Manchester Cathedral

For a city the size of Manchester, its cathedral is relatively modest, especially if you think that Liverpool down the road has two of the things, both of which make ours look more like a village church.

But size isn't everything and there are delights to be found here.

A church of some sort has been on this site as far back as 700AD. The Angel Stone, dating from that time, is a small carving of a celestial being with a scroll and can still be found preserved inside the cathedral, offering evidence of an early Saxon church. Built from both limestone and sandstone, the cathedral has undergone many restorations over the years, particularly following the Manchester Blitz which destroyed all of the Victorian stained glass, and again after the IRA bomb of 1996. You could easily mistake it for a 19th century parish church.

Inside, the quire stalls have hinged seats revealing historically significant carvings, known as 'misericords', which tell of medieval tales and legends. A visitor centre houses the remains of what was once a hanging bridge, also from the medieval period.

Those seeking to worship are advised to check the cathedral website for service times, but the door is open to anyone wishing to take a moment out of their busy day and take a peaceful break.

Manchester Cathedral has also thrown open its doors to music events of late. Lamb, Bat for Lashes and even Alicia Keys have all performed gigs there and it makes for an awe-inspiring venue. Other events include bell ringing and quiz nights, so it's great to see the cathedral opening its arms to the wider communities of Manchester.