A journey in faith

Pilgrimage

We leave the familiar for a while, travel prayerfully towards a holy place, and discover that God has been accompanying us all along.

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More than a journey

Travelling with a purpose

A pilgrimage is a journey made in faith to a place associated with prayer, holiness or an encounter with God.

Christians have travelled as pilgrims from the Church’s earliest centuries. The outward journey gives shape to an inward one: stepping away from ordinary routines creates room for prayer, reflection, repentance and renewed hope.

A pilgrim does not need to arrive with certainty or perfect faith. Curiosity, sorrow, gratitude and the desire for a fresh beginning can all become part of the prayer.

Pilgrims walking together towards a church through the countryside

Why go?

Every pilgrim carries something

People set out for many reasons. What matters is the willingness to place the journey—and ourselves—before God.

To draw closer to God

Time set apart helps us listen, pray and notice God’s presence more attentively.

To seek healing

We may bring illness, grief, hurt or another deep need into the prayer of the Church.

To give thanks

A pilgrimage may mark an answered prayer, an anniversary or gratitude for God’s goodness.

To seek direction

Distance from everyday noise can bring clarity when life presents a question or decision.

To begin again

The road can become an act of repentance, renewal and trust in God’s mercy.

To travel together

Shared prayer, meals and conversation allow friendship and parish fellowship to deepen.

England’s Nazareth

Our Lady of Walsingham

Walsingham has been a place of Christian pilgrimage and prayer for nearly a thousand years.

The story

A house in honour of the Incarnation

According to the tradition of Walsingham, in 1061 the Lady Richeldis was shown in prayer the house in Nazareth where the angel Gabriel greeted Mary. She was asked to build a copy at Walsingham.

The Holy House points to the mystery at the heart of Christian faith: God is not distant. In Jesus Christ, God entered an ordinary human home and shared our life.

Walsingham is therefore known as England’s Nazareth—a place where pilgrims contemplate Mary’s “yes” and the coming of Christ among us.

The Holy House at the Anglican Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham

At the Shrine

Prayer, worship and healing

Pilgrims gather for Mass, the ministry of healing, processions and quiet prayer. The Holy Well is received as a sign of God’s refreshing and healing love.

The Shrine brings together solemn worship and ordinary companionship. There is space for silence, but also for shared meals, laughter and friendship.

Visit the Shrine website

Watch and discover

The story of Walsingham

Explore the history of the Holy House and the enduring spiritual significance of England’s Nazareth.

England’s Nazareth

Fr Michael Rear and Friar James Mary McInerney OFM relate the history and spiritual significance of the foundation of the Holy House at Walsingham.

If the video does not appear, watch it directly on YouTube.

Pilgrimage with the parish

Travelling to Walsingham together

Our parish regularly joins the wider Church in pilgrimage. Dates and arrangements are announced through parish notices and publications.

The National Pilgrimage

Held at Walsingham on the Spring Bank Holiday, this great outdoor gathering includes Mass, preaching, procession and Benediction.

When parish transport is arranged, details and booking information are published in advance.

The parish pilgrimage

A longer residential visit gives time to enter more deeply into the Shrine’s rhythm of worship, prayer, fellowship and rest.

We want cost not to exclude anyone. Confidential help may be available; please speak to the parish priest or Parish Office.

Preparing to go

Making the journey prayerfully

A little preparation helps the travelling itself become part of the pilgrimage.

Before leaving

Choose an intention: a person, need, thanksgiving or question that you will carry in prayer.

On the way

Allow conversation, silence and any inconvenience of travel to become part of your offering.

At the holy place

Join the worship, make room for stillness and remain open to receiving something unexpected.

Coming home

Ask what should change. A pilgrimage bears fruit when renewed faith enters ordinary life.

“Happy are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.”

Psalm 84.5

Come with us

Interested in the next pilgrimage?

Contact the Parish Office for forthcoming dates, transport and accommodation information, or confidentially ask about help with the cost.

Email the Parish Office