St Andrew's Kildwick named a Pilgrim Place of Christian heritage  

St Andrew’s Kildwick is delighted to be recognised as a Pilgrim Place as part of Faith in the North’s initiative, which encourages people to visit historic places of worship across the North of England.

This recognition honours St Andrew’s long and faithful witness as a place of Christian prayer and worship for many centuries, set in the heart of the Aire Valley. Whether you arrive as a pilgrim, a visitor, or simply someone passing through, you are warmly invited to pause, step away from the busyness of daily life, and spend time in quiet reflection, prayer, and peace within this sacred space.

The Pilgrim Place scheme is about helping people rediscover these special churches and holy places — whether you come with an established faith, a sense of curiosity, or are visiting for the very first time.
As the initiative beautifully puts it:
“Visiting a Pilgrim Place doesn’t mean you have to be wearing hiking boots or a rucksack… Instead, it means that like countless pilgrims before you, you can find peace, hope, comfort, and understanding to carry with you on your journey through life.”

At St Andrew’s, you will find a building rich in heritage, prayer, and village warmth — a place where generations have gathered for worship, marking the seasons of life and the Church year together. Visitors are encouraged to explore the church at their own pace, noticing the signs of faith, history, and continuity that shape this holy place.

During the season of Lent in particular, Christians remember Jesus’ time in the wilderness — a period of preparation, reflection, and renewed dependence on God. Pilgrimage, in whatever form it takes, can be a meaningful way to mark this season: stepping aside from routine, making space for stillness, and reconnecting with the deeper rhythms of faith.

Pilgrim Place leaflets are available inside the church to guide your visit, offering gentle reflections on journey, prayer, and the story of the Christian faith in this place. You are invited to stay a while, explore the building, light a candle, sit in silence, or simply rest in the peace of the building.

We hope that all who come to St Andrew’s Kildwick will find here a sense of stillness, perspective, and encouragement — and leave strengthened for the next step of their pilgrimage in life.