back to Great Britain

Great Britain

Northern Saints: Durham, Whitby & Holy Island

Journey to the cradle of English Christianity — the ancient abbeys and windswept coasts of Northumbria, where saints such as Cuthbert, Hilda and Aidan first carried the faith across the north.

In the seventh century the little tidal island of Lindisfarne became a beacon of Christian learning and holiness, home to St Aidan and St Cuthbert, while at Whitby the great Abbess Hilda hosted the synod that shaped the English Church. Their story is written into Durham Cathedral, the abbeys of Whitby and Hexham, and the sands of Holy Island.

Led by Revd Kevin Dunne and — new for 2027 — based throughout at Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens, a magnificent estate near Durham, this gently paced five-day pilgrimage offers daily prayer, unhurried touring and time to reflect. Whether this is your first pilgrimage or a long-held hope finally fulfilled, you will find Northumbria a place of deep peace and living faith.

Itinerary

  1. Travel to Durham

    Make your own way to Durham and check in to Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens, a magnificent estate that is your home for the next four nights. Settle in over a welcome drink and dinner, followed by an introductory talk, and close the day with Compline led by Revd Kevin Dunne.

  2. The Synod of Whitby

    Travel to St Hilda’s, Hartlepool, to discover the story of the great Abbess Hilda, then continue to Whitby for free time and lunch at leisure. This afternoon, visit the dramatic clifftop ruins of Whitby Abbey, where the Synod of 664 shaped the future of the English Church, before returning to Durham for Compline in the evening.

  3. Durham & Hexham

    Begin with Morning Prayer at Durham Cathedral, followed by a pilgrimage tour of this great Norman cathedral, resting place of St Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede. Travel on to Hexham — passing the Angel of the North — for lunch and a guided tour of Hexham Abbey, with free time before returning to Durham for an evening of Northumbrian pipes and Compline.

  4. Holy Island, Lindisfarne

    Drive north to Seahouses for a boat trip around the Farne Islands (weather permitting), then cross to Holy Island — with the chance to walk the ancient pilgrim route across the sands to Lindisfarne. Share in Holy Communion in the parish church, before a traditional fish & chip supper in Alnwick on the journey back to Durham.

  5. Homeward Bound

    After breakfast at Ushaw, check out and begin your independent journey home — carrying with you the peace of Holy Island and the enduring story of England’s northern saints.

Essential Information

This tour includes:

  • 4 nights at Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens (dinner, bed & breakfast) NEW
  • Welcome drink & dinner on arrival
  • All coach touring & transfers
  • Durham Cathedral, Whitby Abbey & Hexham Abbey
  • Farne Islands boat trip
  • St Hilda’s, Hartlepool & Holy Island, Lindisfarne
  • Fish & chip supper in Alnwick
  • Tour leader: Revd Kevin Dunne

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.

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

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 and are able to manage longer travel days, which may include early starts and extended periods on the road. 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. This scheme is voluntary and confidential with nobody put under any pressure to participate.

Financial and quality assurances
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.

Health advice
Please carry an adequate supply of essential medication in your hand luggage in case your checked luggage is lost.

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.

Read reviews

Dates

Our Programme Tour Leader Tour Dates Availability
Northern Saints: Durham, Whitby & Holy Island Northern Saints 2027 Prices from £1090 pp The Revd Kevin Dunne 26/07/2027 for 5 days Download brochure Book now Make an enquiry

Send to a friend




    Islands of Prayer: The Isles of Scilly

    Prices from £2,440 pp

    Read more

    First Steps with St Paul

    Prices from £2,775 pp

    Read more

    Fellowship Tours

    A portfolio of tours with regular travellers in mind

    Read more