The Merrie Pilgrimage to Walsingham

November 15-16th, the Wilds of Norfolk, Albion

Aug 08, 2025

Christian Wonder Tales! Sacred Songs! Holy Sites! Spread Thee Word!

Hello my friends, I’m delighted to announce the Merrie pilgrimage to misty Walsingham this coming autumn. We invite you to join us in this glorious, distinctly ancient form of contemplative celebration on the weekend of 15th & 16th November.

Recently I’ve been hearing from folks from all walks of life who have a longing to walk the lanes, light candles in the chapel, pray in sacred places, absorb again the depths of ancient story. Something is on the move. So, why not come find out? We’d love to see you among us. Friends, we have this incredible crackling lively mystical and loving Christian heritage and it’s waving at us. We could reconsecrate ourselves to this wonderful pilgrim tradition. In times like these that’s a redemptive and rather radical proposition. This weekend at Walsingham is a time for attending to the soul, giving thanks and listening deeply to what God may have to say directly to you. Who knows, there could be a Burning Bush around. It’s time to wake all the frozen animals inside ourselves.

Onwards and upwards!

As the poster says - designed by our very own Natasha Kozaily - there will be Christian Wonder Tales and Sacred Songs and Pilgrimages to some Holy Sites. There’s accommodation locally, and two fine pubs with all sorts of refreshments beckoning to you when it’s time to break your fast. Walsingham in autumn is really something. There’s a couple of Merrie gatherings at a minimal cost and the rest would be for your good selves to organise.

So, our winding little plan.

Look to the skies!

Saturday 15th November
9.30am – The Pilgrim’s Way
At 9.30am promptly on the Saturday morning you are invited to meet outside St Seraphim’s Chapel (Walsingham is small, these places will not be hard to find) to visit this extraordinary and lovely place, and at 10am there will be a walk of a mile or so up to the Slipper Chapel, led by hopefully one of my very own family, maybe my sister Anna.

My friends Marcus and Mariamni Plested who are usually in residence at the Chapel are sadly away and I will be keeper of the keys. They have some very exciting things brewing for spring 2026 which I will be sure to share here. You can read a little of their adventure here: Orthodox Station.

Quite what happens on a ‘permissive walk’ the mind boggles, but ours will have some some singing, a turning of rosary for those that turn the rosary, a handling of the prayer rope for those that use the rope, and some quiet for you to pray. Falling leaves and (likely) puddles will be all around, so dress warmly with good boots. The walk is leading somewhere very interesting: Basilica of Our Lady of Walsingham

2pm-5pm – Afternoon Gathering:
In Conversation on the Merrie at Walsingham Parish Hall
From 2pm till 5pm we will be at Walsingham Parish Hall on the high street for an afternoon gathering. Here there will be talk of all things Merrie. There will also be ancient poems, voices of other artists, music and chewy ideas. It’s really a chance for us all to get together and swap ideas (there will be space for that). My friend and fellow Merrie artist Heather Pollington will be there.
Tickets for the afternoon gathering are here: In Conversation on the Merrie

Between 5pm and 7pm you may wish to: 1. have a nap 2. avail yourself of a meal 3. wander the many churches and sacred paths of this extraordinary place.

7.30pm-9.30pm – Evening Gathering:
Christian Wonder Tales at Walsingham Parish Hall
On Saturday evening we will gather back in the Parish Hall for a night of Christian Wonder Tales – stories from the Bible and the saints.
Tickets for the evening are here: Christian Wonder Tales

Please don’t linger on the tickets if you’re coming as they may go briskly.

Sunday 16th November
Morning Services and Final Clink
On Sunday morning there are any number of options for Mass, Communion or Divine Liturgy.

At 1.30pm there will be a final clink of glasses at The Black Lion for pilgrims preparing to journey on, hopefully with glad hearts and a refreshed spirit.