St. John's Cathedral

St. John's Cathedral
St. John's Cathedral
St. John's Cathedral
St. John's Cathedral
St. John's Cathedral


Step outside the lively centre of town and into the tranquility of this beautiful cathedral to admire the stunning architecture and engage in peaceful reflection.

Visit St. John’s Cathedral, one of Portsmouth’s two cathedrals. Originally built in the 1880s, it remains an important building for the Catholic population of the area. It sustained serious damage in World War II, but has been fully repaired. St. John’s functions as the mother church of the diocese and serves a parish of 2 square miles (6 square kilometers).

Standing outside, notice the characteristic red bricks of this Victorian church. Look for the magnificent modern statue of St. John the Evangelist, which has only been present since 2010. Wander inside to view a larger variety of statues placed throughout the church. Gaze upward and admire many people’s favorite aspect of the church, the wooden vaulted ceiling.

Another feature worth noting is the stained-glass rose window, the only window not destroyed during a serious bombing in 1941. View this window over the organ. The other reconstructed windows are also very beautiful. Daylight glows through them, giving the space a warm and welcoming feeling. Sit quietly for a few minutes to contemplate or simply enjoy the tranquility.

Every day has at least one Mass. Some days, including Sundays, there are more. Join the people of Portsmouth in their worship by attending a ceremony and enjoy the strong musical tradition of this particular church.

If you drive, park behind the church, using the entrance on the south side. If you’re not traveling with a car, take the train to Portsmouth and Southsea Station and follow the signs to the cathedral. It will take you less than 10 minutes to walk here. The cathedral has a café, so relax with a meal or beverage while you’re here.

Near the cathedral is Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, which is the center of all of Portsmouth’s maritime attractions. Here, visit museums and historical navy ships, all just a 15-minute walk from the cathedral.

When you’re in Portsmouth, escape the crowds to visit the beautiful house of worship, St John’s Cathedral.

Plan a trip to see St. John's Cathedral

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Norton Park Hotel, Spa & Manor House
Solent Hotel and Spa
Burley Manor

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Royal Maritime Hotel

Royal Maritime Hotel

3 out of 5
Queens Street, Portsmouth, England
Royal Maritime Hotel
ibis Portsmouth Centre

ibis Portsmouth Centre

3.5 out of 5
Winston Churchill Avenue, Portsmouth, England
ibis Portsmouth Centre
Holiday Inn Portsmouth by IHG

Holiday Inn Portsmouth by IHG

4 out of 5
Pembroke Road, Portsmouth, England
Holiday Inn Portsmouth by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth - Gunwharf Quays by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth - Gunwharf Quays by IHG

3 out of 5
The Plaza Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, England
Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth - Gunwharf Quays by IHG
Southsea Rocks Hotel

Southsea Rocks Hotel

2 out of 5
4 Florence Rd, Portsmouth, England
Southsea Rocks Hotel
Duke of Buckingham

Duke of Buckingham

3 out of 5
119 The High Street, Portsmouth, England
Duke of Buckingham
ibis budget Portsmouth

ibis budget Portsmouth

3 out of 5
Fratton Way, Portsmouth, England
ibis budget Portsmouth
Catherine House

Catherine House

2 out of 5
Stanhope Rd, Portsmouth, England
Catherine House
Ship Leopard Hotel – No Children

Ship Leopard Hotel – No Children

3 out of 5
15 - 16 The Hard, Portsmouth, England
Ship Leopard Hotel – No Children
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near St. John's Cathedral

When visiting St. John's Cathedral in Portsmouth, be sure to explore nearby attractions such as the scenic ferry rides. A highlight of your visit is the opportunity to join guided tours, which offer fascinating insights into the cathedral's rich history and architecture. Don't miss out on the chance to immerse yourself in both the spiritual and cultural experiences that this magnificent site has to offer.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near St. John's Cathedral, visit Gunwharf Quays, just 373m away, offering a vibrant mix of shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, explore the House of Chilli and WestQuay Shopping Centre, located 12 and 9.3km away, respectively.

Recreation

Explore Fratton Park for an energetic experience at a local sports stadium, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere at Pyramids Centre Portsmouth, where you can swim and unwind. For entertainment, visit Wedgewood Rooms for live music and a vibrant night out.

Adventure

Embark on the Isle of Wight Coastal Footpath for a scenic 5-mile hike, immersing yourself in stunning views and fresh air. For a thrilling experience, try Nomad Sailing, located 621m away, or visit Hayling Island Sailing Club, 4.3km distant, for exciting water sports adventures.

Nightlife

In the vicinity of St. John's Cathedral, Kings Theatre offers a cultural night out with captivating performances just 1.6km away. For a family adventure, visit Action Stations! 373m away, or enjoy the charm of New Theatre Royal, a mere 186m from the cathedral.

Find the best attractions near St. John's Cathedral

St. John's Cathedral in Portsmouth offers a blend of cultural experiences and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the nearby Portsmouth Cathedral and enjoy the scenic beaches, perfect for a relaxing day out. For those interested in history, the military museum provides fascinating insights into the region's past. Don't miss the chance to visit the Cathedral of St John, a notable landmark that adds to the rich heritage of the area.

  • HMS Victory: Explore the historic HMS Victory, the flagship of Admiral Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar. This maritime museum offers an immersive experience into naval history and culture, showcasing life aboard a 19th-century warship.
  • Portsmouth Guildhall: Visit the impressive Portsmouth Guildhall, an architectural gem hosting various events. Its vibrant atmosphere and business vibes make it a hub for conferences and concerts, providing a taste of local culture and community spirit.
  • University of Portsmouth: Wander around the University of Portsmouth, a historic institution blending modernity with tradition. Its cultural vibes are reflected in the diverse student body and engaging events, making it a lively part of the city.

Best time to go to St. John's Cathedral

The best time to visit St. John's Cathedral is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July and August are its hottest month on average. At the time of August, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny. January and February are its coolest month on average. At the time of February, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April49.1°F (9.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
May54.1°F (12.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
June59.5°F (15.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July63.1°F (17.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August63.1°F (17.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for St. John's Cathedral

To save money on your visit to St. John's Cathedral, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January to March, when accommodation prices are lower. Mondays tend to be the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly hotels, and consider eco-certified options for sustainability. You can also save by booking a package that combines your hotel, flights, and activities. Walking is a cost-effective way to explore the area, as many attractions are within easy reach.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around St. John's Cathedral are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around St. John's Cathedral is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around St. John's Cathedral is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You could potentially save money by combining your hotel stay near St. John's Cathedral with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.