Cathedrals

Offering sanctuary and shelter, the region's Cathedrals have played a vital part in the story of the South East. Each contain centuries of culture and offer a rare insight into the history of their local communities, from the World Heritage Site of Canterbury through to St Thomas in Portsmouth.

Salisbury Cathedral, Wiltshire

Salisbury Cathedral boasts one impressive statistic after another. Its spire is the tallest in Britain, its copy of the Magna Carta the world's best preserved, not forgetting its clock - the oldest working in Europe. A stunning 13th century building, the Cathedral can be found amongst 8 acres of lawns and shares the company of some fine historic buildings. You can take the Tower Tour for a look at some of the incredible roof spaces or experience one of the best amphitheatres around by attending choral evensong. 2008 sees the 750th anniversary of the consecration of the completed cathedral, which will be celebrated through a dedicated programme of events and activities. Take a look at the packed itinerary which includes a flower festival and medieval fair.

Winchester Cathedral, Hampshire

With its origins dating back to the 7th century, Winchester Cathedral is swamped in history and can be found in the heart of this former ancient capital of King Alfred's Wessex. Book onto one of three tours for a glance at the cathedral from a different perspective. The Crypt tour takes you down into the vaults where Anthony Gormely's famous Sound II sculpture can be found, The Tower tour, high into the sky where you'll find views that stretch for miles and the Cathedral tour which will take you on a journey through the past. The site is also now synonymous with the legacy of Jane Austen as it is her final resting place and has been used on several occasions for filming - most noticeably featuring in The Da Vinci Code and the recent Elizabeth, The Golden Age.

St Thomas, Portsmouth, Hampshire

A 20th Century Cathedral, St Thomas' roots stretch back to the end of the 12th century when a wealthy Norman merchant gave land to the then new town of Portsmouth for a chapel. When visiting today you can book onto a tour which will show you the unique nave which has huge arches and pillars giving an overwhelming feeling of space.

Chichester Cathedral, West Sussex

Chichester Cathedral has been an important site for visitors and locals alike over the past 900 years and it stands proudly in the centre of this former Roman stronghold. Continuing to grow in size and stature since the beginning of its build in 1076, the cathedral has welcomed a number of architectural additions over the years, including a detached bell tower in the 15th century - the only one of it's kind remaining in England! One of the undoubted trademarks is the representation of old and new and you can find examples of both when touring the inside. Dating back to the 12 century, the Chichester Reliefs are two exquisitely carved stone panels which depict the raising of Lazarus, whilst Marc Chagall's stained glass window adds a tasteful contemporary twist. The Cloisters Restaurant and shop are two new additions and open onto the gardens giving a great view of the impressive spire.

Canterbury Cathedral, Kent

Founded in AD597 the World Heritage Site of Canterbury Cathedral is an undisputed jewel of Kent. Cementing a fusion of different architectural styles - it has a perpendicular nave, 12th Century Gothic quire and Romanesque crypt making for an awe-inspiring structure. During its lengthy past it has been witness to a number of dramatic events including the murder of Thomas Becket in 1170 and the dissolution of the monasteries in the 15th Century. It also featured famously as the destinations of the pilgrims in Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales which sees a diverse group of individuals come together to share their stories on a journey to visit the shrine of St Thomas Becket.

Rochester Cathedral, Kent

Rochester Cathedral is England's second oldest Cathedral and prides itself on having one of the best Romanesque facades in the country. The cathedral that can be seen today was the work of Bishop Gundulf, a French monk who initiated the build in 1080. Visitors can admire the many fine examples of Gothic style that can be found throughout and by appointment can also get in to see one of the oldest doors in England. In 2004 the Cathedral welcomed the first real fresco to be created in a Cathedral for 800 years which was dedicated to St John the Baptist.