Basilica of Our Lady of Walsingham - also known as the Slipper Chapel
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Walsingham Shrine

4.9
·901 reviews·Houghton Saint Giles, United Kingdom

A historic sanctuary of peace and devotion, the Walsingham Shrine offers a profound spiritual experience for pilgrims and visitors seeking solace and ...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Experience true peace and quiet.

CrowdLow
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Basilica of Our Lady of Walsingham - also known as the Slipper Chapel

Walsingham Shrine

Best Time

Weekdays

Experience true peace and quiet.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic sanctuary of peace and devotion, the Walsingham Shrine offers a profound spiritual experience for pilgrims and visitors seeking solace and renewal.

4.9
(901 reviews)

"You can feel the spiritual vibes everywhere, the surrounding areas of the church peacefully and serene, good to meditate, contemplate and pray."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Visit on Weekdays

For a more peaceful experience, plan your visit during the week to avoid weekend pilgrimage crowds.

🅿️ Ample Parking Available

There's plenty of car parking, though a small fee is required. Arrive early for the best spots.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Slipper Chapel

The Slipper Chapel

Walsingham

A place of profound peace and positive energy, this national shrine is perfect for reflection and prayer.

TikTok
Anglican Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham

Anglican Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham

Walsingham

Experience spiritual vibes and serene surroundings ideal for meditation and contemplation.

Reddit
Catholic National Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham

Catholic National Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham

Walsingham

A sacred sanctuary steeped in devotion, its architecture and serene surroundings evoke peace and divine presence.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Serenity

To experience the profound peace of the Walsingham Shrine, aim for weekdays. Weekends are popular with group pilgrimages, making them busier. Arriving early ensures a parking spot and a more contemplative atmosphere before services begin. Reddit

Accessibility and Amenities

The Walsingham Shrine is remarkably accessible, with the entire site being wheelchair-friendly. Ample parking is available, though a small fee applies. Note that the cafe and gift shop may close during Mass times. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Experience true peace and quiet.
Crowd
Low
When
Early mornings
Why
Secure parking and quiet reflection.
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends
Why
Join group pilgrimages.
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Pilgrimage to The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham
carver_street
42 likes • 582 views

🎯 Visit on Weekdays

For a more peaceful experience, plan your visit during the week to avoid weekend pilgrimage crowds. Reddit

🅿️ Ample Parking Available

There's plenty of car parking, though a small fee is required. Arrive early for the best spots. Reddit

Walsingham is actually made up of two small villages: Little Walsingham and Great Walsingham. They are connected though so you won’t even notice going from one to the other, some things to do there include: ⭐️St Peter’s Church ⭐️St Mary’s church ⭐️Anglican Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham ⭐️Catholic Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham ⭐️Walsingham Abbey and Shirehall museum ⭐️Slipper Chapel ⭐️Expl...
travelwithadamandabi
0 likes • 2.5K views
The Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham #walsinghamshrine #mothermary #priestmovie #londonThe Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham was established around 1061 when, according to the text of the Pynson Ballad [c 1485], Richeldis de Faverches prayed that she might undertake some special work in honour of Our Lady: “ Our Lady led Richeldis in spirit to Nazareth and showed her the house where the angel had ...
libi_francis
16 likes • 322 views

♿ Fully Wheelchair Friendly

The entire shrine is accessible for wheelchairs, ensuring a comfortable visit for all. Reddit

☕ Cafe & Gift Shop

Enjoy refreshments at the reasonably priced cafe and browse the well-stocked gift shop. Reddit

Slipper Chappel , Walsingham a place where u feel real peace and positive energy , A National shrine to visit if you are religious or need a positive energy in your life #slipperchappel #walsingham #nationalshrine #norfolk #malayali #ᴍᴀʟᴀʏᴀʟɪ #malayalis #kerala #keralagodsowncountry #pathanamthitta #pathanamthitta💞 #ukmalayali #ukmalayalam #ukmalayalis #ukmallu #malluinuk #wirralmalayali #londonma...
tintoz_27
129 likes • 6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Visit on Weekdays

For a more peaceful experience, plan your visit during the week to avoid weekend pilgrimage crowds. Reddit

🅿️ Ample Parking Available

There's plenty of car parking, though a small fee is required. Arrive early for the best spots. Reddit

♿ Fully Wheelchair Friendly

The entire shrine is accessible for wheelchairs, ensuring a comfortable visit for all. Reddit

☕ Cafe & Gift Shop

Enjoy refreshments at the reasonably priced cafe and browse the well-stocked gift shop. Reddit

🙏 Prayer Petitions

You can place your prayer petitions at the Slipper Chapel, a deeply spiritual spot. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(901 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Walsingham Shrine for its profound spiritual atmosphere, peace, and serene surroundings, making it a cherished destination for prayer and reflection. The accessibility and welcoming nature of the community are frequently highlighted, though some note that weekends can be busy with group pilgrimages.

"My third visit and will come again and again, you can feel the spiritual vibes everywhere, the surrounding areas of the church peacefully and serene, good to meditate , contemplate and pray, God bless all church leaders and volunteers who maintain this place, Ample car parking, Bishop Peter Collins celebrated the mass with some lovely singing from the choir"

Alfie Fernandes

"This place is amazing well worth a visit, Walsingham is a lovely place you can spend a bit of time here and if you can do a service at the chapel it's lovely to be apart of. There's one carpark we got there early but there's plenty of spaces. There's a tea room which is really nice serving hot food and cake and round the corner is a farm shop with some lovely produce."

ivy

"I've been coming here for over 40 years! I love this shrine! It's my favourite place in the UK.

The current rector is a lovely warm welcoming priest who is deaf aware as he recognised my Hearing Dog's jacket and modified his articulation during Mass, which made such a difference.

This shrine has such a lovely aura of peace and calm, both the main church and the Slipper Chapel where you can place your prayer petitions. The statue of Our Lady of Walsingham is here.

My Hearing Dog loves it here at this shrine

In the main church, the backdrop to the altar is a stunning etched glass window depicting the apparition of Our Lady to Lady Richeldis Faverches in 1076, I think (I'm not sure of the date, you'll have to look it up!) and Archangel Gabriel appearing to Mary at the Annunciation. I love that too.

If you want to come at a quiet time, come during the week. Weekends are more busy with group pilgrimages.
Cafe is very reasonably priced, with helpful staff.
Super gift/bookshop. I usually end up buying a pile of books!

If you are travelling by bus from Fakenham, ask the driver to drop you off at the junction, fork in the road to the village and towards the Slipper Chapel because if you have mobility issues, the wee bridge over the river is almost impossible to cross. Safer to walk 12-15 mins down the road to the shrine.

You do not need to buy tickets; but you need to pay for car parking. There is an ample car park.

The whole shrine is wheelchair friendly."

Marika Rebicsek

What People Like

Spiritual vibes everywhere
Peaceful and serene surroundings
Welcoming community

What People Dislike

Weekend crowds

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Walsingham is accessible by car, with ample parking available at the shrine (fee applies). If traveling by bus from Fakenham, ask the driver to drop you near the village junction. For those with mobility issues, walking down the road to the shrine is safer than crossing a small bridge. Reddit

Yes, Walsingham is a well-known pilgrimage destination. Follow signs for the 'Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham' upon arrival in the village. TikTok

Little Walsingham and Great Walsingham are two small villages connected by a short distance, often visited together. You'll find various churches and the two main shrines within these villages. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, you do not need to buy tickets for entry to the Walsingham Shrine. However, there is a charge for car parking. Reddit

The shrine is generally open daily, but specific hours for chapels, the cafe, and gift shop can vary, especially during Mass times. It's advisable to check their official website for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

Entry to the Slipper Chapel is free, making it accessible for all pilgrims seeking a moment of reflection. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Visitors consistently describe a profound sense of spiritual vibes, peace, and calm throughout the shrine. It's considered an ideal place for meditation, contemplation, and prayer. TikTokReddit

Yes, the serene environment and accessible grounds make it a peaceful place for families. Children can experience the spiritual atmosphere and learn about the history of devotion. Reddit

Mass services are regularly held at the shrine. Participating in a service at the chapel is described as a lovely experience. Reddit

The statue of Our Lady of Walsingham is a central focus of devotion at the shrine, particularly within the Slipper Chapel, where pilgrims can place their prayer petitions. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a reasonably priced cafe on-site serving hot food and cakes. A farm shop with local produce is also located nearby. Reddit

The cafe and gift shop may be closed during Mass times, so it's best to plan your refreshments before or after services. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted in most areas for personal use, allowing you to capture the serene beauty. However, always be respectful of ongoing services and other visitors. TikTok

The Slipper Chapel, the etched glass window in the main church depicting biblical scenes, and the peaceful grounds are all highly photogenic. TikTokReddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Walsingham Shrine offers a peaceful and educational experience for families. The accessible grounds are easy to navigate with strollers, and the serene atmosphere can be a calming influence for children. While the focus is on devotion, the historical aspect of the shrine and the stories of Our Lady can be engaging for older children. Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid larger crowds and allow for a more relaxed exploration. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Contemplatives

For solo travelers seeking peace and reflection, Walsingham Shrine is an ideal destination. The quiet ambiance, particularly during weekdays, allows for deep contemplation and personal prayer. The Slipper Chapel is a focal point for placing prayer petitions, offering a tangible way to engage with the spiritual significance of the site. Many find the shrine to be a place of profound personal renewal. TikTokReddit

♿ Visitors with Mobility Issues

The Walsingham Shrine is commendably wheelchair friendly, ensuring that visitors with mobility challenges can explore the entire site comfortably. Ample parking is available, and the pathways are generally well-maintained. If arriving by public transport, be sure to ask bus drivers for the most accessible drop-off points to avoid any difficult terrain. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Devotion to Our Lady of Walsingham

The devotion to Our Lady of Walsingham dates back to the 11th century, making it one of the oldest and most significant Marian shrines in the English-speaking world. The tradition holds that in 1061, Richeldis de Faverches prayed for a special work in honor of the Virgin Mary, and was led in a vision to build a replica of the Holy House of Nazareth in Walsingham. Instagram This event marked the beginning of centuries of pilgrimage and devotion.

Over time, the shrine has seen periods of decline and revival. The Anglican Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham and the Catholic National Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham now stand as testaments to its enduring spiritual importance. Pilgrims, including those from diverse communities like the Sri Lankan Tamil Catholics, travel from across the UK and beyond to seek solace, intercession, and spiritual renewal. Instagram+1 The story of Walsingham continues to inspire faith and hope in countless visitors. TikTokReddit

Experiencing the Peace and Serenity

Visitors frequently highlight the palpable sense of spiritual vibes and tranquility that permeates the Walsingham Shrine. The serene surroundings, encompassing both the Anglican Shrine and the Catholic Shrine, provide an ideal environment for quiet contemplation, meditation, and prayer. Many describe it as a place where one can truly feel at peace and connect with a sense of the divine. Reddit

The Slipper Chapel, a national shrine, is particularly noted for its ability to instill a feeling of real peace and positive energy. TikTok Whether you are deeply religious or simply seeking a moment of calm in a busy world, the atmosphere at Walsingham is designed to foster reflection and renewal. The customary of Our Lady of Walsingham emphasizes this peaceful devotion, making it a cherished destination for many. Reddit

Pilgrimage and Community at Walsingham

Walsingham is a significant site for pilgrims, drawing individuals and groups from across the United Kingdom and internationally. The Walsingham pilgrim experience is often described as deeply moving and spiritually enriching. InstagramReddit The shrine hosts various diocesan pilgrimages and community gatherings, fostering a strong sense of shared faith and devotion. Instagram+1

Beyond organized pilgrimages, the shrine is a welcoming space for individual reflection. The story of Walsingham and its enduring legacy attract those seeking solace and spiritual connection. The warmth of the community, including welcoming priests and dedicated volunteers, enhances the overall experience, making it a place many return to year after year. InstagramReddit

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