Whipsnade Tree Cathedral

Embrace Nature At Whipsnade Tree Cathedral

Bedfordshire is a haven for nature lovers. With a zoo, safari park and rolling fields as far as the eye can see, it is perfect for a relaxing break if you want to experience the tranquillity that the area can instil in you, as well as long and invigorating walks and nature rambles. However, if all of that sounds too strenuous for a holiday to you or you want to experience something different then Whipsnade Tree Cathedral may be the place for you.

Whipsnade Tree Cathedral is, surprisingly enough, in Whipsnade! It occupies a massive 9.5 acres and is actually a garden that has been designed and planted in the shape of a cathedral. It is certainly unique and has been there for almost eighty years. However, it remains one of the jewels in Bedfordshire’s crown that has yet to largely be discovered. It has its fair share of visitors but nowhere near the amount that this attraction should pull in! It is obviously there all year round so you can go for a quick look if you so wish.

Whipsnade Tree Cathedral has all of the features of a cathedral, including a nave chapels, transepts and cloisters, and all of them are made out of different types of tree, so it is perfect for the nature lover or the individual that wants to escape the hustle and bustle of modern day life.

It was Mr E K Blythe that actually designed and made the Whipsnade Tree Cathedral in 1930 in memory of two of his dear friends that died in World War I. Although the first service was not held there until 1953, it was a labour of love that was designed to give hope to the world. The National Trust adopted it in 1960 and it has flourished ever since. There is so much more to the Whipsnade Tree Cathedral because it means different things to different people, but there is only one way to find out what it could mean to you!