BURY ST EDMUNDS
THINGS TO DO & SEE
A striking mix of ancient and modern, St Edmundsbury Cathedral is a former parish church built in the 16th century, which became Suffolk’s Cathedral in 1914 following the creation of the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich. A modern expansion began when Stephen Dykes Bower was appointed architect in 1943. With whitewashed walls and a stunning lantern tower, the cathedral skirts gothic influences, and its colourful interior often surprises visitors. The tower was finished in 2005, and its crowning glory is the vaulted ceiling that will stun those who gaze upwards. The red, blue, green and gold hues evoke Cambridge’s King’s College Chapel ceiling, a building designed by John Wastell who also began work on the cathedral in 1503. Tours are available Monday to Saturday at 11am and cost £6 per person – knowledgeable guides will show you the hidden gems and stories. For those wanting a behind-the-scenes experience, a tower tour elevates visitors 202 steps through secret passages before rewarding you with unparalleled views of the Abbey Gardens and Bury St Edmunds. As well as exploring the awe- inspiring building, you can enjoy home-cooked meals in the Pilgrim’s Kitchen – plus don’t miss the cathedral shop for souvenirs. stedscathedral.org ST EDMUNDSBURY CATHEDRAL
54 JULY 2023 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
Powered by FlippingBook