London Sovereign Pilgrimage

Walk the Sovereign Line with BPT's Guy Hayward

We take a fresh urban approach to the ancient art of pilgrimage. It really is the most surprisingly impactful day – many pilgrims have been stunned by the pilgrim riches that London offers.

What others have said

Ruby Wax: 'the real thing...earth-shatteringly interesting'!
The Times, Porter.com, London Real (3-min video). Listen to podcast with Rupert Sheldrake and Mark Vernon speaking about this experience.

The Sovereign Line

‍With British Pilgrimage Trust Director Guy Hayward singing London songs along the way, you will delve into the heart of England’s history in the modern city.

From the early 14th century until the reign of Charles II, a procession would be led for each coronation along this ancient way from the Tower to Westminster Abbey. The 5-mile route passes through the Temple Bar portal between the commercial City of London and the political and priestly City of Westminster. There are many beautiful historic churches, places of sanctuary and peace, as well as holy wells, ancient stones and a Roman Temple. The concentration of pilgrim places is particularly high in the City of London, where the churches are only open on weekdays.

We will arrive at Westminster Abbey around 4.30pm in order for those that want to experience Choral Evensong from 5.00-5.45pm (a genuinely world-class 45-mins of music, as heard during King Charles III's Coronation).

Take in relics of an old mythic enchantment, when London was thought to be the New Troy, and Westminster Abbey was the holy of holies.

For a more detailed written introduction to what you will experience, look here.

This Pilgrimage will include:

‍New ways of meeting old pilgrim places (bring your own beliefs...)
- London folk songs on the path
- Many layers of mythology, history and story of London
- Opportunities for silence and musical rapture.
- Meeting the sacred layer of London, in addition to its residential, commercial or industrial status.

FAQ’s

Who can come? Anyone over 18 (or under 18 with parental guidance, bearing in mind the walking distance).

Is this religious? All and no-faiths are equally welcome. We operate a “Bring Your Own Beliefs” policy. We ask that all participating pilgrims tolerate one another, whatever their beliefs.

Can I come if I can't afford it? We offer a number of free or subsidised places to those in need, on a case-by-case basis, please contact info@britishpilgrimage.org.

If I'm a school teacher, can I come for free? Yes, we offer free places to teachers, particularly if they are interested in introducing pilgrimage to their students.

Will I be asked to share my feelings with the group? We like to keep things light and breezy, so there will be no group emotional sharing moments. If you want to share your feelings in personal conversation when walking with others that is up to you, but certainly not compulsory.

Are there fitness limitations? Pilgrimage is moderately intense. If you struggle to walk all day, this type of pilgrimage may be an unsuitable activity for you right now. There are always plenty of escape points en route. But we will walk slowly, and start early, and 6 miles is a manageable distance for the majority of people, although it is not nothing. Unfortunately this pilgrimage is not suited for mobility-impaired people or those requiring wheelchair access.

Can I bring my dog? Sadly not - we can’t accommodate dogs on our guided pilgrimages. However, if you have a registered assistance dog, they are welcome.

What does my money go towards? The British Pilgrimage Trust is a charity, and profits raised from this limited space event will enable our team to make it possible for everyone, of all means, to make pilgrimage themselves. We will also distribute some of the ticket price to local organisations from whom we have benefitted along the path. For more details about our charitable activities, please check here.

We hope to see you on the path.
If you would like to make a donation in addition to, or in place of, a ticket, click here.
To hear about our other guided pilgrimage events in the future, please sign up to our e-newsletter.

To hear about our other guided pilgrimage events in the future, please sign up to our e-newsletter.