Celtic Summer Pilgrimage
"A journey of Faith and an Insight into the Celtic tradition"
Led by Bishop Cyril Ashton
The Northern Saints associated with the north east of England continue to inspire and encourage Christians into the 21st century. The writings of the Venerable Bede, who tells of the lives of Aidan, Cuthbert, Hilda and Cedd - and all of their contemporaries - forms the backdrop to a remarkable week of journey and discovery.
Itinerary
Day 1 Monday 2nd July
Arrive in Durham
Durham is easily accessible from all parts of the country via various train companies. Take the Cathedral bus from the Station, or a taxi to the College, where we register and are shown to our rooms. Before dinner there is an introductory talk. Dinner is followed by Compline in the College Chapel (every night apart from Saturday).
Day 2 Tuesday 3rd July
Whitby & Lastingham
After breakfast we travel by coach to Whitby. At Whitby Abbey we learn about the life and witness of St Hilda. There will be time for you to purchase lunch somewhere in the town. Then we head to the village of Lastingham to celebrate the Eucharist in the Crypt – a spiritual highlight for many. Dinner is served at the Blacksmith’s Arms in Lastingham (payable locally), before we return to the College for Compline.
Day 3 Wednesday 4th July
Durham Cathedral
A day to relax and enjoy Durham after our breakfast. In the afternoon we have a guided tour of Durham Cathedral where we will see the final resting places of Bede and Cuthbert. Before dinner we celebrate the Eucharist in the College Chapel. After dinner there is a short talk on the Celtic Saints followed by Compline.
Day 4, Thursday 5th July
Holy Island & Bamburgh
After an early breakfast we leave for our pilgrimage to Holy Island. We visit the English Heritage site of Lindisfarne Abbey and St Mary’s Church where we celebrate the Eucharist. On our return journey we visit Bamburgh’s St Aidan’s Church – the spot where Aidan is said to have died. We then move onto Seahouses, overlooking the Farne Islands, for dinner - fish and chips (payable locally). Back to Durham in time for Compline.
Day 5, Friday 6th July
Celtic Quiet Day & Relaxation
Today is a Celtic Quiet day - a chance to reflect on what we have learned so far. We will be led in three sessions during the day and there will be time for meditation in the Chapel. We celebrate the Eucharist in the College Chapel before dinner is served. Compline follows.
Day 6, Saturday 7st July
Bede’s World & Monkwearmouth
After breakfast we go by coach to Bede’s World - a highly imaginative museum set in the grounds of St Paul’s Monastery in Jarrow where we celebrate the Eucharist. We next visit St Peter’s Church in Monkwearmouth - part of which dates back to the time of Bede. Dinner is served at the College.
Day 7, Sunday 8th July
Durham Cathedral & Relaxation
This is the last full day of our pilgrimage together and we begin the day with brunch immediately after the morning Service at the Cathedral. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy in Durham before we gather again at the Cathedral for Evensong. We then return to St Chad’s, where we enjoy a drinks party before dinner and our final Compline together.
Day 8, Monday 9th July
Breakfast & Goodbye
Breakfast is served before we check out and begin our journey homewards refreshed and nourished in the spirit of the Great Northern Saints.
Tour Costs
Tour Cost
INCLUSIVE TOUR COST - £493
Lightline tours are carefully calculated to include all items
necessary to complete your tour at the advertised price.
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7 nights accommodation* at St Chad's College, Durham |
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Bed & Breakfast basis |
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Single rooms available at no extra charge |
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All touring in modern air-conditioned coaches |
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All lectures and visits |





