The Faith in the North team came to visit and do some filming in our church as part of the Pilgrim Places project on 15th January 2026. They explored the walking routes approaching the church, as well as what all the thousands of visitors who come each year might expect to find inside. There are beautiful stained glass windows, including some in the north aisle depicting the Northumbrian Saints: Cuthbert, Oswald, Aidan, Hild, Caedmon, Wilfrid, and Bede. Free Pilgrim Place trail leaflets are available to help people think about faith, discover the meaning of the various parts of the church, and to say a prayer. Who can be a pilgrim? All of us! A pilgrim is just someone who is on a journey to a special place. 

Visiting a special place offers space to pause and explore our own experience and thoughts. It helps to take time out of the ‘ordinary’ to think about our journey through life. Helpful questions to ponder in the leaflets include, ‘Where have I come from?’, ‘Where am I now?’, ‘Where am I going?’, ‘What might I need to help me cope – and grow?’ At the heart of being a pilgrim is our spiritual journey through life, in which we can experience God’s guidance and care each day. This is strengthened by developing our inner relationship with him.

You can read more about the Pilgrim Places project at https://faithinthenorth.org/pilgrim-places/