Whether travelling to honour St Thomas or recreating the bawdy travels of Chaucer's famous characters, pilgrims from around the world have been making their way to the city for centuries. And Canterbury has always provided a warm welcome.
The murder of Thomas Becket in 1170 inside Canterbury Cathedral made the city one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in Europe, with thousands visiting his shrine every year. It led to the city being immortalised in Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, where a colourful cast of pilgrims swap stories on the road to Canterbury. Even after the destruction of Becket's shrine during the reign of Henry VIII, the city has always been a huge draw for visitors of all backgrounds wanting to enjoy the spectacle of the ancient city.
The good news for modern-day pilgrims? You don’t need a horse or a 14th-century wardrobe to recreate the experience. Here's how to make your own pilgrimage OR to experience the life of a true pilgrim in the heart of the city...
WALKS
1. The Pilgrims’ Way (Classic Route)
The historic Pilgrims' Way stretches 153 miles from Winchester to Canterbury, tracing an old trackway through stunning Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Today, much of it overlaps with the North Downs Way, making it well-marked and accessible. If you want a picturesque 'big walk', this is the one to choose!
2. The Becket Way (Chaucer's Route)
Short on time? Start in London, just like Chaucer’s pilgrims. Begin in Southwark near the site of the famous Tabard Inn from The Canterbury Tales, and wind your way to the city via the North Downs Way through 90 miles of picturesque Kentish countryside.
3. The Via Francigena (For the Ambitious)
For a truly epic journey, make Canterbury your starting point on the Via Francigena, which takes ambitious travellers all the way to Rome. Covering more than 3000 kilometres, this is a walk through mountain paths, cypress-lined dirt roads, charming villages and along historic cobbled streets. The official route of the Via Francigena is traversed every year by pilgrims of all faiths and all ages!
Tips for a Modern Pilgrim
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Travel light: Medieval pilgrims carried little—your back will thank you.
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Stamp your journey: Keep a record of your travels in your own journal, pick up souvenirs, but don't leave rubbish on your route!
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Mix it up: Combine walking with trains if needed—purists might object, but your knees won’t.
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Stay curious: Stop in smaller churches, pop into a pub, chat with locals, and embrace the slower pace.
Experience the Canterbury Tales
If you don't fancy the walk but are still curious about the characters who made the journey to Canterbury in the past, then an incredible interactive adventure awaits you in the heart of the city - hiking books aren't needed!
The iconic Canterbury Tales Experience reopened in 2026, bringing Chaucer's famous stories to life like never before. The attraction first opened in the 1980s but has been completely revamped and revitalised for a new generation of storytellers, featuring state-of-the-art technology, live actors and theatrical sets to create a fun-filled interactive journey through The Canterbury Tales in a historic venue. If you want to walk in the 'footsteps' of the Wife of Bath, The Miller, The Knight and the Pardoner, don't miss a chance to visit this unique experience.
And don't forget! Canterbury Cathedral regularly hosts tours, walks and exhibitions honouring its rich pilgrimage past. Find out more:
- Dive into the history of pilgrims at the cathedral and get your official stamp!
- Find out more about the Canterbury Pilgrims
- Take a look at the Cathedral's Paths to Pilgrimage information for groups
Pilgrimage today is not necessarily a religious experience, as it can be about reflection, adventure, or simply disconnecting from everyday noise. Arriving at Canterbury Cathedral—whether after 5 miles or 500—still carries a quiet sense of accomplishment, and the incredible architecture remains awe-inspiring.
In the end, the spirit of pilgrimage hasn’t changed much. It’s about the journey, the stories you gather, and perhaps discovering something unexpected along the way!
