Churches: questions and Band 8 answers

Yes, quite a few actually. In the historic centre, you can find several ancient stone churches, including a small parish church that dates back hundreds of years. Even though modern developments have sprung up around them, they still stand out as prominent landmarks in the neighbourhood.

Not very often, to be honest. I'm not particularly religious, so I usually only step inside one if I'm attending a wedding or sightseeing while on holiday. The last time was probably about six months ago during a weekend trip to York, just to admire the peaceful atmosphere.

I’d say the stained-glass windows are definitely the highlight for me. When the sunlight streams through the coloured glass, it creates such stunning patterns on the stone floor. I also really appreciate the high vaulted ceilings, which make the whole interior feel incredibly grand and airy.

Yes, occasionally. My primary school used to organise carol concerts at a local chapel every December just before the Christmas break. I distinctly remember sitting on the wooden pews, feeling a bit cold, but completely fascinated by the massive pipe organ playing in the background.

Definitely. A lot of tourists visit them purely for their architectural beauty or historical significance. Besides that, some people just pop in to find a bit of peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of city life, or even to attend classical music recitals.