A guided tour of Walsingham will give you an insight into the fascinating history of one of the most famous, but almost undiscovered villages, in England.
Learn about the sites that reflect the history and architecture of this complex village, a place of pilgrimage since 1061.
‘….myself and two friends have just returned from a lovely stay in North Norfolk. I had pre-arranged a guided tour of Walsingham with Scilla Landale (Blue Badge Guide) I would just like to feedback what a delight it was. Scilla was lovely, the tour was at our pace (we are three ladies in our mid to late 60’s) none of us had visited Walsingham before and Scilla made it so interesting and informative. Speaking for myself, I was very moved by the tour and will certainly recommend Walsingham as a destination and Scilla as a guide, she made the visit for us.’
Tour 1 – The Village Past and Present (2 hours)
Introduction to the history of Walsingham and the foundation of the shrines – medieval and modern. Visit the ruined Augustinian Priory (The Abbey), site of the original Holy House; the Georgian Courthouse and Prison.
During the 18th and 19th centuries Walsingham was a flourishing market town, legal and administrative centre.
Tour 2 -Walsingham’s Churches and Architecture (2 hours)
Visit the Churches in the village: the Parish Church of St Mary with its stunning East Window by John Heyward; the modern Roman Catholic Church of the Annunciation (dedicated in 2007); the Georgian Methodist Chapel; the Orthodox Chapel and Railway Museum in the old railway station; the ruined Friary and village architecture.
Tour 3 – The Anglican Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham (1 hour)
As well as the building complex of the Anglican Shrine, we look at the beautiful stained glass windows by Michael Cole and the David Begbie sculpture.
Tour 4 – Great Walsingham (2 hours)
The little village of Great Walsingham is well worth a visit. The Church of St. Peter is a fine example of an unspoilt Decorated Church with an excellent collection of poppy head and carved bench ends. The Orthodox Church of the Transfiguration is situated within the former Victorian Methodist chapel. The Great Walsingham Barns complex includes an art gallery, carpets and soft furnishing, gift shop and tea room.
Tour 5 – The Miraculous Story of Walsingham Seen Through Glass
Tours of Walsingham can be tailor-made to suit your interests and time.
Booked Tours only
- £10 per person + £6.50 admission to Abbey Grounds and The Shirehall Museum
- Numbers per tour: 6-25
- Smaller groups booked at an all-inclusive rate.
To book or for more information:
Contact Scilla Landale scilla.landale@afiweb.net or 07747 693235 or 01328 820056
Illustrated Talks
Talks available by arrangement throughout the year on various aspect of Walsingham: ‘A Pilgrim’s Progress to Walsingham’; ‘Crime and Punishment in Walsingham’; ‘Exploring Walsingham through its Buildings’.
For more information or to book a tour please contact:
Scilla Landale scilla.landale@afiweb.net or 07747 693235 or 01328 820056
