Britain is truly blessed with the sort of ecclesiastical architectural and cultural heritage you don't have to be religious to appreciate. There are the magnificent gothic cathedrals towering above their surrounds, exquisite early Saxon (6th and 7th century) parish churches, breathtaking, ruined abbeys, their ruined remains still testifying to their past glories.

Then there are the simple chapels of Methodism and other nonconformist sects, and the sumptuous hidden chapels sited inside the great Stately Homes. And in each there are treasures to discover and countless stories to unfold. Great works of art, splendid stained glass, memorable tomb architecture, carvings and memorials to long forgotten battles.

Stunning scenery, ancient towns and following the life and times of Methodist preacher, John Wesley, make this a delightful, interesting and semi-educational tour.

Tour Code

Arrive London

Depart London

SSS

your choice

your choice

  Price depends on number travelling and time of year.
Indicative price based on a minimum of six travelling is GB£

Click here to work out prices in other currencies http://www.xe.com/ucc/

This tour is available at any time of the year for private groups.

TENTATIVE ITINERARY

 DAY ONE

 DAY TWO

We depart from London and take our first stop not too far from the metropolitan sprawl in the beauty of the Chiltern Hills. It's here, in the heart of this quaint area that we'll find our first religious meeting place, the original Quaker meeting house and grave of William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania. The quiet simplicity of this 1600s building will contrast sharply with the later magnificence of the great Gothic cathedrals and will explain much about the reformation and early Puritanism. Less than an hour away, in the heart of the Thames Valley, lies Dorchester Abbey. This was once the centre of the largest diocese in England, and an important Roman centre. Now the imposing 12th century abbey, with its memorable tombs, sits, marooned by time, in an idyllic thatched cottage village. From here we take another short hop to the 'dreaming spires' of Oxford. We'll spend three hours or more here giving ample time to visit New College Chapel and Christchurch Cathedral. Both cathedrals are situated in university colleges and both contain some unforgettable treasures including a painting by El Greco in the former and the inspiration for a great literary treasure, 'Alice in Wonderland', in the other. Christchurch also brings our first contact with John Wesley who was both educated and taught here and whose portrait hangs with other luminaries in the imposing great hall of the college. Finally, a drive through the Cotswolds brings us to our base for the following three nights in Bath.

 DAY THREE

Our day takes us to two of the most inspiring cathedral sites in the UK, Salisbury and Winchester, with time in each to explore the sites as well as the cathedrals themselves. Salisbury is famed for its steeple (the highest in Britain), copy of the 'Magna Carta' and splendid variety of museums and important houses in the cathedral close. Winchester boasts Jane Austen's tomb, the remains of some of England's earliest kings and the nearby St Cross monastery, where we'll take the pilgrim's 'wayfarer's dole' of bread and beer as have pilgrims for the last thousand years or more. It's a unique experience. Also on today's itinerary there will be a visit to the impressively preserved mediaeval village of Lacock. Here in the ancient abbey we'll see an early brewery and the birthplace of modern photography, including the exact site of the world's first photograph.

 DAY FOUR

A short drive brings us first to Wells Cathedral and then to the mystic Glastonbury. Joseph of Aramathea is said to have visited here and this explains the origins of the monastery. And, it is claimed the mighty King Arthur and bride Guinevere are buried here. Whatever the truth, the town is delightful and is today the centre of mysticism in England, hosting many an interesting 'new age' shop. Later, we return to Bath where we'll enjoy a full afternoon and evening in this elegant Georgian city that has its roots in Roman times. There'll be a panoramic city tour, a visit to the Roman baths and independent time to explore the city museums, shop in the up-scale streets, visit the Abbey or simply relax by the riverside.

 DAY FIVE

Leaving Bath we'll first pay a short visit to Bristol where our main focus will be on John Wesley associated sites, before crossing the Severn Bridge into Wales. Our journey today is quite simply breathtaking as we tour up the Wye Valley, stopping to wonder as did Wordsworth, at the sheer magnificence of Tintern Abbey, then taking the narrow winding road through the Black Mountains, stopping at Llantony Priory for refreshment. We'll also see typical Welsh chapels before crossing back into England and to the lovely city of Hereford. Here we've two highlights, the cathedral, home of one of the world's most treasured maps, the mediaeval 'mappa mundi' and a delightful local parish church.

 DAY SIX

Coventry once had one of the most awe-inspiring cathedrals in the land. The terrible fire bombing of the city in 1941 destroyed a thousand years of history in addition to decimating the entire city and killing thousands of its unprepared citizens. Now what remains of the old building stands as a memorial to the dead, and a stark reminder of the sheer folly and pity of war. From its ashes rose a new cathedral, a masterpiece of modern architecture. From Coventry we continue north with the faith restoring scenic areas of the Lancashire Dales and South Yorkshire Moors as our destination. This was the heart of John Wesley country in Northern England and it was here at Todmorden, Skipton and other local cotton and coal towns that Wesley found a ready congregation for his brand of non-conformist worship amongst the disenfranchised and poor. A highlight of our afternoon will be a visit to Wesley's octagonal chapel at Heptonstall Bridge.

 DAYS SEVEN & EIGHT

Two splendid days featuring two major cathedrals, a host of romantic, ruined abbeys set in stunning scenery, a host of John Wesley sites and time in one of Britain's most historic cities. One cathedral is that of Durham, where we'll hear of St. Cuthbert, one of the earliest Christians in the country, and of Bede, our earliest historian. We'll finish our first day in our atmospheric farmhouse accommodation on the York Moors. Our second cathedral is York Minster. There are no adjectives that can adequately describe this truly awe-inspiring edifice. Between cathedral sites we'll see the ruined Bolton and Rivaulx abbeys, call in on a typical parish church and see an original 'preaching stone' said to have been used by Wesley. And fittingly each of these ecclesiastical diamonds is set in the fabulous scenery of the rolling dales and upland moors of Yorkshire which further adds to our enjoyment.

 DAY NINE

From York we drive south. The city of Lincoln is first on today's visits. This is a city, which because of its geographical position is known by many but visited by far too few. Our colour brochure features a picture of the great cathedral spires and castle battlements dominating the hilltop above the ancient mediaeval, cobbled street of 'old Jewry'. Contrasting with the imposing grandeur of Lincoln will be the 'hidden' parish churches which we'll find en route as we make our way to Cambridge. Memorials to forgotten wars, flower-filled naves and atmospheric graveyards will be amongst our finds.

 DAY TEN

Cambridge is one of the country's quieter, rural areas. The founders of the university chose the site because it was removed from the tensions of 'city life' in Oxford. The area has retained that feeling of solitude and peace as you'll discover on our visit to Ely, home of Oliver Cromwell and site of some of the most magnificent stained glass you'll ever see, and Cambridge, where the river Cam lazily winds its way through the university college grounds.

 DAY ELEVEN

From Cambridge it's a relatively short drive across the Thames to Kent and to Rochester. We're now on the greatest of all English pilgrim routes, making our way to Canterbury and to the shrine of Thomas a Becket, just as Chaucer's pilgrims did all those years ago. Perhaps our tour will already have provided a tale or two to keep us amused en route! Between Rochester and Canterbury these lovely sites boast two fine cathedrals, each with distinctive architecture and interior treasures, a 12th century castle, the home of Charles Dickens, a preserved Roman street and much other history beside. There'll be time to explore it all before making our way to London.

 DAYS TWELVE & THIRTEEN

We've two full days exploring London from the perspective of its religious houses. Many are seldom visited by the average tourist who unknowingly miss such hidden gems as St. Bartholomew’s in Smithfield or the journalist church off Fleet Street with its lovely collection of printed ephemera or the amazing new Hindu temple at Neasden, the finest Indian architecture outside of the subcontinent. Of course, the mighty St Paul’s and Westminster Abbey are high on our list but also we'll visit a host of lesser-known churches, synagogues, mosques and temples, which will illustrate not only London's incredible religious history but also our current multicultural diversity. Of course, as we explore, we'll be passing by some of the world's most easily identifiable landmarks.

 DAY FOURTEEN

Today marks the official end of our tour. Some may be departing and we'll transfer you to the airport. Others may be taking advantage of staying awhile longer in the city, perhaps to attend services in one of the great cathedrals or simply to continue with their explorations of the city. Whenever you leave, you'll leave with some unforgettable memories of a wonderful land where the scenic beauty has been much enhanced by mans' determination to acknowledge the creator of it all through the dedication of some of the finest buildings to His glory.

© As we publish full tour descriptions, you may find others offering our unique itineraries.  But, just as you find when others sing the songs of Paul McCartney, they're often not quite as good as when sung by the original composer!