Planning Your Travel to the United Kingdom

For many pilgrims, this trip is their first time traveling outside of the United States – and even for those who have traveled internationally before, it is not something they do routinely. Our hope is that these instructions will be helpful as you plan your travel from home to the United Kingdom.

Note: This page provides information about traveling to the United Kingdom. For more information about what to expect once you arrive in the United Kingdom, including traveling from London to Salisbury, click here.

What to Do Right Now

Passport

Check Your Passport Expiration: Before you do anything else, check the expiration date of your passport. Passports generally need to have an expiration date at least 6 months after your arrival in the UK.

If you do not have a passport, or if your passport will expire sooner than 6 months after you will arrive in the UK, begin the application or renewal process now as passports can take up to several months to process. Note that post offices and libraries often serve as passport acceptance facilities and can provide assistance with applying for or renewing passports.

Click Here to Learn More about the Passport Application Process from the Department of State

UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

Start Your ETA Application Now: ETA applications are usually approved quickly, but can take several weeks to process in some circumstances. ETAs are valid for two years from the approval date.

All visitors to the United Kingdom are required to have either an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or a visa, with most visitors from the US requiring an ETA. An ETA costs £20, and is valid for two years.

Click Here to Learn More about ETAs from the UK Government

Budgeting for the Pilgrimage

Once you arrive in Salisbury, most expenses are included in the cost of the pilgrimage. However, there are some expenses that you are responsible for, including expenses before and after the pilgrimage and some activities during the trip.

To help with your budgeting, you will need to plan on £50 – £60 for meals not covered by the pilgrimage. Most pilgrims choose to budget an additional £100 – £200 for excursions, souvenirs, and similar activities.

To help with your planning, here’s a summary of what is and is not included:

What’s Included

  • Lodging for the duration the pilgrimage
  • Most meals
  • Transportation to pilgrimage sites

What’s Not Included

  • Transportation/airfare to and from the United Kingdom ($1,000 – $1,500)
  • Transportation to Salisbury after arriving in the United Kingdom (£30 – £50)
  • 2-3 meals that will be on your own
  • Day trips/excursions such as to Stonehenge, Old Sarum, and Salisbury Cathedral tours
  • Visits to pubs, coffee shops, etc. during free time
  • Souvenirs
  • Optional love offerings for our coach driver and Sarum College staff

Booking Your Travel

Note: You are responsible for booking your travel to the United Kingdom, to Salisbury at the beginning of the pilgrimage, and from the United Kingdom at the end of the pilgrimage.

Booking Your Flights

Airport Selection

We highly recommend flying into and out of London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR). Heathrow provides the easiest transportation options to Salisbury, and at the end of the trip coach transportation directly to Heathrow will be provided. All major US airlines offer flights into Heathrow.

Arriving in the UK

When scheduling your arrival flight, we encourage you to arrive at least 24 hours prior to the start of the pilgrimage to allow your body to adjust to the time change (EDT +5 hrs, CDT +6hrs, MDT +7 hrs, PDT +8 hrs).

Note: A limited number of rooms are available at Sarum College for pilgrims who wish to arrive a night early. The cost of these rooms is not included in the cost of the pilgrimage, and will need to be paid directly to Sarum College. To arrange for a room for early arrival, email hospitality@sarum.co.uk and let them know you’re part of the Discipleship Ministries Wesley Pilgrimage.

Keep in mind that most eastbound transatlantic flights are overnight, departing in the afternoon or evening and arriving in London in the early morning. If you will be staying in London overnight prior to making your way to Salisbury, you may wish to inquire about early check-in times.

Departing from the UK

When scheduling your return flight, we encourage you to schedule a flight departing no earlier than noon. Coach transportation will be provided to Heathrow at the end of the pilgrimage, and a noon or later flight will offer ample time to clear security and make it to your gate. If you choose to fly out of another airport, you will be responsible for securing your own transportation either from Heathrow or from Salisbury to your departure airport.

When to Book Your Flights

You should plan to book your flight 3 to 6 months in advance. It is often helpful to use a flight monitoring service such as Google Flights, Kayak, or SkyScanner to monitor changing prices.

Using a Travel Agent

Many pilgrims find it helpful to use a travel agent to book flights and other arrangements outside of the pilgrimage. Travel agents can be helpful in obtaining the best prices for travel, and are an advocate and resource in the event of travel disruptions.

Insurance

All pilgrims will be covered by Discipleship Ministries’ group health and liability insurance through AIG International Services for the duration of the Wesley Pilgrimage in England. This insurance will cover you in case of illness or injury. Emergency medical treatment and, if needed, early transport home are provided through AIG International Services. 

Additional travel insurance is recommended for any travel abroad, including the Wesley Pilgrimage, and offers inexpensive peace of mind. Travel insurance often provides coverage for items that are not covered by Discipleship Ministries’ group policy such as:

  • Reimbursement for prepaid, non-refundable expenses in the event that you have to cancel or cut your trip short due to illness, family emergency, etc.
  • Coverage for meals, lodging, etc. in the event of flight delays or cancellations
  • Coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage
  • Reimbursement for items purchased if bags are lost or delayed
  • Medical and other coverage before or after the pilgrimage

If using a travel agent, they can help you decide what will work best for you. Many travel credit cards also offer some level of travel insurance, so you may wish to evaluate that coverage as well.