Our pilgrimage begins with England's most important place of worship - Canterbury Cathedral. This majestic temple, which is the heart of the Anglican Church, impresses not only with its Gothic architecture, but above all with its rich history dating back to the 6th century. Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is where the spirit of medieval pilgrims meets the living faith of modern believers.

Stepping inside the cathedral, visitors are stunned by the high, soaring vaulting of the nave, which seems to reach for the sky. Stained-glass windows, some dating as far back as the 12th century, tell biblical stories and depict miracles associated with St. Thomas Becket, whose martyrdom in 1170 made Canterbury a pilgrimage destination from all over Europe.

Particularly moving is the site of St. Thomas Becket's former tomb, destroyed during the Reformation, but still surrounded by an aura of holiness. In the cathedral's crypt you can admire the oldest Christian frescoes in England, and in the treasury - priceless relics and liturgical objects.

Canterbury Cathedral is not just a monument, but a living place of worship. Daily services and choral concerts allow you to feel the atmosphere of prayer and contemplation that has permeated the place for centuries. It is worth planning your visit to attend one of these spiritual events.

Admission prices to Canterbury Cathedral may seem high (about £25 per adult, as of 2023), but it is worth remembering that they include not only a tour, but also participation in daily services and the opportunity to use guides. For those interested in learning more about the history and symbolism of the cathedral, we recommend buying an additional guided tour to discover lesser-known nooks and crannies and fascinating architectural details.

Canterbury Cathedral is not only the beginning of our pilgrimage, but also a reference point for understanding England's religious and cultural identity. From here we continue our journey through Kent, carrying with us the spirit of this unique place.

Our pilgrimage through Kent would not be complete without a visit to the impressive castles that not only witness the region's turbulent history, but also often served as places of worship and spiritual reflection. Two particularly notable ones are Leeds Castle and Dover Castle.

Leeds Castle, often called 'the most beautiful castle in the world,' is a true gem of medieval architecture located on a picturesque island. Its history dates back to the 9th century, although the current structure dates mainly from the 12th and 13th centuries. Leeds Castle is not a typical place of worship, but its chapel and tranquil gardens have served as a space for prayer and contemplation for centuries.

When visiting Leeds Castle, look out for the castle chapel, which exemplifies a unique combination of sacred art and defensive architecture. Beautiful stained glass windows and elaborate carvings create an atmosphere conducive to a spiritual experience. The castle's gardens, with their labyrinth and jeux d'esprit garden, offer a space for meditation and reflection on the beauty of nature as a creation of the Creator.

Ticket prices to Leeds Castle (about £28 per adult, as of 2023) may seem high, but they include access to all attractions, including the chapel and gardens. It's worth planning a full-day visit to fully appreciate the rich history and beauty of the site.

Dover Castle, on the other hand, majestically towering over the English Channel, is not only a defensive fortress, but also a place with a rich religious history. The Roman lighthouse on the castle grounds is the oldest building in Britain and witnessed the arrival of the first Christian missionaries to the island.

Dover Castle Chapel, dedicated to St. Thomas Becket, is one of the best preserved examples of Norman architecture in England. Its austere beauty and atmosphere of tranquility make it an ideal place for quiet prayer and reflection on the tumultuous history of Christianity in England.

A visit to Dover Castle (tickets priced at around £24 per adult, as of 2023) is not only a history lesson, but also an opportunity for spiritual reflection on the role of faith in shaping a nation's identity. The view of the English Channel from the castle walls allows you to imagine the voyages of the first missionaries and pilgrims who came to these shores.

Both Leeds Castle and Dover Castle offer a fascinating journey through time, combining elements of secular and religious history. They are places where one can not only admire the architecture and learn about history, but also find space for spiritual reflection and contemplation of the beauty of creation.

Our pilgrimage through Kent also uncovers lesser-known but equally fascinating sites that bear witness to the region's rich spiritual heritage. Two such sites are the National Trust-owned Ightham Mote and the Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre.

Ightham Mote, a medieval mansion surrounded by a moat, is a true architectural gem. Although not a typical place of worship, its chapel and atmosphere of tranquility make it an ideal place for spiritual reflection. The chapel at Ightham Mote, which dates back to the 15th century, impresses with its beautiful stained glass windows and medieval decor. It's a place where you can feel the spirit of medieval piety and contemplate the continuity of Christian tradition in England.

A visit to Ightham Mote (tickets about £16 per adult, as of 2023) is not only a lesson in architectural history, but also an opportunity to experience an atmosphere of tranquility and contemplation. The gardens surrounding the estate, with their carefully maintained flower beds and quiet corners, are conducive to meditation and prayer.

Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre, on the other hand, is a place that takes us back to the beginnings of Christianity in Britain. These Roman ruins bear witness to the first centuries of Christianity on the island, when the new faith was beginning to spread among Roman legionaries and the local population.

Although only ruins remain today, Richborough has a remarkable atmosphere that allows you to imagine the first centuries of Christianity in Britain. Walking through the remains of the fort and amphitheater, one can contemplate the courage and sacrifice of the early Christians who brought the new faith to the area.

A visit to Richborough (tickets about £8 per adult, as of 2023) is not only a history lesson, but also an opportunity to reflect on the roots of Christianity in England. It's worth planning a visit on a quiet day to fully appreciate the atmosphere of the place.

When comparing the sites, each offers a unique perspective on Kent's spiritual heritage. Ightham Mote impresses with its medieval beauty and contemplative atmosphere, while Richborough takes us back to the early days of Christianity on the island. Both sites are less crowded than popular attractions, allowing for a more personal and reflective experience.

Ticket prices for these sites are lower than the main attractions, making them an attractive option for pilgrims seeking a deeper spiritual experience. However, it's worth checking opening hours, which can be limited, especially during the low season.

Our Kent pilgrimage shows that the region's spiritual heritage is not only rich, but diverse. From the majestic Canterbury Cathedral to medieval castles to hidden gems like Ightham Mote and Richborough, each site offers a unique perspective on the history of Christianity in England and invites personal reflection on faith and heritage.