A special pilgrimage day celebrating the spirit, life and legacy of St Aldhelm will take place at Milton Abbey on Saturday 23 May 2026.
The Aldhelm Pilgrimage Day 2026, organised by Aldhelm Gatherings and Projects in partnership with Milton Abbey and local churches, marks the feast on 25 May of St Aldhelm, Anglo-Saxon poet and educator and one of Wessex’s most important early Christian figures. St Aldhelm, who lived from around 639 to 709 AD, was educated at Malmesbury and Canterbury before becoming Abbot of Malmesbury and later the first Bishop of Sherborne. He founded churches and monasteries across Wessex, including at Frome and Bradford on Avon, and remains one of the most influential early saints connected with Dorset and Wiltshire.
Open to people of all ages and backgrounds, the day is designed as a relaxed and reflective pilgrimage experience centred around the historic Abbey and surrounding landscape of the Dorset Downs. Visitors will be able to take part in guided walks, tours of Milton Abbey, quiet reflection and shared fellowship throughout the day. Optional activities include a contemplative walk “In the Footsteps of St Aldhelm” and a pilgrimage route to the historic St Catherine’s Chapel overlooking the Abbey.
The day culminates in a Festival Eucharist at 3:00pm led by the Rt Revd Karen Gorham, Acting Bishop of Salisbury, with churches, schools and community groups invited to bring banners and emblems for the procession into the Abbey.
Tim Spinney from Aldhelm Gatherings and Projects said:
“St Aldhelm was someone who took faith out into the community through music, storytelling and hospitality. This pilgrimage day is intended to be welcoming, thoughtful and unhurried – a chance for people to explore spirituality, history and companionship in a remarkable setting.”
The pilgrimage day begins with refreshments from 10:00am and concludes at 4:00pm. Attendance is open to all and organisers encourage advance registration.
Event details
Aldhelm Pilgrimage Day 2026
Saturday 23 May 2026
10:00am–4:00pm
Milton Abbey
DT11 0BZ
Highlights include:
- Guided tours of Milton Abbey
- Pilgrimage walk to St Catherine’s Chapel
- Contemplative walks and quiet reflection
- Shared lunch
- Festival Eucharist led by the Rt Revd Karen Gorham, Acting Bishop of Salisbury
Contact aldhelm2023@gmail.com for more information.
Organised by Aldhelm Gatherings and Projects with support from Milton Abbey and local churches.