Your Wesley Heritage travel study program begins as you depart the United States on your international flight to England.

Arrive in London this morning. Drive by the major city sites such as Marble Arch, Speakers Corner of Hyde Park, Trafalgar Square, and much more. Check into a London area hotel for a three-night stay. (B)

This morning, you will proceed to City Road Church for morning worship. John Wesley left his mark on the town of London. You’ll have a lecture at City Road Chapel, the site of Wesley’s home and grave. Across the street in Bunhill Fields Cemetery, Susanna Wesley is buried along with other famous personages such as John Bunyan and Daniel Defoe. You’ll walk on Aldersgate Street, where on May 24, 1738, John Wesley had his “Warming of the Heart” experience. You’ll walk past the entrance of “Little Britain,” where Charles Wesley had his conversion experience just three days earlier. Continue to St. Paul’s Cathedral for Evensong. (B)

Enjoy a visit to Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress, also known as the Tower of London. It is a historical monument that sits on the banks of the Thames River in the heart of London. William the Conqueror began original construction in 1078. The history of London and the kings and queens of England still reverberate in the buildings and grounds. Explore on your own or follow a “Beefeater” around as he gives insight into the buildings and history of the Tower. This afternoon is yours to explore, shop, or rest on your own. Return to your hotel. (B)

The quiet English countryside and green, rolling hills will delight you as you travel to remote Epworth in the Fen Country. Here, Samuel and Susanna Wesley raised their brood of children in the Old Rectory while he served the parish church for 39 years. You’ll become familiar with the upbringing and early life of John and Charles Wesley when you visit their childhood home. You’ll see Memorial Church, built with contributions from around the world. Enjoy a worship service with the local people of Epworth. Then, visit St. Andrews Church at Epworth. Check into your hotel for one night. (B, D)

Travel to Birmingham, where you’ll visit the boyhood home of Francis Asbury. Sent to America by Wesley, Asbury became the first elected bishop of the American Methodist Church. Pass through the English countryside to the city of Coventry. On the evening of November 14, 1940, a holocaust of bombs and fire destroyed much of Coventry. Experience the pain and the triumph of the townspeople when you visit the beautiful cathedral. The charred ruins of the old cathedral sit next to the exciting architecture of the modern cathedral. They stand together as a
tribute to the indomitable spirit of the British people. Check into your Birmingham area hotel for two nights. (B, D)

Enjoy a scenic drive through the charming villages of the Cotswolds, where honey-colored cottages cluster together in secluded valleys. You’ll glimpse life as it was on the day of William Shakespeare when you visit his birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon. Not far away, he courted his wife, Anne Hathaway, in the garden of her delightful thatch-roofed cottage. You’ll also drive past Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare is buried. Return to your hotel. (B, D)

Learn about the educational background of the Wesley brothers, John, Charles, and Samuel, Jr., when you visit Christ Church College at Oxford University. See Lincoln College and St. Mary’s Church on your walking tour and enjoy time on your own. Late afternoon, travel to Bristol for a one-night stay. (B, D)

In the ancient port city of Bristol, you’ll have a lecture in one of Wesley’s early centers of ministry, the “New Room”. This oldest Methodist building in the world is unusually attractive
in its basic simplicity. Then, visit the home of Charles Wesley, the famous hymn writer. Bath, a spa town of Roman origin, deserves its name. Since the first century, the warm waters have refreshed and healed. You’ll see the unique Roman baths and enjoy this beautiful city of 18th-century streets and quaint shops. Continue to London and check into your hotel. (B)

Return home.