The LeicesterShire Historic Churches Trust is urging churches and the public to join the 2026 edition of Ride+Stride, which coincides with the Centenary Year of the Diocese of Leicester. The event will take place on Saturday, September 12, combining a Church Open Day with a sponsored activity. It is a must-do for anyone who enjoys exploring the many historic churches and chapels across Leicestershire.
How to Participate
Participants can cycle, walk, jog, run, or use a mobility scooter while being sponsored to visit their chosen selection of churches and chapels. Each person plans their own route, which may cross county borders, using the List of Churches and Chapels open on the day. This list will be available on the LHCT website in August. Alternatively, individuals can be sponsored for serving as a welcomer on duty at their church.
Sponsorship and Fundraising
Riders and Striders are encouraged to seek sponsorship from friends, family, and colleagues, either per church visited or as a lump sum. Participants are free to take part for as much or as little of the day as suits them. This annual fundraising event helps raise money for repairs and improvements to historic churches, chapels, and meeting houses throughout Leicester and Leicestershire.
How Funds Are Used
Half of the sponsorship money goes directly to the church or chapel chosen by participants, while the remaining half goes to the LeicesterShire Historic Churches Trust. The Trust uses its share to provide grants supporting repair, restoration, and improvement projects across the county. In 2025, the event raised more than £40,000 for the second consecutive year.
Get Involved
More than 317 churches took part in 2025, and the Trust is keen for even more churches to open their doors this year. Churches can sign up by visiting www.lhct.org.uk/ride-and-stride and completing the form halfway down the webpage. Janet Arthur MBE, Chair of LHCT, said: "Ride+Stride is a fantastic way to support the incredible churches and chapels across Leicestershire, while also enjoying the opportunity to explore them in a single day. To celebrate the Centenary of the Diocese of Leicester, we are keen to have even more churches open and people riding and striding on the big day, and hope to surpass what we achieved in 2025."
The LeicesterShire Historic Churches Trust is a non-denominational charity that supports churches, chapels, and meeting houses with grants for repairs and improvements. For more information, visit www.lhct.org.uk and follow LHCT on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
