Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Depart

Our adventure begins as we depart on our international flight, and wing our way over the Atlantic to London, England!

Day 2: London

Upon arrival, we meet our coach and driver and proceed into the heart of the city. Our activities in London begin with a locally guided tour of the world’s most visited city. Highlighting our tour is Big Ben and Parliament, Trafalgar Square with the Lord Nelson Column, Westminster Abbey, and of course, Piccadilly Circus. Our guide points out Aldersgate Street where on May 24, 1738; John Wesley had his “Warming of the Heart” experience, as well as the entrance of “Little Britain”, where Charles Wesley had his conversion experience just three days earlier. This afternoon we visit the British Museum before we transfer to our hotel in time for dinner.

Day 3: London

Today we visit the Gothic masterpiece, Westminster Abbey, including the naves, cloisters, Poets’ Corner and Royal Chapel. Next, we visit the medieval masterpiece, St. Paul’s Cathedral, including the transepts, porticos, towers and domes. We learn of its fascinating transition from the ruins of the Great Fire in 1666 to its present grandeur and the place where Diana married Prince Charles in 1981. It is also worth noting that at St. Paul’s Cathedral there is a statue of John Wesley in the Graveyard. Wesley often worshiped there and was deeply moved by his experiences at St. Paul’s. We also see Bunhill Cemetery, the Foundry and the Wesley Chapel today.

DAY 4: Sunday • Cairo

We drive into the charming English countryside this morning. Our first stop is the mysterious “hanging stone” formations at Stonehenge. After learning about this prehistoric enigma, we continue to the Wesley Center at Kingswood school where there is an exhibition about the school founded by John Wesley. Our next stop is Bath. Once an important Roman town, it houses the remnants of ancient thermal baths. We visit them as well as the Pump House and the Temple of Sulis Minerva. Later we drive to our hotel near Bristol.

Day 5: Bristol

Today we discover the town of Bristol, which was and still is greatly influenced by John Wesley. Upon his arrival in Bristol in 1739, Wesley preached outdoors, but eventually he began preaching in local homes. As the congregation grew, Wesley declared that a new meeting place was needed. The “New Room in the Horsefair,” as it was originally named, is the oldest Methodist Chapel in the world, and is still referred to as the New Room. This 18th Century building is full of history. Be sure not to miss the original table where John and Charles Wesley celebrated Holy Communion, and the organ which dates back to 1761. We also visit the Charles Wesley House (now Heritage Centre), where Charles and his wife Sarah lived with their 3 children until moving to London. We see Han Ham Mount where Wesley preached to a large open-air congregation in 1739. This afternoon we enjoy a proper English afternoon tea with the balance of the day at our leisure.

Day 6: Birmingham area

First on the agenda today is a stop in Gloucester to visit the Church of St. Mary de Crypt – the home congregation of George Whitefield and Robert Raikes. Whitefield was a great orator who met the Wesley brothers in Oxford and was a dedicated member of their Holy Club. Raikes was the founder of the Sunday school movement, which was openly embraced by the Wesleys. We spend some time exploring the famous, renovated Gloucester Docks and enjoy lunch before continuing north. In the afternoon we visit the boyhood home of Francis Asbury, the first Bishop of the American Methodist Church who traveled over a quarter of a million miles preaching Methodism in the US. His home, in the small town of Great Barr, near Birmingham, houses many displays illustrating the growth of Methodism in England and Asbury’s travels in the US.

Day 7: Epworth area

Today we have the privilege of visiting John and Charles Wesley’s boyhood home, the Old Rectory, in Epworth. The brothers lived there from their births until 1735. In 1709 the house was destroyed in a fire, but the family was rescued, and the home restored. Near the Old Rectory we can take the Heritage Trail, which traces John Wesley’s footsteps to the Market Cross, where he often preached and also to the Wesley Memorial Church and St. Andrew’s Church, where his father was rector. We have lunch today at the Red Lion Inn. After lunch we make our way to Gainsborough Old Hall where John Wesley preached on several occasions

Day 8: Cotswolds

Our destination today is Stratford-Upon-Avon, home of Shakespeare, the great bard himself! Sightseeing highlights today center around the Shakespeare sights in the area, including, of course, the birthplace of the great writer, as well as the famed “Anne Hathaway Cottage.” This is a memorable day in the charming Cotswolds!

Day 9: Cotswolds

Today we drive through the leisurely lanes of the Cotswolds, past bubbling brooks, and quaint villages and stop in Oxford. We meet a local guide and embark on a walking tour of Wesley’s Oxford. John, Charles, and Samuel Jr. Wesley all studied in Oxford. We surely see Christchurch College where the Wesleys did their undergraduate work, Lincoln College, where John Wesley was a fellow, and Wesley Memorial Church, which is still home to a lively congregation. Returning to our hotel, we stop in the seemingly golden village of Chipping Campden. On a sunny day the yellow painted buildings take on a golden hue. We also stop at other towns such as Bourton-on-the-Water to enjoy the gardens and leisurely strolls along the river.

Day 10: Cotswolds

On the banks of the River Severn stands the great sandstone Cathedral of Worcester. Within its walls, Henry VIII married Catherine of Aragon then divorced her for failing to produce an heir. Take an opportunity to visit the Royal Worcester porcelain shops. On our return to our hotel, we also stop in Broadway, a beautiful and unspoiled village in the Cotswolds. Stroll through streets admiring the golden limestone buildings, the rolling hills in the distance, and you experience the spirit of Old England which is retained within the borders of this quaint village. It was here that Sir James M. Barrie penned the fairy tale, Peter Pan.

DAY 11: Cotswolds

We proceed southward to Windsor, located on the opposite bank of the river Thames to Eton. It is famous for its centuries old school and antique shops, and of course, the Castle, Britain’s oldest royal residence. Originally built of wood, it was built in 1070 by William the Conqueror. The Round Tower was built in the 11th century when the palace guarded the western approaches to London. We visit the State Apartments, The Round Tower and St. George’s Chapel. Tonight, we celebrate our final evening in Britain with one of London’s fine West End Musicals!

Day 12: Return

Regretfully, it’s time to say “cheerio” and transfer to London Airport, for our return flight to the U.S. We leave with memories of lovely landscapes, fabulous castles, and most importantly, a wealth of new friends! Welcome home!