Great Cathedrals of England (2026)

There are 42 Anglican cathedrals in England and most of these glorious buildings are over 1,000 years old.

For many years now, the cathedrals have been a frequent place of pilgrimage during my travels around the United Kingdom.

Whenever I step inside I marvel at how these buildings were made, the people throughout the centuries who have been inspired by them, as well as the traditions that have been maintained daily through war, plague, and devastation.

On this unique tour we will not just visit these buildings, but in each we will encounter the things that make them special — the choirs, the organs, the bells, the stained glass, and the individual communities.

Along the way, we’ll be joined by experts who will make each of these cathedrals come alive.

I do hope that you’ll join us for this very special travel experience.

ANDREW LANNERD, TOUR DIRECTOR

Day 1 - Monday

Early this afternoon, we will gather at the Westin London City Hotel, located in central London, and then depart for a very special behind-the- scenes tour of St.Paul’s Cathedral. You may have been to the cathedral before, but this special tour will go into areas not usually open to the general public.

Following our tour, we will enjoy a welcome to London reception followed by a superb 3-course dinner.

Day 2 - Tuesday

Today after a delicious breakfast in London, we are off to Salisbury for an expert-led tour of the cathedral — with its magnificent spire that can be seen from miles away. Construction began in 1220 and lasted 38 years. Today, the cathedral continues to be one of the greatest examples of early English Gothic architecture.

After your informative tour of the cathedral, you’ll have time for lunch and a visit to the iconic cloisters and close — filled with stunning houses, gardens, and fine architecture. In the afternoon we are off to Winchester Cathedral, which has been a centre for Christian worship since the year 1093. Winchester is known for its stained glass and as the final resting place of Jane Austen.

Day 3 - Wednesday

We will depart briefly from our cathedral visits to explore the glories of Wilton House, one of England’s finest country houses.

The house was built in 1543 and is still the family seat of the Earl of Pembroke. The fine interiors here have often been featured in film and television including Bridgerton, The Young Victoria, Emma, and The Crown. After a look at the interiors, you’ll have time to enjoy the lush gardens and parkland including England’s first Palladian bridge built in 1736.

After Wilton, we will head to marvellous Wells — one of England’s hidden gems not only for its cathedral but also for the picturesque Vicars’ Close, which we will discover during an expert-led walking tour of this stunning town.

After Wells, we will head to the historic spa town of Cheltenham and the luxurious Queens Hotel — our home for the next two nights.

Day 4 - Thursday

Today you’ll discover two of the very best cathedrals in the west of England, Gloucester and Worcester. For centuries, both cathedrals have defined the cities that they inhabit and you’ll quickly discover the beauty within each one.

Gloucester Cathedral is renowned for its cloisters, as well as the burial place of King Edward II. Worcester Cathedral, which was founded in 680, also features the tomb of King John (1166 – 1216).

We’ll end the day again in the comfort of The Queens Hotel — the finest hotel in Cheltenham which opened in 1838. Cheltenham itself is a gem for its fine architecture — a reminder of the wealth that came to this spa town during the Regency Period (1811 – 1820).

Day 5 - Friday

On 14 November 1940 during the Second World War, Coventry was largely destroyed by 300 German bombers, dropping 500 tonnes of explosives on the city. The stunning cathedral that stood there since the 14th Century was also ruined. Two days later, His Majesty King George VI visited Coventry and vowed that a new cathedral would be built alongside the ruins.

Today we will view the ruins of the ancient cathedral, alongside the modern masterpiece of the new cathedral — a poignant reminder that peace has prevailed after the devastation and destruction of war.

Day 6 - Saturday

After a lovely breakfast in the surroundings of Ansty Hall, we will travel to Peterborough Cathedral which has been impressing spiritual pilgrims and visitors for centuries. Construction began in 1118 and took 120 years to complete. Peterborough Cathedral also contains the tomb of Catherine of Aragon (Henry VIII's first wife, who died in 1536 and whose divorce caused the Reformation).

In the afternoon, the group will travel back to London for a memorable group dinner and overnight accommodations in the centrally located Clermont, Victoria Hotel — just steps from Buckingham Palace and all of London’s major attractions.

Day 7 - Sunday

Today guests will enjoy a delicious breakfast at The Clermont, Victoria Hotel, located in the heart of London. After breakfast, guests may check out at leisure, or continue exploring the area.