22 June 2026
Tucked away on the Essex coastline, St Peter-on-the-Wall Chapel at Bradwell-on-Sea is usually a place of quiet reflection. Yet in June and July each year, it comes alive as hundreds of children gather for the annual Bradwell Schools’ Pilgrimage.
The Schools’ Pilgrimage is held in the weeks leading up to the Diocesan Pilgrimage and Gathering.
This year, around 500 children are expected to visit the chapel across five days. Each school group will take part in a full programme of activities, beginning and ending with worship. Pupils will explore the pilgrimage theme through a series of interactive workshops and enjoy a specially commissioned performance by the Artless Theatre Company, bringing to life the story of St Cedd, the founder of the chapel. The experience concludes with a final act of worship before the children return along the coastal path to their waiting coaches.
The pilgrimage is run by the Chelmsford Diocese Children’s, families and youth team - the Mustard Seed Team - the Chelmsford Diocese Education Team and members of the local church community. This year’s theme for both the Schools’ Pilgrimage and the wider diocesan gathering is Living Stones.
The 2026 Bradwell Pilgrimage will take place on Saturday 4 July - a cherished tradition that brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate our shared spiritual journey.
Starting at St Thomas’ Church, Bradwell-on-Sea, the pilgrimage follows a scenic route to the ancient Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall, one of the oldest churches in England, founded in AD 654.
Pilgrims can look forward to:
- Live music and worship
- Opportunities for prayer and quiet contemplation
- Christian stalls in the marquee
- Children’s activities
For more information, visit the Bradwell Pilgrimage website by clicking on the link below.
This article is taken from the latest edition of WePray.