Whipsnade Tree Cathedral

Website http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-whipsnadetreecathedral/

Classification Beauty Spot, Gardens

DescriptionA collection of trees and hedges planted in the design of a full size medieval cathedral. Whipsnade Tree Cathedral is a 9.5 acre (38,000 m²) garden near the town of Dunstable in Bedfordshire, England. It is planted in the approximate form of a cathedral, with grass avenues for nave, chancel, transepts, chapels and cloisters and "walls" of different species of trees.The Tree Cathedral was planted by a Mr EK Blyth as an act of "Faith, hope and reconciliation" in response to his memories of World War I. As a cadet at Sandhurst in 1916 Blyth had made two close friends called Arthur Bailey and John Bennett who were both dead within eighteen months. In 1930 he paid a visit to Liverpool Cathedral, which was then under construction. Blyth wrote "As we drove south through the Cotswold hills on our way home... I saw the evening sun light up a coppice of trees on the side of a hill. It occurred to me then that here was something more beautiful still and the idea formed of building a cathedral with trees." Work began in 1932 and continued in stages. The site became overgrown during World War II, but development recommenced after the end of the war. The first religious service at the site was held in 1953, and services continue to this day.In 1960 the Tree Cathedral was accepted as a gift by the National Trust. The independent Whipsnade Tree Cathedral Fund is responsible for the religious use of the site. Services have been conducted by many different denominations.[ wikipedia, Picture taken by Tony Jones on 10th September 2005]

Position

Photographs

The AddressWhipsnade, , Dunstable, LU6 2LL

Phone01582 872936

DateJul 25, 2006

Contact NameChapel Farm

CategoryEngland > Bedfordshire
England > Bedfordshire > Attractions in Luton

Local Information

Other Nearby Attractions

Whipsnade Wild Animal Park is 0.39 Miles away
Whipsnade Wild Animal Park is a zoo located at Whipsnade, near Dunstable in Bedfordshire, England. It is...
Dunstable Downs Countryside Centre is 1.19 Miles away
Extensive area of chalk grassland and farmland commanding outstanding views over the Vale of Aylesbury and...
Ashridge is 3.95 Miles away
Ashridge is an estate and house in Hertfordshire, England; part of the land stretches into Buckinghamshire...
Lewsey Park Pool is 4.02 Miles away
Lewsey Park Pool is a 25 metre pool that provides a comprehensive programme of water based activities for...
Wardown Swimming & Leisure Centre is 5.59 Miles away
This centre is one of the largest swimming facilities in the area and caters for a full range of swimming...

Campsites located nearby this attraction

Toc H Rickmansworth Campsite is 12.98 Miles away
Set in a seven acre site of semi-wild meadow, and on the banks of the River Colne, Rickmansworth campsite...

Golf Courses nearby this attraction

Whipsnade Park Golf Club is 1.33 Miles away
An easy walking parkland course. The first hole is a dogleg left, par 5, with tee behind a small pond. ...
Dunstable Downs Golf Club is 1.49 Miles away
Visitors and Societies Visitors are welcome at Dunstable Downs Golf Club through the week. At weekends...
Ashridge Golf Club is 3.28 Miles away
The Club was officially opened in 1932 and has regularly featured in the top 100 golf courses in the UK. We...
Griffin Golf Club is 3.56 Miles away
Clean, smart dress for the Course and Clubhouse must be worn at all times. Gentlemen must wear collared...
Tilsworth Golf Club is 4.44 Miles away
Tilsworth Golf and Conference Centre is located near Dunstable, Bedfordshire and we have venues for...