How to plan accommodation on your pilgrimage

British camino-style pilgrim hostels are yet to come so here are our top tips for finding accommodation. 

Here are the booking methods we have found pilgrims like:

‍Check for links on our route pages‍

Many routes in Britain have a champion or custodian. This might be the person that created the route, a confraternity or an organisation that manages it. They often will maintain recommended accommodation lists, so have a look at what they have to offer. You can find links to them at the bottom of each individual route page (where available).

Seek Sanctuary on the Sanctuary Network

‍Our Sanctuary network connects pilgrims to churches, village halls and other community places offering floor space to pilgrims in exchange for a donation, usually around £15 - £20 per night.

Some routes are fully covered by Sanctuary (here is a link to the latest routes that have Sanctuaries along the way). Some routes only have one or two Sanctuaries, but the network is growing all the time.

To find Sanctuary routes, use the Filter to choose "Sanctuary routes." Sanctuaries will appear towards the bottom of each individual route page.

You need to be signed in with a free or Giving Pilgrim account to access contact details for booking. If you are browsing without being logged in, you won't see booking details.

Use our Google maps to find pilgrim accommodation

‍Each route will have a google map on its individual route page.

Open it up to full screen by clicking the square zoom icon in the top right corner of the map. Zoom in a little and you’ll be able to see all regular accommodation providers as pink icons. These will also have any Sanctuaries or Independent Hostels listed on the map legend.

Airbnbs do not usually appear on Google maps so you’ll have to do a separate search on Airbnb's website for those. 

Discover modern hostels for pilgrim travelers

‍Independent Hostels and YHA welcome pilgrims and offer comfort, good value and a hearty dose of community. These are a great way to meet other pilgrims on the path, and many have a choice of low-cost shared dorms or private rooms.

Go Champing with the Churches Conservation Trust

‍The Churches Conservation Trust offers a “glamping” experience to tourists in some of their churches with Champing (it means Church-Camping). They’ll provide the camp beds and a warm welcome. You can hire bedding and some places offer breakfast for an additional charge. Prices start from around £49 per night. 

Consider a travel company or agency

‍If you really want to avoid any accommodation planning, consider pilgrimage routes that follow National Trails or popular hiking routes and make use of a recreational walking travel company. These are not the cheapest option, but will often take care of your rooms and baggage transfers for you. ABTA members, for example, commit to follow high standards, so could be a good place to start looking for someone to help with travel.

Sharing is caring — tell other pilgrims what you found

‍Leave a comment on the route page to let other pilgrims know what has worked well for you - maybe it's that tiny B&B you found by chance, perhaps an excellent walking holiday provider that went the extra mile. The pilgrimage movement in the UK grows with every recommendation. To leave comments, you must be logged in as a Pilgrim or Giving Pilgrim with the British Pilgrimage Trust.

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