Over the course of nine days, pilgrims will discover the highlights of London and the south of England culminating in a pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral, the mother church of the Worldwide Anglican Communion. Pilgrims will explore two pilgrimage routes to Canterbury including the traditional route from London and the “Old Way,” a recently rediscovered pilgrimage route dating to the 14th century. This is largely a bus pilgrimage with a few optional half-day walks, including a walk into Canterbury. Other highlights include a visit to London’s famed cathedrals, Stonehenge, monastic ruins, and the scenery of the English countryside. The group will meet with locals including the local parish rectors, a leader of the British Pilgrimage Trust, and the clerics of Canterbury Cathedral. 

This pilgrimage does not include round-trip airfare. You are responsible for booking your fights to arrive in time to join the group at 1:00pm on Saturday, December 2, 2023. 

Progressive Pilgrimage offers travel insurance through Allianz's "Group Advantage Plan." Click here to download a brochure. Please note that insurance pricing is based on the North Carolina rate; insurance may be higher for residents of NY, TX, WA, and some other states. If you select insurance and the price is higher than indicated here, Progressive Pilgrimage will contact you before issuing the policy.    

This pilgrimage does not include airfare, so please make your arrangements to leave today in time to arrive at the Hampton by Hilton, Waterloo by 1:00pm on Saturday, December 2, 2023. 

For your departure to London, we recommend arriving at the airport three hours prior to departure for international flights. For entry into the United Kingdom, US citizens must possess a passport, valid for at least 6 months beyond scheduled travel dates. A visa is not required.  

Upon your arrival in London, you should make your way to the Hampton by Hilton, London Waterloo. From the airport you can use the Heathrow Express Bus or the Tube. Either option will require a transfer to reach to Lambeth North Station. From there, walk about three blocks to the hotel. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi at the airport. 

Pilgrims should arrive at Hampton by Hilton, Waterloo, no later than 1:00 pm at which time the group will gather in the hotel lobby. From here, we will proceed to Westminster Abbey for a guided tour. Afterward, we have a little free time before our opening dinner. Overnight at the Hampton by Hilton, Waterloo. 

We begin our day visiting St. Martin in the Fields, a local congregation in the heart of London. We'll meet with a rector to learn more about their history and innovative contemporary ministry before their morning Eucharist service. After lunch (included), we'll have a walking tour of London, including St. Paul’s, the City of London, and sites related to the pilgrimage to Canterbury. After our tour, you will enjoy a free evening in London, including dinner on your own. Overnight in London. 

We depart London in the morning, stopping at Stonehenge to visit the ancient site, before continuing on to Winchester Cathedral. We arrive in Southampton where we meet a representative from the British Pilgrimage Trust for an introduction to The Old Way. Dinner (included) and overnight at the White Star Inn.

Today we start with worship and Eucharist at Netley Abbey. Participants may opt for a 1/2 day walk. Those walking will depart from the Abbey and those choosing not to walk will visit Royal Victoria Chapel. The whole group will have lunch together at St. Andrew's Parish in Hamble and enjoy a tour of their historic church. Dinner and overnight at Lewes Town Centre Hotel.

This morning we will share together in a reflective retreat at a local parish. After lunch the whole group will walk together on the last leg of the Old Way from Fordwich to Canterbury, arriving in Canterbury in time for Evensong worship at Canterbury Cathedral. Enjoy dinner together and overnight accommodations at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge.

Today you will have a free morning to explore the town of Canterbury on your own. The group will reconvene at 2:00pm for a tour of the Cathedral when the afternoon light allows the stained glass windows to shine. After our tour, we'll meet with the Canon Missioner, Rev. Emma Pennington, to reflect on pilgrimage and the modern life of the cathedral. You have the option to stay for Evensong before dinner (on your own) and returning to the Cathedral Lodge for overnight accommodations.

We depart Canterbury in the morning, traveling to Dover to visit the famous White Cliffs. In the late afternoon we travel by coach to our hotel near Heathrow Airport. A celebratory closing dinner at the hotel concludes our itinerary. Overnight at the Edwardian Hotel, Heathrow. 

Pilgrims will make their way to Heathrow Airport at your leisure for your return flight to the US.  The Heathrow Hoppa bus provides direct service to the terminal. Tickets are £6.80 per person and available from the hotel concierge or a ticket vending machine in the hotel lobby.