Join us for a one-day immersive journey across the South West of England to pay homage to the enigmatic Sheela-na-Gigs—captivating stone carvings of female figures whose wide-open vulvas, fierce expressions, and unapologetic presence have intrigued scholars, folklorists, artists, and pilgrims for centuries. This day trip invites you into conversation with the mystery of the Sheelas themselves. Scattered across ancient churches, ruined castles, and rural villages, these carvings pose more questions than answers. Are they protectors against evil, guardians carved to ward off misfortune? Are they remnants of pre-Christian fertility figures, celebrating birth, sexuality, and the generative forces of the earth? Or do they offer a raw, unfiltered depiction of womanhood—both sacred and subversive—challenging the medieval church’s relationship with the body? Others interpret the Sheela-na-Gigs as cautionary figures meant to warn of lust and sin—yet their boldness suggests something far more complex. Their very existence resists simple explanation, holding space for paradox: erotic yet protective, grotesque yet empowering, marginal yet central to the buildings that house them. Throughout the day, we will visit a maximum of four Sheela-na-gig sites, share insights into their varied interpretations, and reflect on why these figures continue to resonate so deeply today. Expect gentle walking, periods of quiet contemplation, and opportunities for group discussion as we honour these powerful, mysterious guardians of the past. Please note that there will be a fair amount of time spent on the coach getting between sites. There will be optional activities and opportunities to deepen and expand on the experiences during these journey times. Step into their presence—and let the Sheelas speak in their own timeless way. Please note that this pilgrimage is very much at the mercy of the Sheela-na-gig. Sheela-na-gig pilgrimages often entail unexpected twists and reflect qualities of the Sheela-na-gig archetype. Please only book onto this if you are able to surrender to the flow of the adventure and be flexible to how it may unfold. About your guide: Your guide for the day is Jez Maurice. Jez spends a lot of her time unearthing and exploring the mysteries of Sheelanagigs. She has travelled across England, Ireland, Germany, France, Spain and Belgium exploring pre-existing Sheelanagigs and leaving hand carved ones as memorials in sites where atrocities towards women have taken place. Jez has delivered workshops, talks and ceremonies around the Sheela-na-gig for Bristol based collectives 'Red Web' and 'Of the Wild'. The coach will pick up at 9.30am from Bristol and drop off at around 8pm to the same location. What to bring: Notebook, packed lunch, open mind. More details about pick up location to follow nearer the time. Ticket costs go towards the coach hire, driver payment and anything left will go into the Sheelanagig Project to leave memorials in sites where atrocities towards women have happened.

Entry requirements: 16+, any under 18s accompanied by 21+ adult 1:1 ratio — Read more — Read less