Now, if you’re like me, the thought of exploring historic British coronation sites is as thrilling as stumbling upon the last biscuit in the tin. Throughout history, these grand ceremonies have taken place at some of the most iconic spots in the UK, and me being the curious type, I just had to check them out. Grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let’s tip our hats to our monarchs while we stroll through some of these fascinating places.
Ah, Westminster Abbey. More often than not, when you picture royal shenanigans, this is where the magic happens. From Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953 to countless royal weddings, the abbey is a grand stage for British history.
Visiting the abbey is spellbinding, but here’s a little tip: don’t expect to grab a decent cup of tea from their café. I ordered an Earl Grey, which tasted suspiciously like it was brewed from old socks. But hey, I’ve had worse. At least the atmosphere really made up for it.
Tip: Midweek visits are quieter, giving you a better chance for a peaceful deeper connection to all that history.
Moving on, let’s have a chat about Winchester Cathedral. This is the place where the first “official” coronation of an English king happened. Seriously, it feels like walking into a Harry Potter film—if Hogwarts had a medieval twist.
When I visited, there was a history talk happening, which was dead interesting. The speaker had that classic “I’ve-read-every-book-on-the-subject” vibe and was both charming and dorky, which I always find endearing. Maybe it’s just me, but I can’t resist a bit of quirky enthusiasm.
Nestled in the north-east, Durham Cathedral feels like it’s been summoned straight out of a fantasy novel. If you haven’t caught sight of its graceful arches and intricate stonework, then you need to pop it on your list, like, yesterday.
Oh, and pro tip: don’t visit just for the history. The views from the top of the hill adjacent to the cathedral are breathtaking. But climbing all those stairs after a hearty breakfast of beans on toast? Maybe not my brightest idea! But hey, I conquered those stairs—and the views were worth the struggle.
Let’s not forget Canterbury Cathedral—the site of several historic royal events, including the coronation of Henry IV. Cue a round of applause for dramatic history!
When I was here, a flock of cheeky pigeons decided that my head was the perfect perch. I ended up giggling while trying to push them off, which led to a very confused English lady clutching her handbag like it was on fire. We shared a laugh, and suddenly, I wasn’t just a mere tourist; I was a part of the quirky fabric of the place.
So, aside from the sites themselves, let’s have a chuckle about the little things that surround these historical gems.
Hats Off: When wandering about Westminster, I spotted an establishment proudly selling every type of hat you can imagine. I’m talking fascinators that could double as flying saucers. If you want to feel like a part of royal history, I recommend strapping on one of those.
Visiting these historic British coronation sites isn’t just about seeing where the royals got crowned; it’s about stepping into a time machine. Each of these places whispers centuries of tales, whether it’s through their stonework, the echoes of hushed voices, or your encounter with the odd friendly pigeon.
Next time you’re planning a jaunt in the UK, make sure you include at least a couple of these spots. I promise they’ll give you a flavour of British history that you won’t find in your average guidebook.
So tell me, what’s your favourite slice of British history? Is there a quirky site I’ve missed? Let’s share our travel tales!
