The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry: London Walks to Celebrate the Musical
Sometimes a letter changes everything. For Harold Fry, it was a note from an old friend that sent him walking 600 miles from Devon to Berwick-upon-Tweed. No planning, no proper shoes, just one foot in front of the other – and a determination to keep someone he cared about alive.
This January, Harold's story arrives at London's West End in a joyous new musical adapted by Rachel Joyce from her multi-million selling novel. And to celebrate, we've created two special walking routes through London that capture the spirit of Harold's unlikely pilgrimage
About The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
Opening at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on January 29th, 2026, this "pitch-perfect musical" (The Times) tells the story of an ordinary man who becomes an unlikely hero. With a "ravishing score" by chart-topping indie musician Passenger (best known for the hit "Let Her Go"), the show has already enjoyed a sold-out, 5-star run at Chichester Festival Theatre.
Directed by Katy Rudd and starring Mark Addy (The Full Monty, Game of Thrones) as Harold and Olivier Award-winner Jenna Russell (Sunday in the Park with George) as his wife Maureen, the musical is funny, profound, and deeply moving. It's about love, redemption, second chances, and the transformative power of simply putting one foot in front of the other. Harold walks from Devon to Berwick-upon-Tweed – 600 miles – to keep a dying friend alive.
Harold Fry's London Walks
We've curated two walks that embody Harold's spirit of determination, reflection, and discovery – both starting opposite the Theatre Royal Haymarket:
Harold Fry's London Pilgrimage
Distance: 8.9 km
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
This immersive circular walk winds through some of London's most beautiful and hidden spaces. You'll discover Mount Street Gardens (a former Victorian burial ground turned peaceful urban oasis), Brown Hart Gardens (built on top of an electricity substation!), Hyde Park with its historic Speakers' Corner and the Serpentine Lake, the Diana Memorial Fountain, Wellington Arch with Europe's largest bronze sculpture, and St James's Park where 40 pelicans roam free.
The walk is peppered with history – from Sir Isaac Newton's former home on Jermyn Street to the Theatre Royal Haymarket itself, dating back to 1720. Along the route, you'll find exclusive video content: watch Rachel Joyce and Passenger discuss how the story came to life, Mark Addy and Noah Mullins talk about starring in the show, and enjoy Passenger performing songs from the musical including "Walk Upon the Water" with the Kingdom Choir and "Song for the Countryside" filmed at Devil's Dyke.
Like Harold's journey, it's about more than reaching a destination – it's about what you discover along the way.
Harold Fry's Lunchtime Walk
Distance: 2.7 km
Duration: 40 minutes
Not everyone can walk 600 miles, but everyone can take a lunch break. This shorter circular route offers a perfect midday escape. Starting at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, you'll pass through St James's Square (home to seven dukes and seven earls in the 1720s!), walk Queen's Walk (Queen Caroline's favourite promenade from 1730), catch glimpses of St James's Palace and Buckingham Palace, and loop around St James's Park's beautiful lake with its resident pelicans and 17 breeding bird species.
The walk features Passenger's "Song for the Countryside" – the moment in the show when Harold discovers the healing power of nature. Perfect for a midday stroll, proving that even small journeys matter. Because as Harold learned: every step counts.
Outside of London? Check out our new collection of walks across locations that Harold visited as part of his epic pilgrimage.
Your £10 Discount Awaits
Complete either walk on the Go Jauntly app and you'll unlock an exclusive £10 discount code for tickets to The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry at the West End. It's our way of encouraging you to experience both the walks and the show – two different ways of discovering that it's never too late to start again.
Why Walking Matters
Harold Fry's story resonates because we all understand what it means to put one foot in front of the other when life feels overwhelming. Walking gives us time to think, space to heal, and permission to simply be present in the moment.
Whether you're walking to the theatre, walking during your lunch break, or walking because you need to clear your head – every step matters. Harold knew it. We know it. And we think you do too.
How to Join Harold's Journey
Download the free Go Jauntly app
Search for "Harold Fry" or browse the collection
Choose your walk (or do both!)
Unlock your £10 ticket discount
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry musical runs from January 29th to April 18th, 2026 – just 11 weeks only. Don't miss your chance to see this moving celebration of the human spirit.