Shelley Pilgrimage Walk & Talk

Join us for a unique humanist pilgrimage from Christchurch Priory to Bournemouth, tracing the life, legacy, and ideas of Percy Bysshe Shelley. Shelley was a poet, radical, atheist, and visionary, whose passionate belief in reason, liberty, love, and the perfectibility of humanity made him one of the most original and influential voices of the Romantic era — a writer who challenged tyranny, religion, and convention in both his life and work, and whose ideals continue to inspire generations of freethinkers, reformers, and humanists. In 1822, aged just 29, Shelley drowned in a storm while sailing off the coast of Italy. How did his heart end up in Bournemouth?

Along the route from Christchurch to Bournemouth, we’ll stop at key locations to reflect on Shelley’s poetry, atheism, social justice, and humanist vision, with short, accessible readings and discussion. Enjoy clifftop and beach views, flexible participation and refreshments at the Mary Shelley pub to conclude. Ideal for both lovers (and haters!) of poetry, freethought, fresh air, gentle exercise and friendship-building.

David is the walk and talk leader: 07910 886629. Please use WhatsApp for any location problems. If you privately let David have your mobile number he will add you to WhatsApp location tracking group for the day if he can work out how to use it.

11.00 am Meet at Christchurch Priory main entrance. There will be a brief introduction to Shelley's life and family and then we will be welcomed by the Priory Team to view the Shelley Monument. How did a notorious atheist get an impressive monument in Christchurch Priory? We will then walk via Tuckton Bridge to the Southbourne Overcliff. Toilet stops at Southbourne Crossroads and Overcliff. Then to Shelley Park for a lunch stop (bring your picnic) and a specially-arranged private view of the Shelley Theatre built by Shelley's son. For the final leg of the pilgrimage, if you have the energy, we will walk along the beach to Boscombe Pier and Bournemouth Pier, finally to visit the Shelley family grave at St Peter’s Church Bournemouth and then a well-earned drink in the Mary Shelley pub. (Mary Shelley was Shelley's widow.)

If you can't do the whole walk of approximately 7 miles you could get the bus from Boscombe back to Bournemouth and meet us later. If you (privately) let me have your mobile number I will add you to our WhatsApp tracking group.

If travelling from Bournemouth, we suggest you take the 1a/1b/1c bus routes to Christchurch but please check timetables to ensure you reach the Priory by 11am.

There is no charge for this walk but you may wish to make a donation to Dorset Humanists next time you come to an event.

Children welcome if accompanied by parent or guardian. Well-behaved dogs welcome. Dorset Humanists cannot be held liable for mishaps or accident on public footpaths. Please be sensible and wear proper footwear, clothing and bring plenty of water, sunscreen and hat. Our walk leader Aaron is unable to join us on this occasion so please bring your own first aid kit if you wish to. This route is safe but please cross roads with care and attention. David is walk leader 07910 886629.