Nave looking west
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Plymouth Cathedral St Mary and St Boniface

4.6
·138 reviews·, United Kingdom

A serene sanctuary in Plymouth, this Cathedral boasts stunning architecture and a welcoming spiritual atmosphere.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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Nave looking west

Plymouth Cathedral St Mary and St Boniface

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene sanctuary in Plymouth, this Cathedral boasts stunning architecture and a welcoming spiritual atmosphere.

4.6
(138 reviews)

"The Cathedral had a wonderful and relaxing feeling to it and I really enjoyed the time I spent there."

Vertical photo
TIP

🕊️ Seek Serenity

Visit on a weekday morning for a truly peaceful experience.

🥾 Pilgrim Passport Stamp

Inquire about pilgrim stamps, but be prepared for potential access challenges.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stained Glass Windows

Stained Glass Windows

Throughout the Cathedral

Vibrant stained glass depicting biblical scenes and saints, casting colorful light.

Architectural Grandeur

Architectural Grandeur

Main Nave

Admire the elegant design and soaring spires of this significant landmark.

Pilgrim Register

Pilgrim Register

Pilgrim Area

A place for pilgrims to sign in and connect with a long tradition of travelers.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Tranquility

To experience the Cathedral's peaceful ambiance, aim for weekday mornings, especially outside of major holidays. Weekends, particularly Sunday mornings, can be busy with services and congregants.

Pilgrim Passports & Access

If you're a pilgrim, inquire about getting your passport stamped. Some visitors have noted challenges with access and finding staff for stamps outside of service times.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Sunday afternoons
Why
Post-service calm
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Most beautiful woman of all time #mary #motherofgod #jesuschrist #jesusisking #god #pray #catholictiktok #church #fypシ゚viral #fypシ゚viral @Adam✝️🏈
@geek_pa69
685.7K likes • 6.6M views

🕊️ Seek Serenity

Visit on a weekday morning for a truly peaceful experience. Reddit

🥾 Pilgrim Passport Stamp

Inquire about pilgrim stamps, but be prepared for potential access challenges. Reddit

Pray your rosary 🙏 Cred. @Leyana #catholic #catholicism #catholictiktok #catholictok #catholicfaith #catholiclife #foryou #christian #jesus #mary #rosary #prayer #saints #johniscatholic #mothermary #avemaria
@johniscatholic
208.9K likes • 1.1M views
A slightly different photo today, not too sure on this one - The Cathedral Church of St Mary & St Boniface's, Plymouth 🔔 #plymouth #church #cathedral #travelphotography #devon #cornwall #photooftheday #nofilter #photography #photographylovers #skyphotography #sophsinfocusfeature #photographybymirjam #click_the_wildblink #thehodophilegirl #rdpth_feature - - #lfl #l4l #likeforlike #like4like #l...
aa_photography.ltd
255 likes • 0 views

🎶 Enjoy the Music

Experience the beautiful choir music during services. Instagram

🕯️ Light a Candle

A simple act to connect with the spiritual heritage. Reddit

Today, on the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord, I sang with the Choir of Plymouth Cathedral. Enjoy the music of the Mass; from the Entrance Hymn of ‘Immortal Invincible God only Wise’ to the closing Hymn of the Anthem to our Lady ‘Alma Redemptoris Mater’. Although I couldn’t get the actual date the choir was founded, I understand that the Te Deum was sung at the close of the ceremony, when The C...
odocha.sylvia
109 likes • 2.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🕊️ Seek Serenity

Visit on a weekday morning for a truly peaceful experience. Reddit

🥾 Pilgrim Passport Stamp

Inquire about pilgrim stamps, but be prepared for potential access challenges. Reddit

🎶 Enjoy the Music

Experience the beautiful choir music during services. Instagram

🕯️ Light a Candle

A simple act to connect with the spiritual heritage. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(138 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Plymouth Cathedral for its serene atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and welcoming community. Many find it a peaceful sanctuary for reflection and spiritual connection. Some pilgrims have noted challenges in obtaining stamps outside of service hours, but overall, the experience is described as wonderful and relaxing.

"Moments of Reflection at Plymouth’s Cathedral of St. Mary & St. Boniface⛪️.
Nestled in the heart of Plymouth, the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Boniface
offers a serene and spiritual retreat. Its narrow spire and elegant design make it a distinctive landmark.
I join the community for 10 a.m mass every Sunday. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, filled with the echoes of prayer and a sense of belonging.
Today’s mass was a tribute to all mothers on
Mother’s Day (30 March)🌸.
🙏🏼During the sacred Lent period, May the Lord bless those who are sick, housebound or enduring particular suffering at this time.
If you’re in the area, take a moment to explore St. Mary & St. Boniface Cathedral. Light a candle, soak in the tranquility and connect with its rich spiritual heritage that makes this place truly special."

Maria Matos Sequeira

"Started our pilgrimage/cycle tour for Santiago de Compostela from this Cathedral.
We turned up to get our pilgrim stamp for our pilgrim passports.
There was absolutely no one about from 2 o'clock onwards. We tried asking local worshippers, ringing numbers (including the cathedral school) and ringing the doorbell of the Bishops house round the corner (all 4 different ones) no reply. (I can understand the bishop may have been at the Vatican voting in the new pope). One worshipper showed us the pilgrim area, so I managed to sign the pilgrims register book and she also mentioned a stamp in "the second drawer down" which when I later rifled through in desperation, (it was unlocked) I found a Plymouth cathedral stamp for the choir, but no ink. I improvised.and.manahed to scribble continuously on to the stamp with a blue Sharpie I happened to have in my handlebar bag, so the ink didn't dry to stamp it on my passport.
I later said a long prayer hoping for a safe journey and one for Buttercup the dog who I'm carrying some of her ashes with me in a necklace to Santiago.
Fortunately I hung about until closing time and managed to ambush sister Mary just as she was locking up the main glass doors, I confessed to her that I'd gone through the drawers and used the incorrect stamp and after hearing that she was more than happy to give us the correct pilgrim stamp. And now I'm thrilled I double bubbled the amount of stamps I got.

Anyway the cathedral had a wonderful and relaxing feeling to it and I really enjoyed the time I spent there."

Damian Hill

"What a fantastic place I have wanted to visit for what seems like forever . The Nuns and staff were very nice , welcoming, and friendly the Cathedral itself a peaceful sanctuary in a very busy City .
I knew the architects were from the Hansom clan and were responsible for producing many a beautiful place of worship in the 1800s and this Cathedral was no exception .
The Cathedral Church of Saint Mary and Saint Boniface was kept spotlessly clean thanks to the hard work of the staff .unfortunately I arrived too late for the service which I believe is held daily at 10 a.m.
It is possibly the cleanest place I have ever seen .
Now it turns out that Saint Boniface was quite a character if for no other reason he felled Donars Oak or Thors Oak , a sacred tree of the germanic pagans no less . Now I am not the brightest, but I am sure of one thing you probably do not want to upset a germanic pagan in the 8th century .
Now this hero of the cloth took all this danger in his stride and when the locals saw the God's hadn't struck him down converted to Christianity and he earned the title of Apostle to the Germans .
He had influence over one Charles Martel the hero of the Battle of Tours and the Carolingian family . You might say he was one of the founding fathers of the Holy Roman Empire, which was to last a 1000 years .
And to top it off, he hailed from Crediton,get him .
He can be found to this day at rest in Fulda Cathedral ."

Heimdal Odinson

What People Like

Peaceful sanctuary
Beautiful architecture
Welcoming community

What People Dislike

Pilgrim stamp access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Cathedral is centrally located in Plymouth. Public transport options include local buses that stop nearby. If driving, be aware that parking in the city center can be challenging and may involve paid car parks. Instagram

While there isn't dedicated parking directly at the Cathedral, several public car parks are within walking distance. It's advisable to check local parking apps or websites for availability and pricing. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Cathedral is generally free, though donations are welcome. Special events or services may have separate ticketing requirements. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, especially around services and holidays. It's best to check the official Cathedral website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

Yes, the Cathedral holds regular services throughout the week and on Sundays. The schedule is usually available on their website. InstagramReddit

Yes, there is a pilgrim area where visitors can sign the register and, if available, get their pilgrim passports stamped. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Visitors often describe the atmosphere as warm, welcoming, peaceful, and serene, offering a spiritual retreat from the busy city. Reddit+1

Information on guided tours is not widely available online. It's recommended to inquire directly with the Cathedral staff upon arrival or check their website for any scheduled tours. Instagram

Saint Boniface was a pivotal figure in early Christianity in Germany, known for felling Thor's Oak and converting pagans. He is considered an Apostle to the Germans and has historical ties to Crediton. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always respectful to be mindful of ongoing services and other visitors. Some areas might have restrictions. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Being in the city center, there are numerous cafes, restaurants, and pubs in close proximity to the Cathedral, offering a variety of dining options. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior, with its spire and elegant design, is a great subject. Inside, the stained glass windows and architectural details offer beautiful photographic opportunities. Instagram

Morning light can be lovely for exterior shots, while afternoon light can illuminate the stained glass beautifully from within. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Cathedral is a place of worship, its grandeur can still captivate younger visitors. The stained glass windows are often a point of visual interest, with their bright colors and storytelling. Instagram+1 Consider visiting during a less crowded time, like a weekday morning, to allow children to explore without feeling rushed. Reddit The historical stories associated with Saint Boniface might also be engaging for older children. Reddit

For families on a longer trip, the Cathedral can be a peaceful stop. However, it's important to manage expectations regarding activities specifically designed for children. The focus here is on quiet contemplation and spiritual experience. Reddit

🚶 Pilgrims and Cyclists

The Cathedral is a recognized starting point or stop for pilgrims, particularly those on the Camino de Santiago. Reddit Ensure you have your pilgrim passport ready to get stamped. Be aware that accessing this service might require planning, as some visitors have found it challenging to find staff outside of service times. Reddit The Cathedral offers a place for prayer and reflection before embarking on or after completing a significant leg of your journey. Reddit

Cyclists undertaking tours may also find the Cathedral a convenient and inspiring landmark. The surrounding city center offers amenities, and the Cathedral itself provides a moment of respite. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Architectural Legacy

The Cathedral Church of St. Mary and St. Boniface is a testament to impressive architectural design, with its origins tracing back to architects from the Hansom clan, known for creating many beautiful places of worship in the 1800s. Reddit Its elegant structure and soaring spires make it a distinctive landmark in Plymouth. The stained glass windows are particularly noteworthy, casting vibrant colors and depicting various biblical scenes and saints, creating a captivating atmosphere within the nave. Instagram+1

Visitors often remark on the spotless cleanliness of the Cathedral, attributing it to the hard work of the staff. This attention to detail contributes to the overall sense of peace and reverence. The narrow spire is a prominent feature, visible from various points in the city, drawing visitors to explore its spiritual and architectural significance. InstagramReddit

For those interested in its history, the Cathedral is dedicated to St. Mary and St. Boniface. Saint Boniface himself was a significant historical figure, an 8th-century missionary who played a crucial role in the Christianization of Germanic peoples. His story, including his origins from Crediton, adds another layer of historical depth to the site. Reddit

Pilgrimage and Spiritual Connection

The Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Boniface serves as a significant point for pilgrims, with some starting their journeys to Santiago de Compostela from its grounds. Reddit Visitors can obtain a pilgrim stamp for their passports, though some have shared experiences of difficulty in accessing this service outside of regular hours. Reddit The pilgrim register is a place to connect with a long tradition of travelers who have passed through. Reddit

Beyond pilgrimage, the Cathedral offers a serene sanctuary in the heart of a busy city. Many visitors find moments of reflection and tranquility within its walls, whether attending a service or simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. Reddit+1 The warm and welcoming atmosphere, filled with the echoes of prayer, fosters a sense of belonging for the community. Reddit

During significant periods like Lent, the Cathedral becomes a place for prayer for those enduring suffering. Reddit The opportunity to light a candle is a simple yet meaningful way to connect with the Cathedral's rich spiritual heritage. Reddit

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