When we travel to far distant shores, many of us are looking for a deeper meaning to our travels and our lives, searching out places that are sacred and mystical. The following book will help you move beyond the mainstream tourist destinations.

Sacred Britain: a Guide to Places that Stir the Soul by Martin Symington

"Britain is packed with places to visit that can be called ‘sacred’. Many are mainstream tourist sites, such as Iona, Lindisfarne and Stonehenge. Many more are out-of-the-way pilgrimage destinations, druidic circles, holy wells or obscure islands that few people would find without this book. Some are only recognised as ‘sacred’ by people with a special interest: Karl Marx's tomb in Highgate cemetery, the island on Althorp where Princess Diana is buried, or Twickenham rugby stadium. This is a travel guidebook to places in England, Scotland and Wales associated with a sense of the sacred. The book journeys from pilgrimage sites with tombs of martyrs and scenes of medieval miracles to the remote islands of Iona, Bardsey and Lindisfarne, as well as to modern Buddhist, Hindu and Islamic shrines. It visits pre-historic stone circles and ancient chalk hill carvings such as the phallic Cerne Abbas giant. As well as sites of myth, legend, and apparition it covers shrines to philosophers and locations revered for their connections with art, music, literature, sport, and crime." (Syndetics)

You can find more books about spiritual travel in a past blog. And if you are looking for appropriate accommodation for your spiritual journey, take a look at our blog on monasteries.

You don't have to live like a monk to find accommodation in a monastery. Many monasteries welcome visitors with no religious affiliation. However, some do offer religious retreats. To find out more about these intriguing places to stay, check out the following titles in Eileen Barish’s Guide Series to Lodging in Monasteries: inexpensive accommodations, remarkable historic buildings, legendary locations.

Lodging in Spain’s Monasteries

"The monks and abbesses embrace visitors as family for the duration of their stay. The food is hearty, wholesome and generous - and many monasteries are filled with priceless, rarely-seen art. The book offers a wealth of unbiased, in-depth information so tourists can choose the prefect destinations. From Madrid to the white cities and everywhere in between, Spain has never been so affordable and authentic. • compiled from personal interviews with residents and staff of each monastery • detailed guides to local towns and sights • brief history of each locale • overview of accommodations and prices." from Amazon

The Guide to Lodging in Britain's Monasteries

"As alternatives to the usual hotels and B&Bs, monasteries and convents may be equally comfortable and convenient. The author of these guides to such accommodations has invested a prodigious amount of research to insure that her readers find numerous possibilities for economical, educational, and possibly uplifting travel…" from Library Journal

The Guide to Lodging in Italy's monasteries

"Monasteries," Barish writes, "are an integral part of Italy's history and heritage and symbolize the incredibly diverse Italian culture." By conducting extensive research at each monastery, Barish has compiled a directory of detailed, precise information for a unique Italian experience: an inexpensive travel alternative to staying in big-name hotels. Each listing provides a history of the monastery, its artwork, and products as well as local events. The travel information on accommodations, amenities, cost, directions by car/train/plane, and contact names and addresses is clearly written. Barish also adds a personal touch by including reservation form letters written in English and Italian. The photographs accompanying each listing are enticing and breathtakingly beautiful…" from Library Journal

The Guide to Lodging in France's Monasteries

"Travel writer Barish adds a third volume (along with Spain and Italy) to her series on unique and inexpensive accommodations in monasteries, convents and religious guest houses, many of which are located in some of the most beautiful towns and villages in France. Travelers can stay, for example, in a 16th century building just a few feet from Chartres Cathedral or in a former castle in the village of Moulins-les- Metz in Lorraine. Most of the more than 150 institutions profiled accept guests without any religious obligation but some of them offer only spiritual retreats. Each entry includes information on the number of rooms, amenities, cost, availability of meals, any special rules, directions and contact information, and two to four pages on local tourist attractions…" from Library Journal

While you won't have to live like a monk, be aware that the accommodation may not be as fancy as in a hotel with room service and all the accoutrements. Some monasteries may even have curfews. So this is probably not the best accommodation if you like to party.

Some provide simple but good home cooked meals. It's worth it to take a look at the guides so that you know what to expect if you choose to stay at a monastery. If you are looking for accommodation with a difference, staying at a monastery is well worth investigating.

"There are many paths to enlightenment. Be sure to take one with a heart." - Lao Tzu

All roads lead to enlightenment--but the choice of which to travel is yours. From Sedona to Lourdes to Mecca, there are certain divinely blessed places that can inspire you to renew your sense of wonder, revitalize your spirit, and restore your faith. (Syndetics)

Check out these other books that might take you on the paths of enlightenment.

Looking for a contemplative time of renewal? Why not consider staying in a monastery?

We also have these guidebooks for Italy and France.