Via Francigena (England)

At a Glance

• Start / Finish: London → Dover
• Length: 172.1 km
• Elevation gain:↗ 2,312 m / ↘ 2,307 m
• Duration: about 7–8 days on foot
• Other names: Via Francigena (English section)
• Character: A gentle start through Kent, from London via Canterbury to Dover

Overview

The English section of the Via Francigena marks the historic starting point of the pilgrimage route to Rome. Its spiritual heart is Canterbury: It was from here that Archbishop Sigerich set out for Rome in 990 and recorded his itinerary—marking the birth of the documented Via Francigena.

The route leads from London through the rolling hills of Kent, past Canterbury and its cathedral, to the Channel coast at Dover with its famous white cliffs. From there, the ferry crosses over to France.

Other Names

• English: Via Francigena (English section)
• German: Frankenweg (English section)

There is also “Sigeric’s Way”—named after the Archbishop of Canterbury, whose travelogue from 990 describes the route.

Who This Route Is Ideal For—and Who It's Not

Ideal as a short, easy introduction to the longer Via Francigena or as a standalone pilgrimage route through southern England, culminating in Canterbury. Easily manageable in a week.

Not the best choice if you're expecting a comprehensive pilgrimage infrastructure: There are hardly any pilgrim hostels in England—mostly B&Bs and inns.

Route & Landscape

From London (traditionally starting at the Thames), the route heads southeast through the green, rolling countryside of Kent—orchards, hop fields, and old villages. Passing through Rochester, the route reaches Canterbury and its cathedral.

From Canterbury, the journey continues to the coast to Dover with its white cliffs, from where the ferry crosses to Calais.

Stages, Terrain & Difficulty

At about 172 kilometers and with an elevation gain of only about 2,300 meters, this is the gentlest section of the Via Francigena—easily manageable in 7–8 days. The trails partly follow the North Downs Way. Signage is clear, and accommodations (B&Bs) are good.

Canterbury and the White Cliffs—the heart of the trail

The highlight is Canterbury, with its Gothic cathedral (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the seat of the archbishop, and the starting point of Sigerich’s historic journey to Rome—as well as the destination for English pilgrims since Thomas Becket.

The journey ends at the white cliffs of Dover, the gateway to the continent.

• Plane in Canterbury Set aside some time for the cathedral and the Old Town.
• In Dover, take the ferry to Calais Book in advance (check the schedule and connections).
• Book B&Bs in Kent early during the high season.

Highlights Along the Way

• London – Start of the pilgrimage (traditionally on the Thames).
• Rochester – A cathedral city with a Norman castle.
• Canterbury – Cathedral (UNESCO), starting point of the Sigerich.
• Dover – white cliffs and the ferry terminal to the mainland.

How Pilgrims Find Their Way onto This Path

The English section is where it all begins—you don’t “arrive” here on a pilgrimage, but rather start here: Canterbury is just an hour’s train ride from London, and the cathedral will stamp your pilgrim’s passport.

In Dover, the ferry to Calais does what sailing ships did in the Middle Ages—and once across, the Via Francigena (France), and the chain over the Via Francigena (Switzerland) and the Via Francigena (Italy) leads all the way to Rome.

Continue the pilgrimage?

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 eventually leads all the way to Rome. Canterbury–Rome is the complete historical route traveled by Sigerich.

Preparation & Practical Information

The best time to visit is from spring through fall. Accommodations include B&Bs, inns, and parish houses—pilgrim hostels are rare. You’ll need a pilgrim’s credential; you can get your first stamp in Canterbury.

What the journey will cost you

England is expensive. Roughly budget 60–100 € per day (for B&Bs), plus meals; plus the ferry crossing to Calais.

Getting There

The starting point is London, with all its international connections.

• Getting to London: Airports and Eurostar. National Rail– Train service in the United Kingdom.
• Continuing from Dover: Ferry to Calais. P&O Ferries– Channel crossings between Dover and Calais.
• Continue the pilgrimage: From Calais, the Via Francigena France continues toward Rome.