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An Advent Journey to Canterbury

Canterbury has drawn pilgrims since the martyrdom of Thomas Becket in 1170, and there is nowhere better to begin your own pilgrimage journey. Over four days you will attend Choral Evensong and Holy Communion in the magnificent Cathedral, join a specially guided tour of its hidden chapels, walk the streets of a World Heritage city, and take part in the haunting beauty of an Advent Carol Service.

Led by Claire Cardy, your experienced McCabe guide, this short pilgrimage is thoughtfully paced, fully supported and designed to feel both manageable and deeply meaningful — whether you are new to sacred travel or simply looking for a gentle, spiritually rich short break.

Itinerary

  1. Arrival in Canterbury

    Make your own way to Canterbury and settle in. Gather at the iconic Christ Church Gate — the medieval arch through which pilgrims have passed for over eight hundred years — before processing into the Cathedral for Choral Evensong at 17:30, as the choir's voices soar through the great nave in music that has echoed here for centuries. The evening ends with a warm welcome dinner, with a welcome drink to toast the journey ahead and time to get to know your fellow pilgrims.

  2. Cathedral & Christmas Market

    Holy Communion at 08:00, then a two-hour expert-guided Cathedral tour: medieval stained glass, the story of Thomas Becket, and two hidden gems — the ethereal Corona Chapel and the rarely visited All Saints Chapel. A formal pilgrim welcome and chaplain's blessing follows. Spend the afternoon at the Canterbury Christmas Market — wooden chalets, mulled wine and festive crafts set against the Cathedral's ancient stone — before evening worship and dinner.

  3. World Heritage Sites & Advent Carol Service

    A morning guided walk takes in Lady Wootton's Green, the haunting ruins of St Augustine's Abbey (founded 597 AD) and St Martin's Church — the oldest parish church in continuous use in the English-speaking world. After a free lunch, visit Catching Lives, Canterbury's homeless charity, connecting the Advent message of welcome with life in the city today. The day peaks with the Advent Carol Service at 17:30 — candlelight, ancient words and music to carry home — followed by a final dinner.

  4. Farewell & Homeward

    Check out after breakfast, with the option of a final Holy Communion together at 08:00 — a gentle, unhurried send-off. Linger over a last coffee in the Cathedral city before making your own way home, carrying the stillness, the inspiration and the renewed sense of wonder that Canterbury at Advent never fails to bring.

Essential Information

This tour includes:

  • 3 nights at Travelodge Canterbury Chaucer Central
  • All breakfasts at the hotel
  • Welcome dinner (with welcome drink)
  • Dinners on Days 2 & 3
  • Guided Cathedral tour with pilgrim welcome & chaplain's blessing
  • World Heritage City guided tour
  • Choral Evensong & Advent Carol Service at the Cathedral
  • Charity visit to Catching Lives
  • All gratuities included
  • Tour leader: Claire Cardy

Special requests
Any special requirements, such as dietary needs, mobility requests, and any other requests should be noted at the time of booking.

Payments
A £500 per person non-refundable deposit is payable on confirmation. After which, an instalment payment amounting to 50% of the total cost of your trip is due 26 weeks prior to departure with the final balance due twelve weeks prior to departure.

Final travel documents
These will be emailed to you two weeks before departure.

Travel insurance
Travel insurance is essential. We require all travellers to have adequate cancellation and medical coverage for their journey. We are partnered with Holiday Extras who offer a comprehensive policy as well as yearly policies that also cover short UK overnight stays.

Mobility
Many of our tours and excursions are designed for those who are able to travel independently, or with the support of a companion who can assist during the trip. We recommend that participants feel comfortable with physical activity. We encourage you to consider your personal health and comfort when planning your adventure, and we’re happy to help if you have any specific concerns or questions about the suitability of a tour for your needs.

Practical information

About McCabe Pilgrimages
McCabe has been arranging journeys of faith, culture and spirituality for over 40 years with an unwavering focus on attention to detail and service. With a deep understanding of the unique needs and aspirations of Christian travellers, McCabe strive to make every trip a memorable and meaningful experience. McCabe Travel Ltd. trades as McCabe Pilgrimages.

McCabe Travel Ltd. is registered in England and Wales. Registered No. 2125334. VAT No: 318527355. Registered office address: McCabe Travel, The
Square, Basing View, Basingstoke, RG21 4EB.

The McCabe Educational Trust
The McCabe Educational Trust is an independent registered charity which was set up in 1991 to support Christian communities. To date the Trust has distributed more than £4 million in grants. McCabe Pilgrimages supports the Trust directly by contributing to the administrative and running costs, thus ensuring all pilgrim donations are able to go directly to the important projects supported by the MET. In 2026 McCabe Pilgrimages will once again invite all pilgrims to make a voluntary donation of £20. In addition, McCabe will also donate £20 for every pilgrim who travels with us - regardless of whether they choose to donate - effectively doubling the impact when you do.

Please note: This scheme is voluntary and confidential. No pilgrim is under pressure to participate.

Financial security
All monies paid are fully protected through McCabe’s membership of the ABTOT bonding scheme. In addition, McCabe are also members of the Association of Independent Tour Operators and abide by the Association’s code of conduct.

Holiday insurance
Ensuring that your holidays are appropriately protected is one of our main priorities. That’s why we have partnered with Holiday Extras so you can get a travel insurance quote to protect you before and whilst you are travelling.

Holiday Extras Cover Ltd is authorised and, regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and has been independently rated 5-stars by Defaqto.

For more information or to obtain a quote, please go to their website at www.holidayextras.com/travel-insurance or call them on 0800 083 3551
to speak to a friendly advisor.

Please quote AG628 when you call for a 10% discount.

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Dates

Our Programme Tour Leader Tour Dates Availability
An Advent Journey to Canterbury An Advent Journey to Canterbury Prices from £720 pp Claire Cardy 27/11/2026 for 4 days Download brochure Book now Make an enquiry

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