Pilgrimage Accommodation
Where can British Pilgrims sleep?
If your pilgrimage journey lasts longer than a day, you’ll need to stop overnight. It is important not to push yourself beyond your physical capacity, to get so fatigued that you risk injury. Rest often, sleep deeply, and walk well.
If you need to overnight, you will require reliable systems that allow safe rest. Part of the solution is to ensure you are carrying decent kit. But also, choosing the right place to sleep is crucial.
Pilgrims in the UK have three traditional accommodation options:
Hospitality
Rent, borrow, or be granted permission to use someone else’s home as shelter - whether hotel, sofa or campsite.
Sanctuary
Sacred destinations, from churches to holy wells, have long been used by pilgrims as safe places to shelter. You can still claim this ancient right.
Coldharbour
Sleeping beside the footpath is an ancient tradition for pilgrims, and remains the simplest and most affordable option. Pilgrims have slept along the way since the beginning of time. It still works.
