Ride+Stride - LeicesterShire Historic Churches Trust

Taking place on Saturday 12th September 2026, Ride+Stride is a Church Open Day and
sponsored event, and a must-do for anybody who likes exploring many historic churches
and chapels of Leicestershire.
People can cycle, walk, jog, run or use a mobility scooter and be sponsored to visit their
chosen selection of churches and chapels. Participants plan their own route (which may
cross county borders) using the List of Churches and Chapels open on the day, which will be
available on the LHCT website in August. People can also be sponsored for acting as a
welcomer on duty in their church.
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. 50% of
sponsorship money goes directly to the church or chapel chosen by participants, with
the remaining 50% going 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 year in a row.
More than 317 churches took part in 2025, and the LeicesterShire Historic Churches Trust is
keen for even more churches to open their doors this year. Churches can do this by visiting
www.lhct.org.uk/ride-and-stride, and completing the form halfway down the webpage.