Join us as we walk in the footsteps of George Fox and Margaret Fell, the founders of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in the 1650s. Our pilgrimage journey is open to Quakers and others who are interested in connecting with Quaker roots and testimonies. Travel with companions from many parts of the United States. Our insights through the lens of Quaker history encourage us to look forward to the future of our community and our role in the wider world, and include opportunities to connect with British Friends.
Chartered bus trips to historic sites take us through the lush, green Lake District of England and other parts of Cumbria. Enjoy scenic views of the Yorkshire Dales and England’s largest lake, Windermere.
Each day our group will feast on a traditional English breakfast and a scrumptious dinner, served family style at large tables that encourage camaraderie and good times in the beautiful dining room at Glenthorne. Lunches are “take-away,” packed for us by Glenthorne’s kitchen and brought on the bus with us while we are on our various excursions.
We arrive at Glenthorne Quaker Guest House on Monday, July 19. We’ll settle in, adjust to the time difference, and wander the picturesque Lake District town of Grasmere. Group cohesion is important to us, so we begin with a conversation starter to get to know one another and review details of the week.
On the second day, we take a bus trip to Clitheroe Quaker Meetinghouse and enjoy some historical preparation for our climb up Pendle Hill. Climbing this small mountain gives us an experience of the beauty and inspiration that led George Fox to see “a great people gathered” and found the Society of Friends. There are reflective and meditative options for Friends who cannot climb all the way to the top.
Subsequent days will include visits to Brigflatts Quaker Meeting, the Town of Sedbergh and St. Andrew’s Church as well as Firbank Fell, known as Fox’s Pulpit. Our excursions will take us to the city of Lancaster. There we will tour a castle and prison museum where early Friends were imprisoned for their beliefs. We’ll take time to have lunch and worship with nearby Lancaster Friends Meeting.
The tour will include a visit to Swarthmoor Hall, where Margaret Fell and her family lived. We will visit Colthouse Meetinghouse and Hawkshead Village, where William Wordsworth went to school and where Beatrix Potter drew inspiration.
You’ll enjoy one open day of exploring on your own or in small groups with plenty of recommendations from our experience and local experts.
We gather each day for tea and crumpets and to share joys and insights from the day’s events.
We depart Glenthorne on July 26 – with the memories of new (F)friends made along the way.
We hope you’ll join us.
