Religious Studies Tour to England – The John Wesley Trail

This trained destination expert will guide your group throughout your entire journey through London.

Founded in the 13th century after the settlement of Old Sarum was abandoned, your tour will highlight the many medieval, Tudor, and Queen Anne architecture features still present in the city today.

Visit one of the first medieval cathedrals in Britain and see the tallest spire in the country. You'll stop in the Chapter House and see the finest of four surviving original texts of the Magna Carta.

Hotel check-in and dinner.

Built in 1739, John Wesley's Chapel is the oldest Methodist building in the world. You'll view the Francis Asbury Memorial Rooms which contain memorabilia of "the St. Paul of American Methodism;" and The John Wesley Room that contains a bed used by John during one of his nearly 1,500 nights in Bristol.

Founded in 1525 by Cardinal Wolsey, Christ Church College is Oxford's largest and grandest Renaissance College.

Visit Lincoln College where the Wesley's studied and lectured. You'll walk in the steps of the "Holy Club," whose discipline epitomized the lives of the early Methodists.

Located in the hills of South West England, Bristol is ground in roots from centuries past and carved out by passionate locals and spirited fans. A hotbed of artists and activists, you'll walk the streets and become part of a living canvas.

Explore this 11th largest city in the U.K. Coventry was a prime target for the German bombing raids in World War II as a result one of the famed medieval cathedrals was hit in 1940. After the war, the first totally modern cathedral was built alongside those ruins.

You'll tour both the old and new Coventry Cathedral. The Old Cathedral was a beautiful Gothic structure begun in 14th century. It was left in devastating ruin following the Coventry Blitz in World War II. Rather than bulldoze the remains, when new plans for a New Cathedral were unveiled, the ruins were left as sacred ground and a remembrance garden, while the new structure became a celebration of 20th century modernist architecture.

Originally founded as a Roman town, Lincoln grew over the centuries around the Lincoln Cathedral and the Lincoln Castle.

This beautiful cathedral held the honor of being the tallest building in the world from 1300 to 1549. The cathedral's library includes one of the four surviving copies of the Magna Carta, the Lincoln Chapter Bible from 1100 AD, and a schoolbook from the 15th Century containing the first recorded Robin Hood rhyme.

Built by William the Conqueror on the site of a Roman fortress, this unique Norman structure was eventually used as one of the country's most fearsome prisons during the 18th & 19th centuries. It remains one of Britain's most impressive castles. During your visit, you'll enjoy a variety of views from the 12th century ramparts.

This beautiful church is where Samuel Wesley, John Wesley's father, was rector from 1695-1735. Samuel Wesley's tomb lies in the church and served as the location of several of John's famous speeches after he was denied the use of the church itself because of his unorthodox beliefs.

Explore the birthplace and family home of John and Charles Wesley. In addition to seeing what everyday life was like in the early 18th century, you'll learn about the significance of the Wesley family in England's religious and social history.

You'll tour the Wesley Memorial Methodist Church, which was built in 1889 to commemorate the contributions of John and Charles Wesley. Of particular interest is a stained glass window featuring the brothers looking in the direction of the Old Rectory.

Cambridge was an important Roman town because of its location at the first navigable port on the River Cam. A walking tour will include King's College, Trinity College, and St. Mary's Church where you'll ascend the Bell Tower for magnificent views of the city.

Tour Trinity College, most often associated with Sir Isaac Newton and A. A. Milne. Visit the Wren Library which contains the largest portion of Isaac Newton's library.

Founded in 1441 by Henry VI, we'll tour the College and visit the Chapel, famous for its glorious fan vaulted ceiling and considered the most elegant example of perpendicular architecture in England.

During your time in London, you'll explore the areas of Westminster and Whitehall, including Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, Horse Guards Parade, Parliament Square, Downing Street. St. James Park, and Buckingham Palace.

Take a guided tour including the chapel entrance, location of John Wesley's grave; Wesley's House; and the Museum of Methodism. Wesley laid the chapel's foundation stone in 1777 and often preached there until his death. Wesley lived next door to the church where some of his furniture, books, and possessions are displayed. The museum, located in the chapel's crypt, traces the history of Methodism from the 18th century to present.

This cemetery is the final resting place for all dissenters and non-conformists to the Church of England. Those buried here include George Fox, founder of the Quakers; Daniel Defoe, author of Robinson Crusoe; and Susanna Wesley, mother of John and Charles Wesley.