Wesleyan Heritage Journey Itinerary                        
March 19 - 28, 2023

 

Day 1 and 2 Depart from USA 
Upon arrival in Manchester you will be greeted by your guide, Adrian, who will have an Alpha Christian Tours (ACTS) sign in the Arrival Hall. Board the coach for a comfortable drive to York. Hotel rooms will likely not be available until 3pm but we have made arrangements for your luggage to be stored at the hotel. Enjoy a walking tour of York, with its Medieval Castle of Yorkshire, built by King Edward II, the incomparably beautiful York Minster Cathedral and bustling markets of Shambles Street. After getting a bite to eat and exploring the city check into your hotel. The afternoon is free for rest before an early dinner.

Day 3 Epworth and York
Travel to Epworth and visit "The Old Rectory" of Samuel and Susanna Wesley to hear the story of the Wesleys. 
See Samuel Wesley's grave at St. Andrew's Church in the center of this old town. Lunch is on ACTS today and prepared by members of Wesley Memorial Church. After lunch, the pastor of Wesley Memorial will share communion with your group. Enjoy the late afternoon in York (and possibly Evensong at York Minster).

Day 4 Coventry and Stratford upon Avon 
Spot Lady Godiva and visit the old and new cathedral in Coventry. Join in abrief Service of Reconciliation in the new cathedral before some free time for lunch and gathering in the old cathedral with Bishop Tom. Take delight in the legacy of Shakespeare, seeing Anne Hathaway's cottage and the quaint town of Stratford-upon-Avon. And enjoy an early dinner tonight so you can attend the production of Julius Caesar.

Day 5 Oxford 
Travel to Oxford and visit Christ Church College and Lincoln College at the University, reflecting onyoung John Wesley's studies and the establishment of"The Holy Club." Continue on to Bristol for two overnights.

Day 6 Bristol 
Travel high above Bristol to Hanham Mount, where Wesley preached to the miners. In Bristol visit thehome of Charles Wesley and "The New Room," the first Methodist property. Lunch is on the NY Conference todayand prepared by the New Room. Join the weekly Community Communion service at the New Room before traveling tothe port of Pill, from where John Wesley sent Francis Asbury and Thomas Coke to America. If you didn't have time to relax in the Tortworth Court pool on Thursday evening, hopefully there will be time before today's dinner.

Day 7 Windsor 
Visit Windsor Castle, a royal residence for the past nine centuries, which represents every stage of English architecture. Tour the Castle and stroll through the town of Windsor, with its many shops and attractions. Continue to London for three nights.

Day 8 Wesley's London 
Begin the day at Aldersgate Street reflecting upon Wesley's "heart-warming experience." Celebrate the Sabbath at Wesley's Chapel, worshiping with the local Methodist community. Visit City Road, Wesley'sChapel and home. After a quick peek inside St. Paul's Cathedral and maybe a sandwich on the cathedral steps, join Mark Williamson on a Wilberforce Prayer Walk from Bank Street Station.

Day 9 London 
See Hyde Park, Trafalgar Square, Marble Arch, Buckingham Palace, St.James Palace and the Houses of Parliament. Visit Westminster Abbey (the Royal Church) and Central Hall, the inspiring Methodist Church of worship. After a closing communion service at Central Hall, enjoy a free afternoon in London and make your own way back to the hotel.

Day 10 Depart London for the USA 
Your Wesleyan Pilgrimage ends with a flight to the United States.