This unique retreat-pilgrimage model centers on creating a spiritual and geographic base from which we explore, making day trips but returning to our space each afternoon for leisurely tea, rest, and reflection. In this women’s retreat led by Callie Swanlund, we’ll draw inspiration from the writings and life of Julian of Norwich, Margery Kempe, and Evelyn Underhill as we explore the landscapes that shaped their life and faith. Highlights of this pilgrimage include historical and spiritual sites in Norwich, King's Lynn, and the Walsingham Shrine; encounters with the beauty of the Norfolk countryside, including Holkham Beach and Norfolk Broads National Park; hands-on creative expression and opportunity to visit a variety of artist studios and galleries. All of this is wrapped in Callie’s thoughtful leadership that delights in your belovedness and helps you connect with the inner confidence that all shall indeed be well. Women and those most comfortable in women-identified spaces are invited to register. The itinerary may be adjusted according to site access and guide availability.

Group members arrive today at London Heathrow Airport no later than noon to meet our private motorcoach for transfer to Pleshey. We’ll stop for lunch (included) before arriving in Pleshey for opening reflections. Accommodations for our first two nights will be at Pleshey House Retreat Center, which offers a tranquil environment in which to ground ourselves in the mystics who will shape our pilgrimage.

• Lunch

• Dinner

Today we’ll center ourselves in reflection and retreat. The day will begin with morning teaching on the life and theology of Evelyn Underhill, a 19th century English mystic. We’ll be led by Valerie Thompson, a leading Underhill scholar. We’ll also spend some time in guided meditation using her writings in the Pleshey Chapel and walled gardens. Lunch is included. In the mid-afternoon we’ll venture into nearby Chelmsford where you can enjoy a self-guided visit at Chelmsford Cathedral or enjoy an afternoon exploring the town with its shops and pubs. We return to Pleshey House for dinner (included).

• Breakfast

• Lunch

• Dinner

After morning prayer, we will depart Pleshey and head further east toward Norwich. Our lunch today will be in the form of an early Afternoon Tea with all the finest British traditions. We’ll have a short pilgrimage walk through the lanes of Norwich to help you get oriented to the town. Then you’ll have some free time in the late afternoon to rest or explore. After dinner (included), a short retreat session will offer an introduction to the life and thought of Julian.

• Breakfast

• Lunch/Early Afternoon Tea

• Dinner

Today we’ll take a deep, experiential dive into the life and writings of Julian of Norwich, a 14th century Christian mystic. We begin in the morning with a visit to Norwich Cathedral with a tour including the art and windows dedicated to Julian and the cloisters. We’ll have lunch (included) at the cathedral refectory and then walk through the town’s medieval lanes to the Julian Center and Julian’s shrine. Tonight you have a free evening where you can enjoy dinner out (on your own) in Norwich.

• Breakfast

• Lunch

Margery Kempe was born about 30 years after Julian of Norwich, and the two women mystics offered one another mutual support. We’ll take a closer look at Margery Kempe’s story with a pilgrimage walk around her home of King’s Lynn. After the walk, enjoy free time in King's Lynn for lunch (on your own). In the afternoon, we have a workshop with Norfolk Creative Arts. We’ll return to Norwich in the evening for dinner (included).

• Breakfast

• Dinner

We will continue our exploration of Margery Kempe with a visit to Walsingham, a significant medieval pilgrimage site where Kempe spent considerable time. We begin with a visit at the Walsingham Shrine and Abbey with its holy well. We’ll have lunch (included) in the cafe at Great Walsingham Barn where you can peruse the artist studios and shops. Conclude the day with a contemplative coastal walk at Holkham Beach with its pine woods, dunes, sands. Return to Norwich for dinner (included).

• Breakfast

• Lunch

• Dinner

Today we’ll have a closing retreat session and reflections in the morning. In the mid-day, we’ll explore the Norfolk Broads National Park with a private riverboat cruise including a celebratory closing lunch (included). In the late afternoon, we’ll transfer back to London where the pilgrimage concludes.

Those who are departing London on Friday can book an optional add-on for an airport hotel.

Those who are extending their stay in London may wish to make their own hotel accommodations closer to the city center.

The bus transfer will take one group of pilgrims to the airport hotel and the second group to the public transit station for city center access.

• Breakfast

• Lunch

While the retreat officially concluded on Thursday evening, those who booked accommodation at the London airport hotel will make their own way to the airport for their departing flights.

• Breakfast

• Single occupancy in Pleshey, double occupancy in Norwich.

• Early registration is available through July 10, 2026, for $3,975 per person.

About Callie | I’m passionate about journeying with groups and individuals as they discover their belovedness and live into their fullest, most authentic selves. As a priest and Certified Daring Way Facilitator, I draw on my experience and the teachings of Jesus and Brené Brown to lead transformative retreats and inspiring keynotes that help folks embrace vulnerability and wholeheartedness.