One Day Pilgrimages

A website from the Revd Bill Britt, Vicar of St Mary’s Stotfold & All Saints Radwell, hosts a collection of short, circular routes of between 2 and 8 miles in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. Bill writes:

“The website combines three of my passions: walking in the countryside, visiting churches and walking with friends. All three activities are visible, physical reminders of God’s presence among us. The 9^th century wandering monk and teacher John Scotus Eriugna wrote that  God speaks to us through two books: the small book of the Bible and the big book of nature.”

Alban Pilgrimage

Each year, thousands journey to St Albans to honour the story of Alban, Britain’s first saint and martyr. Taking place in June each year on Alban Day, pilgrims join together in a joyful celebration involving drums and banners, giant puppets and cheering crowds.

Easter Monday Pilgrimage

Having celebrated its 80th event in 2026, the Easter Monday Pilgrimage is a long-held tradition, drawing individuals, families and church groups from parishes across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Luton and London. Many walk from their home churches or from designated points along the route, and some travel by bus, cycle or car, to celebrate together on Easter Monday in a united service at the Cathedral in the afternoon, with many gathering for a picnic beforehand around the Cathedral grounds.

The Alban Way Pilgrimages

A discipleship year for young adults called The Alban Way began in 2024, involving a programme for 18-35 year olds to focus on faith, spiritual practices and growing in community. Towards the end of their year together, they embark on a pilgrimage either a walking based pilgrimage along the Camino Inglés of the Camino de Santiago, or a driving based pilgrimage in the UK up to Lindisfarne in the North.

Swedish Pilgrimage

Organised by several clergy within the Diocese, this journey introduced the pilgrims to the quiet power of Swedish-style pilgrimage — a form of walking that blends movement, silence, reflection, and spiritual conversation. Inspired by our strong connection with Vadstena, in the Diocese of Linköping (in Sweden), which has been an important pilgrimage site attracting over 300,000 pilgrims every year.

Cathedral led-pilgrimages and inspiration

Alongside the Alban Pilgrimage each June, St Albans Cathedral is a focal point for thousands of pilgrims throughout the year, who may choose to embark on their own journey or with others as part of a led activity. Find out more on the Cathedral website about walking and cycling routes as well as pilgrimage tours around the Cathedral.

Pilgrim Places, Holy Lives Summer 2026 Campaign

This summer, the Church of England is spotlighting pilgrimage across their social media channels.

Are you doing a pilgrimage? Share it on socials, using the hashtag #PilgrimPlaces and tagging @stalbansdio and @thechurchofengland, to get involved.

Whether it’s something about your church or local area that has made it a pilgrimage site in the past, an interesting place you’ve visited on holiday, or a pilgrimage you or your church is undertaking, the invitation is for churches, cathedrals, groups, and individuals to share social media content about pilgrimage.