It may come as a surprise to many, but the largest cathedral in the UK isn’t Westminster Abbey or St. Paul’s Cathedral (the scene from “Feed the Birds” in Mary Poppins). The largest cathedral in these misty islands is Liverpool Cathedral in the city of Liverpool.
Liverpool Cathedral is the cathedral of the Anglican Diocese of Liverpool and the seat of the Bishop of Liverpool. It is the fifth or eighth largest church in the world depending on the source and criteria used.
About Liverpool Cathedral
Liverpool Cathedral competes with New York’s Cathedral of St. John the Divine for the status of the largest Anglican church in the world. The Cathedral of St. John the Divine is still complete, but it’s a working church and an often-overlooked landmark in New York City.
- Fun fact: Liverpool’s distinctive accent is called ‘Scouse’
- Cut: The largest religious building in Britain and the fifth or eighth largest church in the world
- The longest : It is the longest cathedral in the world at 207 meters or 189 meters
- Greatest Anglican: It is either the tallest or the second tallest Anglican church building
The cathedral was based on a design by Gild Gilbert Scott. It was built from 1904 to 1978, making it one of the youngest of the great cathedrals of the Old World. It is also the longest cathedral in the world.
- Listed: It is listed as a Category I heritage building
But it’s not the only great cathedral in the port city of Liverpool. About half a mile to the north is the impressive (and even newer) Liverpool Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral. So plan your trip to walk around and see this building too!
Sir Giles Gilbert Scott didn’t just design the largest cathedral in the UK. He also designed the iconic British red telephone booths or booths that everyone has at least seen pictures of. He notably designed the K6 version of the iconic telephone booth.
- Gilles Gilbert Scott: Designed both Liverpool Cathedral and the iconic red British telephone boxes
The cathedral managed to survive both World Wars (and World War II when the Germans heavily bombed much of Britain).
Visit to Liverpool Cathedral
The cathedral is open to the public and welcomes everyone from around the world. It is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week and runs regular services. It is important to keep in mind that this is a working church and to remain calm and respectful.
- Admission fee: Admission to Liverpool Cathedral is free
- Point: Enjoy Full English, Eggs Benedict and Smashed Avocado at the restaurant there
- Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (holiday hours may differ)
The cathedral also has a shop in which the cathedral always appreciates visitors who come to buy something. It is partly the income from the shop that contributes to the free entrance to the cathedral.
Visitors can explore most areas of the building. However, the cathedral being a living church, some parts of the building may be inaccessible to visitors.
One has the possibility of visiting the cathedral as a tourist or attending its services. to see their website to see what special services are scheduled. The Cathedral’s regular worship services are:
Monday to Saturday:
- 8:30 a.m.: Morning prayer
- 12:05 p.m.: Eucharist
- 7:30 p.m.: Evening prayer or choral evening song.
Sundays:
- 10:30 a.m.: Sunday Eucharistic Service
The City of Liverpool
The city of Liverpool is also worth a visit. It is an English town with a very strong Irish influence and a distinctive accent and identity of its own. Liverpool was once one of England’s most important port cities when the Britannia ruled the waves – today the docks are one of the city’s main attractions.
- The Beatles: Rock band The Beatles came from Liverpool
Liverpool is also famous for the football team that originated in the city (Liverpool United) and for being the home of the Beatles.
The origin of the town’s name dates back to 1173 when it appears in a charter granted by King Henry II. The name is thought to be linked to the mythological liver bird – a seagull-like bird that can be seen on the city’s coat of arms.
- UNESCO status: Liverpool was a UNESCO listed site, but was lost in 2021 due to concerns over the city’s development
The city is full of historic buildings, museums, gardens and other attractions. It’s a city that people on short vacations overlook in their quest to quickly see London’s and Scotland’s most famous sights.
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