Norwich 1-Day Pilgrimage, River Yare, St Julian and Cathedral

Walk from the wilds along the River Yare to the intimate shrine of anchoress, mystic and saint, Mother Julian, and take in the splendours of Norwich Cathedral. Guided by BPT's historian, naturalist and pilgrim, Dawn Champion.

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Surlingham and St Saviours

We begin in Surlingham, at the evocative ruins of St Saviours, before turning to the river. The Yare has transported pilgrims from Great Yarmouth to the city for hundreds of years. We travel on foot instead of boat, but it gives us plenty of opportunity to dwell in nature, amongst the atmospheric Broads, visiting venerable trees and bustling wildlife as it makes the most of autumn's bounty.

St Mary's

We'll pause at St Mary's, one of Norfolk's surviving round-tower churches. It's a place of ancientness which feels vibrant and beloved by its community, who celebrate the abundance of nature within its walls. Following the water upstream, and occasionally dipping into woods or across fields, we'll make our way to the city with stories, songs, folklore and more.

The Shrine of St Julian

Once in the heart of the city, we'll head uphill to the Shrine of St Julian.  A 14th-century anchoress and visionary, she lived a secluded life in a small cell attached to St. Julian's Church in Norwich, where she experienced a series of divine revelations that became the basis for her profound theological work, Revelations of Divine Love—the earliest known book written in English by a woman. Her visions centered on love, optimism, and compassion, offering a message of hope during the turmoil of the Black Death and Peasants Revolt. Today, her shrine and cell offer modern pilgrims a space for quiet reflection, personal connection with her mystical insights, and an opportunity to follow in the steps of one of Britain's most revered spiritual figures.

Norwich Cathedral

Heading along the historic streets, we follow a path rich with Jewish and monastic heritage before entering the cloisters of the Cathedral. Norwich Cathedral, a stunning medieval masterpiece founded in 1096, stands as a profound symbol of spiritual devotion and Christian heritage in the heart of East Anglia. Its soaring spire, the second tallest in England, guides visitors on a pilgrimage that not only explores centuries of faith but invites personal reflection amidst its serene cloisters and awe-inspiring Gothic architecture. Home to a rich monastic history and a tranquil atmosphere, the cathedral has been a sacred destination for pilgrims for nearly a thousand years.  Walking barefoot if you wish, we'll discover the secrets and splendours of this ancient place together, before releasing our intentions.

Pilgrimage is a Bring your own Beliefs practice and will include:

• New ways of meeting holy places (bring your own beliefs!)
• Songs, stories and folklore on the path
• Opportunities for silence and contemplation
• Rediscovering your place in the British pilgrimage tradition
• Natural beauty and the wild places between the roads
• Wild water drinking or wildflower foraging

‍Timings Please note that we will aim to arrive at Norwich Cathedral at around 5pm. Timings throughout the day may vary depending on the pace of the group.

Travel Arrangements This is a linear route, with start point serviced by a bus. Due to the lengthy bus journey we will be coordinating taxi shares from Norwich train station. Please indicate on the booking form if you do or do not want to taxi share. Pilgrims who prefer to arrive by their own car can park on the roadside in central Surlingham near the village pond, but you will need to get a taxi to return to collect your vehicle at the end of the day.
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Toilets Toilet facilities are available at the halfway point on this journey, your guide will also know some good places for a "wild wee" if you need to stop more often.

What to bring Appropriate clothes and footwear; Waterproofs or Umbrella; Picnic Lunch, Water bottle or thermos flask.

FAQ’s

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

Is this religious? This is a faith-neutral journey which welcomes all and no-faiths equally. We operate a “Bring Your Own Beliefs” policy. We ask that all participating pilgrims respect one another, whatever their beliefs.

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, even though people may be coming for emotional reasons. 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 or access limitations? Pilgrimage is moderately intense. This journey is mostly on good level paths, with some stiles in the first half and some short stretches along quiet country lane. The second half of the route is fully accessible by wheelchair or mobility scooter, please contact us to discuss in detail.

Do you offer concessions? If you receive income or disability related benefits, we may be able to offer you a discount or free place. Please contact us to check eligibility and availability.

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 is my ticket price paying for, in addition to admission? After costs, 10% of funds raised from this limited space are donated to the places visited along the route. The remainder funds the team at British Pilgrimage Trust (a registered charity) to spend more time making it possible for thousands of pilgrims to make pilgrimage themselves by engaging with our ever-increasing range of free resources. For more details about our charitable activities, please check here.

We hope to see you on the path.

Please support our work

If you would like to make a donation in addition to, or in place of, a ticket, click here.
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