Cathedrals and Churches of the North West

This cathedral and church tour (the 11^th cathedral tour to be designed and led  by architectural expert, Mike Hope) takes us to the North West, whose ecclesiastical heritage reflects its place in our industrial history, mostly dating from the Victorian period onwards. From cathedrals in Liverpool, Manchester, Salford and Chester, lovely churches and a working monastery, this is a tour full of interest and variety.

ITINERARY

Day 1:  Arrive independently at Cottons Hotel, Knutsford from 15.00.
This evening there will be a welcome reception, dinner with wine and talk from Mike Hope - ‘The Liverpool Anglican Cathedral Competition'.

Day 2: Chester and Nantwich.
A full day of visits takes us first to Chester’s magnificent cathedral, which, unusually for this tour, dates back to the 16th century since when it has been the seat of the Bishop of Chester. Then we head to Nantwich and visit the grade-1 listed, St Mary’s Church. Dating back to the 14^th century it is often referred to as the "Cathedral of South Cheshire" and it is considered by some to be one of the finest medieval churches in England. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 3: Blackburn, Salford, Pendlebury and Manchester.
Another packed day in store as we headfirst to Blackburn Cathedral, dating back to 1826, but upgraded in the early 20^th century and finally completed in 1977. We then head to the working monastery at Pendlebury St Augustine, often referred to as the "Miners' Cathedral", due to its almost cathedralesque stature and its location in the heart of a one-time coal-mining community, it was also sometimes locally called "Gussie's". After some free time for lunch (not included) we visit the Roman Catholic cathedral at Salford, built to service the growing number of Catholics who migrated to industrial Manchester from Ireland and elsewhere -  from 1777 and 1837 the number of Catholics in Manchester grew from barely 20 to over 60,000. Our final visit of the day is to the centre of Manchester to see its cathedral, dating back to medieval times but extensively amended and renovated during the Victorian period and after bomb damage in WWII. Dinner at the hotel and a second talk from Mike Hope – ‘The Gothic Revival 1837-1914.'

Day 4:  Liverpool.
Lastly, a full day in Liverpool whose varied ecclesiastical architecture reflects its multi-cultural heritage. The Anglican Cathedral is a classical, austere piece of architecture, based on a design by Giles Gilbert Scott and constructed between 1904 and 1978. It is in stark contrast to the masterpiece of Art Deco that is the Roman Catholic Cathedral. Officially known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King and locally nicknamed "Paddy's Wigwam, the cathedral's architect was Frederick Gibberd, who was the winner of a worldwide design competition. Construction began in 1962 and was completed in 1967. Our full day in Liverpool also allows time to see the churches of St Agnes at Sefton Park and St John, Tuebrook. Return to the hotel for approximately 17.30.

NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion

Please note: Post Tour Extra nights are available at a supplement

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 25 passengers.

INCLUDED

• Three nights' bed and breakfast at the four-star Cottons Hotel, Knutsford, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Welcome reception 
• First night three-course dinner with wine
• Second and third night dinner in the hotel restaurant 
• All talks, guided tours and admissions
• Tour manager and coach transfers throughout 

NOT INCLUDED

• Transport to the hotel is not included
• Holiday insurance
• Double for sole use supplement 
• Extra nights on bed and breakfast basis
• Meals other than those stated 
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTEL

Cottons Hotel, Knutsford

Four-star spa hotel, with great facilities, owned by Thwaites Brewery and perfectly located to reach the places visited on this itinerary. Hotel facilities include restaurant, bar, indoor pool, gym, spa and comfortable bedrooms with all modern amenities including free wifi.

Parking: complimentary

Hotel Website

MORE INFO - Please click here for more information

YOUR LECTURER
Mike Hope
Mike Hope author, lecturer, curator and designer, has spent more than twenty-five years at four universities (Staffordshire, Portsmouth, Nottingham Trent and Plymouth) and nearly thirty years delivering Summer School Programmes. He has lectured around the world and was a founder board member of The European Academy of Design. Alongside an extensive publication list, he has researched, designed and curated many exhibitions, and advised on stained glass to the Diocese of Exeter. He specialises in Art and Design History, Stained Glass; Churches and Cathedrals; the English Country House and Garden

Please note that all our UK tours start and finish at the relevant hotel.  

You can normally check in from 3pm onwards but hotels will always be happy to store your luggage if you arrive earlier in the day. 

For full details of how to get to the hotel, directions and the nearest train station, please click on the hotel website or call our office for details. These will also be sent automatically with your confirmation. 

The welcome reception and first evening dinner / talk will commence at about 7pm - full details will be sent with your joining instructions about 10 days prior to the arrival date. 

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