The English opening to Rome: about 172 kilometers from London over Canterbury to Dover – the start of Sigeric's historic pilgrim road.
The English section of the Via Francigena is the historic opening of the pilgrim route to Rome. Its spiritual heart is Canterbury: from here, in the year 990, Archbishop Sigeric set out for Rome and recorded his itinerary – the birth of the documented Via Francigena.
The route runs from London through the gentle hills of Kent – orchards, hop fields and old villages – over Canterbury with its cathedral, to the Channel coast at Dover with its famous white cliffs. There the ferry crosses to France.
Also "Sigeric's Way" – after the Archbishop of Canterbury whose travel account of 990 preserves the route.
Ideal as a short, easy start to the great Via Francigena or as a standalone pilgrim route through southern England with Canterbury as its highlight. Comfortably done in a week.
Less suitable if you expect continuous pilgrim infrastructure: England has few pilgrim hostels – mostly B&Bs and inns.
From London (traditionally from the Thames) the route heads southeast through the green hills of Kent – orchards, hop fields and old villages. Over Rochester it reaches Canterbury with its cathedral.
From Canterbury it continues to the coast at Dover with the white cliffs, from where the ferry crosses to Calais.
At about 172 kilometers with only some 2,300 meters of climb, this is the gentlest section of the Via Francigena – comfortably done in 7–8 days. Paths partly follow the North Downs Way. Waymarking is solid, infrastructure (B&Bs) good.
The highlight is Canterbury with its Gothic cathedral (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), seat of the Archbishop and starting point of Sigeric's historic journey to Rome – and a pilgrim destination in its own right since Thomas Becket.
The finish is the white cliffs of Dover, the gateway to the continent.
The English section ends in Dover – from there the ferry crosses to Calais, where the Via Francigena France begins. Via the Via Francigena CH and the Via Francigena (Italy) the route finally reaches Rome. Canterbury–Rome is the complete historic route of Sigeric.
The best time is spring to autumn. Accommodation is in B&Bs, inns and parishes – pilgrim hostels are rare. You'll need a pilgrim credential; Canterbury offers a first stamp.
England is expensive. Budget roughly €60–100 per day (B&Bs), plus food; add the ferry crossing to Calais.
The starting point is London, with all international connections.
116 Maison Dieu Road Room A in Dover
Open season unknown
116 Maison Dieu Road Room D in Dover
Open season unknown
116 Maison Dieu Road Room E in Dover
Open season unknown
Alma House
Open season unknownEverything you need for the Via Francigena (England), shipped to your door.
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