An iconic British landmark has unexpectedly been declared the most beautiful cathedral in all of Europe, surpassing famous continental rivals like Paris's Notre Dame.
How The Winner Was Chosen
Travel specialists at Saga Holidays conducted a detailed analysis to determine which European cathedral was deemed the most beautiful by the public. The study, carried out in January 2026, meticulously examined Google reviews for cathedrals across the continent. The experts scored each building out of 100 based on three key metrics: how often visitors specifically mentioned its beauty, the average monthly search volume, and the overall sentiment of the reviews.
Topping the list with an impressive score of 95 out of 100 was Durham Cathedral in North East England. The historic site received 206 mentions of its beauty in reviews and has an estimated 60,500 monthly searches, with an average visitor sentiment score of 95.
A UK Gem Beats European Giants
Durham Cathedral's victory is notable for beating ten other renowned European cathedrals. It finished ahead of Strasbourg Cathedral in France (94), Salzburg Cathedral in Austria (90), and the globally famous Notre-Dame in Paris, which ranked eighth with a score of 80.
Other UK cathedrals also featured highly, with York Minster ranking fifth (85) and Gloucester Cathedral coming in ninth place (78). The analysis highlights a strong appreciation for Britain's ecclesiastical architecture among both domestic and international visitors.
Why Durham Cathedral Captivates Visitors
Nestled in the picturesque city of Durham, just south of Newcastle, the cathedral forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside Durham Castle. Its stunning Romanesque architecture and commanding position on a peninsula surrounded by the River Wear create a breathtaking scene.
For many, a visit feels like stepping into a magical world, a sensation amplified for fans of the Harry Potter film franchise. The cathedral's cloisters, chapter house, and quadrangle were used as filming locations for the beloved movies, adding a layer of cultural resonance for millions of fans.
Beyond the cathedral itself, Durham offers a charming, compact city centre perfect for exploration on foot. For those seeking different perspectives, numerous walking paths along the River Wear provide beautiful views. During colder months, the city's excellent Oriental Museum, which houses artefacts from Ancient Egypt to modern China, offers a captivating indoor alternative.
This new accolade cements Durham Cathedral's status not just as a UK treasure, but as a leading architectural and cultural destination on the European stage.
