The Wesley Family and Methodism—9 day tour
Follow the footsteps of John Wesley through England, from his birthplace in Epworth, through Oxford where he formed the influential "Oxford Methodists" along with George Whitefield and his brother Charles, to Bristol where he established the first Methodist Chapel.
For those with a little extra time we will be pleased to provide details on an extended 13 day Wesleyan tour. This, in addition to the many highlights mentioned below, includes Gwennap Pit and Plymouth, departure point of The Mayflower and home of the famous Plymouth Rock.
Included Highlights
- London City Tour
- Epworth
- Oxford Walking Tour
- Bristol
- Bath City Tour
Hotel Nights
- London 2
- Lincolnshire 1
- Cotswolds 2
- Bath 2
- London 1
Day 1 London
Arrival at one of London's airports. Meet and greet by a professional London guide who will accompany us by motor coach on a panoramic sightseeing tour of London. The tour will pass iconic landmarks including Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.
Overnight London
Day 2 London
Today our guide takes us on an in depth tour of London with a focus on John and Charles Wesley. We will see Charterhouse where John Wesley was at school. Our explorations continue with visits to Wesley's House and the chapel on City Road with the tomb of John Wesley and the integral Museum of Methodism, which tells the story of the evolution of the Methodist movement. We also travel to Aldersgate Street to see the 'Aldersgate Flame' memorial commemorating the place where Wesley experienced his conversion in May 1738.
Overnight London
Day 3 Epworth
Leaving London we travel north towards Lincolnshire and the town of Epworth, where John Wesley's father Samuel was the pastor of St. Andrews Church. A local guide will explain more about this important town. We will visit the Wesley family home and the Old Rectory and see inside the Wesley Memorial Methodist Church.
Overnight Lincolnshire
Day 4 The Potteries
We journey south to The Potteries, see Mow Cop, with its links to Primitive Methodism, and visit the Wedgwood Pottery. Afterwards enjoy a guided visit of Bishop Asbury's Cottage, the boyhood home of Francis Asbury, the first American Methodist Bishop. We then continue south to The Cotswolds.
Overnight Cotswolds
Day 5 Oxford
We spend the day in the company of a local expert exploring Wesley's Oxford. Visit Christ Church, the college attended by both John and his brother Charles and visit Lincoln College where John Wesley founded Methodism. We see the John Wesley Memorial Room, the College Chapel and the University Church of The Virgin. It was here that John and Charles gathered with a group of young friends to study, pray and practise works of mercy. This club was very methodical in its approach to faith, hence the name.
Overnight Cotswolds
Day 6 Cotswolds – Bath
Our journey today begins in the beautiful Cotswolds that were criss-crossed countless times by John Wesley as he travelled on horseback or by carriage to spread his message. In Bath we meet a local guide and see the unique hot springs, Roman Baths, splendid Abbey and Georgian stone crescents that have attracted visitors for centuries.
Overnight Bath
Day 7 Bristol
A very important morning for us as we travel the short distance to the port city of Bristol. We visit The New Room. Built in 1739 it is the oldest Methodist building in the world in continuous use and it remains a place of worship to this day.
Free afternoon in Bath.
Overnight Bath
Day 8 Bath – London
Travel direct to central London arriving late morning with the rest of the day free for independent exploration.
Overnight London
Day 9 London
Group transfer to the airport. We will be pleased to tailor your tour to suit your preferred arrival and departure airports.
You can find out more about our service on the Your Tour and Tour Price page. Please do email or call us to discuss your requirements. All quotations are provided free of charge and without obligation. We look forward to hearing from you.