North Country England

Up north has a very distinct feel from the rest of England.

It's a land of dramatic scenery; craggy hills and dry stone walls, stunning lake country and vibrant cities, wide open beaches and ancient heritage.

The northwest of England ranges from rustic splendour to industrial heartland. The Lake District and is an awe inspiring landscape of high fells, deep glacial lakes and quaint rural villages, its churches are nothing like those found in other parts of the country. They include those visited by the Wordsworths, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, John Ruskin, and Beatrix Potter, among others. Manchester and Liverpool blend ancient heritage in outlaying villages with Victorian grandeur in large city churches. The Roman city of Chester is also close to a wonder of high Victorian decoration.

Our northeast churches include those rebuilt from pieces of Hadrian's Wall, it's where some of our most ancient churches feel like a very part of the landscape around them. The great cathedral at Durham is one of Britain's finest examples of Norman church architecture, whilst walking the pilgrims way across the sands to the Holy Island, with it's church and Lindisfarne Priory, is more a spiritual experience than a visit.

Yorkshire is home to two national parks, the Dales and the Moors. An area rich in farming heritage, discover heather blanketed uplands and rolling green valleys scattered with traditional field barns and drystone walls it's also a place of extraordinary surprises, from wide open moorland and swathes of purple heather to dazzling dark skies and a glorious coastline. Forged by nature, shaped over generations; where peace and beauty rub shoulders with a rich history and a warm welcome. It's home to some of the greatest ecclesiastical ruins, as well as tiny village churches and fascinating non-conformist heritage.

The history of northern England can be told through its churches, here we share some regional pages as well as stories, themes and trails. Explore our pages to discover great churches to visit.