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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.

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North Country England

English churches on our map
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MikeFaherty

Cheshire

Cheshire Discover Cheshire's churches, in villages of black and white half timbered cottages and towns brimming with an Industrial Revolution heritage.

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JaynePotts

Cumbria

The Romans, Anglo Saxons, Vikings, Normans and Border Rievers have each left their story in Cumbria's church buildings.

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Hodgsonge

County Durham

Take a weekend break and visit a county rich in pilgrim trails, with over 1,400 years of church history to explore.

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Greater Manchester

It comes as little surprise that the oldest buildings in Greater Manchester are all churches.

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Discover more from us

Hadrian’s wall

The Tyne Valley is known for its fine concentration of early churches, many built with stones recycled from the wall, arguably the best surviving concentration north of the Alps!

Mountain churches

Ten of our favourite mountain churches. Sheltered in hidden valleys underneath our highest mountains, offering places of comfort after a day exploring the surrounding fells.

Five churches walk

Discover the rural splendour of beautiful south Rotherham on a ten mile walk visiting five churches.

Oldest churches

What is astounding is how many elements of these earliest buildings survive today. This list includes churches where ancient fabric dates from pre AD800, and all are still being used.

Medieval bridge chapels

Today only a few survive and to visit one is like stepping back in time! Two are in Yorkshire.

Pilgrims Heartland

One journey links four nations, spans 400 years of history and connects millions of people. Discover the origins of the Separatists, through five leading passengers on the Mayflower in 1620.

National Parks

From the rugged wilds of the Cairngorms in Scotland and the ancient woodlands of the New Forest in southern England to the golden shores of the Pembrokeshire Coast in Wales, all of our National Parks are truly special places.

Edge of the world

The UK has just over 40 tidal islands, some large, many very small. The best are home to unique churches and chapels, often with monastic beginnings and built for peace and tranquillity.

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