Second World War, All-Hallows-by-the-Tower remains a beautiful Grade I listed building bursting with City history.
Location: London, Greater London
Join the Knights Templar in the original Temple Church
Enter the English headquarters of the Knights Templar in the 13th Century and immerse yourself in its varied history.
Location: London, Greater London
Visit Shrewsbury Abbey, fictional home of Brother Cadfael
Visit Shrewsbury Abbey and follow in the footsteps of Cadfael, the monastic sleuth, where the books and TV series were set.
Location: Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Explore historic Whitby Abbey
Discover how over 2,000 years of history made Whitby Abbey one of England’s most important archaeological sites.
Location: Whitby, North Yorkshire
Immerse yourself in Byron's Nottinghamshire
Discover why notorious romantic poet Lord Byron was 'mad, bad and dangerous to know', with a sumptuous stay at his former home.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Sit in Harry Potter's classroom at Durham Cathedral
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry came to life via a number of locations across the UK, one of which was the awe-inspiring Durham Cathedral.
Location: Durham City, Durham
Marvel at Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Site
Be awestruck by Durham Cathedral and Castle, take a relaxing stroll on the banks of the River Wear, and soak up a city as beautiful as it is historic.
Location: Durham City, Durham
Take a modern day pilgrimage to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne
Skim over the sands and causeway to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and prepare to enter a world where a wealth of history and stunning views await.
Location: Lindisfarne, Northumberland
Chase the Lincoln Imp at Lincoln Cathedral
Hear the story of the mischievous Imp that has been a symbol of Lincoln for centuries.
Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire
From Alice to Potter, scout out Gloucester's famous film locations
Seek out Gloucester’s cathedral and docks to see why the city is becoming such a firm favourite with film and TV producers in Hollywood and the UK.
Location: Gloucester, Gloucestershire
Discover murder, marvels and mojitos in Canterbury
Explore the vibrant city of Canterbury, with its intriguing mix of dramatic history and cosmopolitan culture.
Location: Canterbury, Kent
Discover 600 years of history along Bristol’s Park Street
Stroll Bristol's iconic Park Street and unearth the city’s history, including the university where Winston Churchill was once Chancellor.
Location: Bristol
Step Inside Lancashire's Historic Houses
Uncover Lancashire’s turbulent religious history via ghostly tales, priest holes, sacred relics, castle cells and holy buildings.
Location: Lancashire
Journey to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne
A visit to history-rich and beautiful Lindisfarne, cut off twice daily from the rest of the world by fast-moving tides, is an adventure not to miss.
Location: Lindisfarne, Northumberland
Find out about heretics, halls and hallowed ground
Uncover Lancashire’s turbulent religious history at stately homes, temples, cathedrals and holy buildings.
Location: Lancashire
