The North West has some fine abbeys, churches and cathedrals  some of which are now ruins and date back to medieval times. Steeped in history, many are now under the control of English Heritage or National Trust to preserve them but still open to the public at regular times.

CHESHIRE

Chester Cathedral

One of the most popular places to visit in the North West, the Cathedral attracts over one million visitors each year. In the interim the church gained magnificent woodcarving in the choirstalls (about 1380).  At the shrine to St. Werburgh you can see the niches where medieval sufferers rested their heads while spending the night in a prayer for healing.

CUMBRIA

Carlisle Cathedral

Carlisle Cathedral bears the scars of 900 years spent in this most tumultuous of regions. The original nave, built in 1092 as a collegiate church, has only two bays remaining. The transepts and tower date from the 15th century. The glories of Carlisle are the east window, one of the best examples of decorated tracery anywhere, and the delicately carved capitals in the choir, depicting the seasons.

Cartmel Priory Gatehouse

Cavendish Street, Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands,  LA11 6QA

Opening times vary, please phone the National Trust Regional Office at 015394 35599
The gatehouse is all that remains of a 12th century Augustinian priory, which had to be fortified following raids by Robert the Bruce.

Furness Abbey

English Heritage,

1.5 miles North of Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, off A590,  open daily April-end October 10-6, Wed.-Sun. November-March 10-4, Tel. 01229 8263420
A wonderful church and small chapter house grace this ruined abbey. Museum on site where an  extensive exhibition about the remarkable history of Furness is housed.

For detailed directions please click here

Lanercost Priory

On minor road South of Lanercost,

English Heritage,

Open April-end October 10-6 (till dusk in October), Tel. 016977 3030
Situated close to the Scottish border in Cumbria are the impressive remains of this 12th-century priory founded by Augistinian canons in 1165. The chancel and transepts are in ruins, but the nave lives on as the parish church where history is reflected in the round-headed doorways and round piers, characteristic of 12th century architectural styles. Lovely site in a peaceful, wooded valley.

Shap Abbey

1.5 miles West of Shap on bank of River Lowther.
A rare Premonstratensian house, founded around 1200 in a bleak setting. The most notable remain is that of the huge west tower.

Wetheral Priory Gatehouse

On minor road in Wetheral village, 6 miles East of Carlisle on B6263.

A Benedictine priory gatehouse, preserved after the Dissolution by serving as the vicarage for the parish church

LANCASHIRE

Goodshaw Chapel

Closed until further notice for operational reasons

Lancaster Cathedral

Cathedral House, Balmoral Road, Lancaster
LA1 3BT 

Tel / fax 01524 61860

This fine neo-gothic building was designed by E.G. Paley of Lancaster. In 1909, for the golden jubilee a new Baptistry was added on the side of the Cathedral and the High Altar was greatly elaborated by Giles Gilbert Scott, who added a fine triptych above the Altar. The Cathedral was extensively restored, redecorated and reordered in 1995, and the new Altar consecrated on the anniversary of the first consecration.

MERSEYSIDE

Liverpool Cathedral

Liverpool Cathedral, Liverpool L1 7AZ
Tel: 0151 709 6271

The largest Anglican Cathedral in Britain and one of the great buildings of the twentieth century. The massive tower stands over the city as a symbol of faith in God amidst the bustle of the modern world.

The Cathedral abounds in superlatives: highest gothic arches, largest organ, heaviest ring of bells but the grandeur is balanced by a great sense of welcome and peace.

The whole Cathedral is used imaginatively for many purposes - worship, concerts, exhibitions, recitals, displays. Specialist guided Tours can be arranged for children and adults.

Admission is free but voluntary contributions are invited. Secure parking is available for a small charge. Admission to the Tower and Embroidery exhibition £2.00 (concessions £1.00)

PEAK DISTRICT

Calke Abbey

10 miles South of Derby, on A514 at Ticknall between Swadlincote and Melbourne.

A baroque mansion, built 1701-3 set in a stunning landscape park. It has become famous as a graphic illustration of the English country house in decline. Little restored, the house contains the spectacular natural history collection of the Harpur Crewe family, as well as a magnificent 18th-century state bed and interiors that are essentially unchanged since the 1880s. The open parkland is managed for its nature conservation value and the attractive grounds feature a beautiful walled garden and an interesting collection of garden buildings, including a newly restored orangery.