Summer Spotlight: Astonishing Architecture

Taj Mahal? Empire State Building? Sydney Opera House? Pfft! Get your fill of astonishing architecture right here in the United Kingdom. 

Minack Theatre, Cornwall

To the very southwest of England you’ll find the Minack Theatre, built using sand from the nearby beach, and crafted by Rowena Cade in the 1930s. Engraved in the seats are the names and dates of past productions, which Cade herself did while the concrete was still wet using an old screwdriver. Against a backdrop of rising cliffs and ocean waves, you can experience some fantastic performances and breathtaking views, without the need to leave the country. And a little fact - minack actually means ‘a rocky place’ in Cornish!

Cragside House, Northumberland
Cragside House is a real masterpiece of late 19th century architecture, and was the home of inventor and engineer Lord William Armstrong and his wife, Lady Margaret. The two of them created a house filled with Victorian gadgets and gizmos, featuring a hydroelectric system which continues to power the house today - Cragside was actually the first house in the world to be lit by water-generated electricity. Situated on a rocky outcrop, this sprawling 1000-acre estate boasts millions of trees, an iron bridge, waterfalls, and highly picturesque views for miles.

Wells Cathedral, Somerset
Wells Cathedral was established in the 12th century, and was the first in England to be constructed entirely in the Gothic style, featuring intricate carvings and historic stained glass windows. The cathedral interior is host to magnificent scissor arches, a 14th-century astronomical clock, and an exquisite chapter house with worn marble steps, all of which work to enhance the historical beauty of such a building. It’s also worth making your way around to the side of the cathedral, taking a stroll through the Chain Gate and down Vicars’ Close. With all but one of the original buildings still intact, this street gives you a unique glimpse into medieval life. Potentially the oldest purely residential street in Europe, the current occupants still include all twelve men of the Vicars Choral, plus the organists and vergers.

The Royal Pavilion, Brighton
The iconic Royal Pavilion truly and absolutely catches your eye in the seaside city of Brighton and Hove. Constructed as a villa for King George IV in the 18th century, the Pavilion was transformed a century later and now stands as a magnificent palace. It’s an architectural gem, and an example of how the Regency period celebrated international influences. Outside, you'll be in awe of the Indian-style domes and minarets, while inside, Chinese furnishings and detail create a luxurious and exotic atmosphere. The opulence and extravagance of the Royal Pavilion gives you an insight on the lavish lifestyle of a former King - right around the corner from your favourite chippy!

BY HOLLY GARWOOD, 1ST JULY 2024