A Modern Faith Pilgrimage Across Britain
On This Holy Island follows travel writer Oliver Smith, as he seeds to radically reframe our idea of ‘pilgrimage’ by retracing sacred routes from across time – from climbing into remote sea caves, sleeping inside Neolithic tombs, scaling forgotten holy mountains and once marooning himself at sea.
Following holy roads to churches, cathedrals and standing tones, this book explores how even football stadiums and musical festivals, are now contemporary places of pilgrimages.
And although the routes walked are often ancient, the pilgrims he meets today are always modern. But wherever you go and whoever you meet, ‘the unravelling of a path, goes in tandem with the unravelling of the soul’.
Oliver Smith is an acclaimed travel writer, who won an award while working for Lonely Planet. Today he wishes to reframe what we mean, by the word ‘pilgrimage’, bringing the benefits into the 21st century.
Catholic pilgrimages have deep roots in England, linking faith with heritage and offering a strong sense of belonging. Whether you’re drawn by history, faith, or the wish to connect with something bigger than yourself, these holy sites welcome all who visit.
They range from ancient cathedrals to peaceful countryside shrines, each with its own story and sense of place. Here’s a guide to some of the most treasured Catholic pilgrimages across England, where you’ll find community, reflection, and maybe even a little inspiration.
A Few of England’s Holy Sites
Walsingham (Norfolk) is often called ‘England’s Nazareth’. This tiny village with tiny chapels, has drawn pilgrims for nearly 1000 years, to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. The original shrine fell during Henry VIII’s Reformation. Read this post by Paul Kingsnorth of his visit.
The Priory at Aylesford in Kent stands on the banks of the River Medway and is a living monastery. The Carmelites first arrived here in the 13th century, bringing with them a tradition of prayer and welcome. Today, pilgrims come to pray, join retreats, and take part in outdoor liturgies.
Lindisfarne, often called Holy Island, sits just off the Northumberland coast, linked to the mainland only at low tide. Its early Christian community helped spread the faith across northern England. This was home to Saint Cuthbert, the first environmentalist saint, who campaigned for eider ducks (and otters used to dry his fur, after his swims!)
Always check tidal times, due to a tidal causeway, to avoid being stranded.
Tyburn Convent sits near Marble Arch, a bustling patch of central London, but inside you’ll find a deep quiet linked to brave history. This is the resting place of over a hundred Catholic martyrs who died for their faith at Tyburn Tree from the 16th to 17th centuries.
Set in Somerset’s green hills, Downside Abbey is one of England’s largest Catholic churches. The Benedictine monks keep up a rhythm of prayer, education, and welcome.
