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St George's Day Pilgrimage to St George's Chapel, Windsor & Eton
St George's Chapel is the seat of royal and earthly power, and George is the Green Man.
April 23rd is St George's Day, the patron saint of England.
A private visit to Eton College Chapel.
And... you will feel more connected to nature's vital life force within you.
This beautiful day route, 8 miles long from Runnymede to St George's Chapel, Windsor, centres around St George as the Green Man, the Magna Carta and our King. The cover photo of this event above is taken from the Coronation Invitation of 6th May 2023, the international day of St George. To understand more what that means, visit the following article on Green Men & Women.
Led by the British Pilgrimage Trust's (BPT's) Chair, Simon Guild, there will be dialogue between folklore and religion – think Green Man and the Dragon, St George, King John, our late Queen's burial place and our King's potential, and you invoking your own personal sovereignty.
You will meet Runnymede, site of the signing of the Magna Carta, and its art installations of the Jurors, Writ on the the Water, Windsor Great Park and its ancient oaks, Copper Horse Statue, the Long Walk, Eton College Chapel and St George's Chapel, where you will hear choral evensong sung by the royal choir on the day of St George.
We hope to engage the green force within you.
Qualities of the Day
- Telling many folkloric tales that mesh ancient Pagan, Christian and Royal stories
- New ways of meeting holy places
- Pilgrim songs on the path
- Opportunities for silence
- Rediscovering your place in the British pilgrimage tradition
- Natural beauty
- Elemental power
This is a 'Bring Your Own Beliefs' pilgrimage.
What to bring
Packed lunch; appropriate clothes and shoes; Waterproofs or Umbrella; Waterbottle.
Travel
We will start at 10am at Runnymede NT Memorial Tea Room Car Park, and recommend not parking your car there but rather at the end, Windsor, for convenience, and then taking an Uber or bus to the start point.
Windsor or Egham train station (Egham is near-ish Runnymede Car Park, so walkable in an hour), or catch bus or taxi/Uber from Egham or Windsor.
The pilgrimage will end at St George's Chapel, Windsor, no later than 5pm in time for choral evensong at 5.15-6.00pm. Then you can go back to your cars in Windsor, or catch train from Windsor train station.
FAQ’s
Do you offer concessions? We offer some free or discounted places to pilgrims on certain types of income-related Universal Credit, PIP, DLA ESA , JSA etc. Contact us on hello@britishpilgrimage.org to find out if you qualify.
If I'm a school teacher, can I come for free? Yes, we offer free places to teachers, particularly if they are interested in introducing pilgrimage to their students.
What is your refund policy? See our full policy on cancellations, postponements and ticket transfers.
Who can come? Anyone over 18 (or under 18 with parental guidance, bearing in mind the walking distance).
Is this religious? This is a faith-neutral pilgrimage including a variety of traditions and practices. We operate a “Bring Your Own Beliefs” policy, where pilgrims can choose when to engage and participate. We ask that all pilgrims respect one another, whatever their beliefs.
Will I be asked to share my feelings with the group? We like to keep things light and breezy, so there will be no group emotional sharing moments. If you want to share your feelings in personal conversation when walking with others that is up to you, but certainly not compulsory.
Are there fitness limitations? This route involves hills, some road walking, and conditions may be muddy underfoot. Pilgrimage is moderately intense; if you find walking all day a challenge, this type of pilgrimage may be an unsuitable activity for you right now. This pilgrimage can be made accessible depending on your individual needs and mobility aids. If you have other access needs please get in touch to discuss how we can best include your individual requirements.
Can I bring my dog? Sadly not - we can’t accommodate dogs on our guided pilgrimages. However, if you have a registered assistance dog, they are welcome.
What does the price cover? This pilgrimage is a fundraiser for registered charity British Pilgrimage Trust. 20% of the ticket fee is VAT. 10% of funds raised are donated to the places we visit along the route. Around 50% of your ticket covers the costs of providing your guide, including research and route surveys. Any remaining funds support our charitable work including thousands for free resources to enable people to make their own journeys. For more details about our charitable activities, please check here.
We hope to see you on the path.
If you would like to make a donation in addition to, or in place of, a ticket, click here.
To hear about our other guided pilgrimage events in the future, please sign up to our e-newsletter.
Date and time
About this event
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Windsor Rd, Englefield Green, Staines SL4 2JN
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This was my first pilgrimage walk but won't be the last. Dawn was an inspiring guide in so many ways - teaching us, entertaining us and caring for us. It was wonderful to get to know new people as we trod in the footsteps of so many unknown walkers who had gone before us. I had a sense of awe at so many points - for the coastal scenery, the birdlife, the ancient trees and for the buildings that had witnessed so much history. And it was such a lovely surprise to be welcomed with tea in Apuldram Church - so very kind. I am very grateful that I could be part of this day.
Heather
Pilgrim
The Avebury Pilgrimage was a joyful experience. Guy brought wonder and deep connection to the group experience. The other pilgrims were warm, fun and willing to surrender to this rich experience of movement, landscape, the past and the unseen world all around us. Thank you Guy!
Laura
My favourite part was walking in silence and being able to just concentrate on the purpose of my pilgrimage without the noise and baggage of life getting in the way. Abigail was a wonderful guide. She was thoughtful and brought a calm and sense of spiritual purpose to the day. I absolutely loved the walk.
Tamsin
Many good moments but two things stand out: Chalice Well and the impromptu singing of a wassail song on the way up Glastonbury Tor, by an apple orchard. It was cold yet rather lovely to do a pilgrimage in the frost. Informed and engaging guide. Friendly and supportive fellow pilgrims. Such a good ethos.
Susan
I loved walking through the countryside and the fascinating sights such as the church mill and barrow. The lanterns were lovely too and the Wassail singing and cake were a lovely touch. The arrival at Canterbury was spectacular. It was a lovely day and Dawn is a terrific guide.
Sally
Sally
Dawn was absolutely brilliant. Brought the group together and was so knowledgeable . Really warm individual and so caring. Just an amazing experience all round. Can't thank you enough for the experience.
Stuart
Pilgrim
My favourite part was Dawn singing to us by Kits Coty - sublime when the sun came out for us at the end of the song. Dawn has a lovely sincerity and her singing was wonderful. Also the Canon’s pilgrim’s blessing In Winchester Cathedral was an unexpected and perfect end to the day
Alexandra
I enjoyed listening to Guy's singing in the different settings - enhanced the experience and linked us to the past. The whole day was beautifully facilitated with a perfect balance of history overview, time for reflection and walking. It was very special - thank you so much!
Jo
I signed up on a whim without really knowing what I had signed up to, and it turned out to be the most extraordinary, magical day - starting with Guy's singing in the Chapel and culminating at those fabulous springs. The information, songs, chat and group experience were all wonderful. I can't recommend this pilgrimage highly enough - and I also hugely appreciate all the references in the follow up email. Brilliant. Thank you Guy!!
Amanda
Pilgrim
I loved the whole pilgrimage. A day of great connection with people, nature, sacred places, past and present. Also particularly enjoyed Guy's singing which added something special and his commentary. Also the friendliness of fellow pilgrims in the group which was partly enabled by having a buddy and introductory exercise.
Jonathan
Pilgrim
Very grateful for the work that’s being done by all who are mapping the routes and sharing their knowledge. All this while I’m still mobile and can join in with day walks ... I asked for the book for my birthday and it has much in it. The Green King though was more my thing, lower key with lots in nature. I am very keen on sacred water sites (following the work of Veda Austin) so would enjoy more of those if possible. One day walks are really fab. Thank you everyone.
Catherine
Pilgrim
A fabulous enlightening day. The people, places and fascinating insights - I felt very privileged and grateful.
David
Pilgrim
Guy, I just wanted to say thank for your time and knowledge yesterday. It was an amazing afternoon in spite of the weather. I am sitting here today in quiet contemplation with a deep sense of peace bathing my heart in a warm, fuzzy glow. It is an extraordinary feeling. I think you must have been a troubadour in a previous life! With gratitude.
Jessica
Pilgrim
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What our pilgrims say
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