St Wite’s Festival

Celebrate Dorset's Patron Saint

Every year, pilgrims and visitors gather to celebrate St Wite's Day and Dorset Day with a unique day of pilgrimage, worship and community.

For more than 1,000 years, people have travelled to the Shrine of St Wite at St Candida and the Holy Cross Church in Whitchurch Canonicorum. Today, that tradition continues through the annual St Wite's Festival – an opportunity to walk ancient paths, share fellowship, and celebrate the life and legacy of Dorset's patron saint.

Whether you are joining us for the first time or returning as a pilgrim, everyone is warmly welcome.

We're currently confirming the dates for the 2027 St Wite's Festival. Join our mailing list and we'll let you know as soon as bookings open.

What to expect

The festival combines a guided pilgrimage with a special Celebration Service at St Wite's Shrine.

The pilgrimage begins at St Mary's Church, Bridport, before following part of St Wite's Way through the beautiful Dorset countryside and ancient hollow ways to Whitchurch Canonicorum, where pilgrims join the Celebration Service.

Along the way there is time for conversation, reflection, prayer and refreshment, creating a shared experience that has become a highlight of the St Wite's Way calendar.

“Thank you for such a wonderful and thought provoking day. It took me a step forward in my faith and for me this is priceless.”

Angela, a pilgrim

Choose your experience

Day Pilgrimage

Join the pilgrimage walk and Celebration Service.

This includes:

  • Guided pilgrimage from Bridport

  • Refreshment stop during the walk

  • Celebration Service at St Wite's Shrine

  • Light refreshments after the service

A suggested donation helps us cover the cost of running the festival.

Overnight Pilgrimage

For pilgrims travelling from further afield, we also offer a limited number of overnight places.

This includes:

  • Everything included in the Day Pilgrimage

  • Pre-erected camping accommodation

  • Evening meal

  • Breakfast the following morning

Practical Information

  • Moderate walking over uneven and sometimes muddy ground.

  • Please wear suitable footwear and clothing.

  • Pilgrims are responsible for arranging transport to and from the start and finish points.

  • If you need advice, please contact ask@stwitesway.org.

St Wite’s Festival 2027

We're currently confirming the dates for the 2027 St Wite's Festival. Join our mailing list and we'll let you know as soon as bookings open.