Christmas Cathedral Campaign

December 20-22

Cathedrals are some of the prettiest places to visit in Europe and there is no prettier time than at Christmas.

I embarked on a three-day journey to explore some of Europe's most beautiful cathedrals located in the southern part of England, because of valuable travel tips and insights on the historical background of these remarkable structures I had received from my organ teacher, Andrej. During my trip, I spent approximately 12 hours traveling by train, visited six cities, marvelled at five cathedrals, attended two Christmas concerts, and had the opportunity to catchup with two friends from my university residence.

Below is a quick recount of each city and a slideshow of some photos.

Bath

My first destination was Bath, a city that left a lasting impression on me from a previous visit seven years ago. Before exploring the city, I decided to have a meal at Sally Lunn's, a renowned historic house in Bath, widely known for its original bunn recipe dating back to 1680. Ready to walk around the town I visited Bath Abbey, Pulteney Bridge, the Royal Crescent and the Circus. The architectural beauty of the city, particularly the Royal Crescent and the Circus was included in the show Bridgerton, so now memorabilia from the show can be found alongside Jane Austen themed items at the souvenir shops. Pulteney Bridge was also a fascinating sight with its distinctive design, reminiscent of the bridges in Venice, featuring shops constructed across its entire span on both sides. One of the highlights of my visit to Bath was the opportunity to admire the magnificent ceiling of Bath Abbey, an element I hadn’t been able to see during my previous trip.

Wells

Next, I dashed to Wells specifically to witness the awe-inspiring scissor arch at Wells Cathedral. Despite its modern appearance, this iconic addition that serves as a structural solution to concerns about the cathedral's stability was built in the mid-14th century. To ensure I got to experience Wells Cathedral unhurried, I checked the schedule for the last service and discovered a Christmas carol concert taking place on the day of my visit. With only three tickets remaining, I decided to splurge and secured a seat in the front row and ended up next to the Bishop of the Cathedral. Fellow attendees were curious as to how I managed to obtain such a privileged spot in large crowd of 1000, assuming I must hold a prominent position. It delighted them to learn that I was just a passionate traveller from Australia by way of Manchester, eager to immerse myself in every opportunity. My time at Wells Cathedral was truly special, as I was introduced to lovely people, received a spur of the moment private tour, and invited to return for the early service the following day to explore areas of the cathedral that were closed during the concert. The concert itself was exceptionally breathtaking. The music and people warmed my heart, and I will always cherish my very lucky visit to Wells.

Salisbury

The second day was a whirlwind, soon after the morning service, I caught the bus back to Bath to get across to Salisbury. I was very excited to visit Salisbury as it had been highly recommended by Andrej, who had played organ there and Liam a new good friend from university accommodation who lives there. Being with family at Christmas is so important, so I am extremely grateful that 4 days before Christmas a friend took time to show me around (it was luxurious to be in a car after all the trains and walking everywhere with my belongings on my back). Despite expected adverse weather conditions that resulted in the closure of Stonehenge, we managed to catch a glimpse as we drove past and capturing a quick photograph out the window was exhilarating. We also explored Old Sarum, an ancient site with a rich history dating back to the time of William the Conqueror. The age and significance of the structures left me in awe, as what seemed distant and abstract in classroom lessons was tangible. Salisbury Cathedral was captivating. Unlike most of the Cathedrals I had previously visited that had other buildings close to them, Sailsbury Cathedrals’ grandeur is heightened by the surrounding grassy space. Inside the cathedral, I encountered the oldest mechanical clock in the world and one of the best-preserved copies of the Magna Carta, a significant document that played a crucial role in the separation of royalty and law.

Winchester

Next on my itinerary was Winchester Cathedral, where I attended an evening of carols. Since it was a free service, I arrived an hour early to secure a seat. The choir's performance was truly remarkable as they sang from different locations along the nave, ensuring a unique and special experience for every member of the audience.

Winchester Cathedral possesses a fascinating history, notably having been saved from collapse by a professional diver named William Walker. In the late 19th century, the cathedral was sinking into the ground due to its location on peaty soil. Walker dedicated six hours each day, diving in a total of 235 six-meter pits, to reinforce the foundation walls with concrete, despite the challenging and pitch-black conditions caused by sediment suspended in the water.

London

I had a lightning visit to London as I stayed overnight with another good friend from the University halls, Harriet. It was so lovely to be with a family and get to cuddle their dog, as I’ve missed mine so much; I am very grateful for how they welcomed and looked after me.

Oxford

On my way back to Manchester, I made a stop in Oxford for half a day. The city is characterized by its exquisite old buildings. After taking an extended stroll to appreciate the architecture, I devoted most of my time to exploring the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology and Christ Church Cathedral. The Ashmolean Museum houses an extensive collection of fascinating artifacts, ranging from Egyptian mummies and Stradivarius violins to exquisite paintings by Monet and Renoir. I was intrigued by pieces, such as a wall hanging once possessed by Pocahontas's father and the renowned Alfred Jewel. During my visit to Christ Church, I encountered familiar elements from popular culture, including the staircase featured in the first Harry Potter movie and the grand dining hall that served as inspiration for the film. Notably, the stained-glass windows depicted scenes from Alice in Wonderland, reflective of the fact that the author, Charles Dodgson (known as Lewis Carroll), once taught mathematics at Christ Church and based his characters on others who lived and worked there. Each corner of Christ Church holds a historical tale, such as the Shrine of St Frideswide in the Cathedral, which has attracted pilgrims for centuries, including the likes of Catherine of Aragon.