Since its earliest days, Christians have travelled as pilgrims to religious sites and holy places. In recent years pilgrimages to major and minor places associated with the Christian faith have become increasingly popular.

Pilgrims explores the meaning of pilgrimage as part of the Church’s tradition and also in the lives of individual Christians. Each chapter focuses on a particular place of pilgrimage within Britain and Ireland, such as Canterbury, Lindisfarne and Kildare, offering some historical background and exploring why this location has become such a powerful magnet for pilgrims over the ages.

Stephen Platten relates pilgrims and pilgrimages to a wide range of themes from Christian theology, spirituality and literature. The book can be used by individuals and groups, whether they are visiting some of the places referred to in the book or are seeking to enrich their spiritual lives as “armchair pilgrims”.