Welcome to the Association for Promoting Retreats!
Are you looking for somewhere to go on retreat?
We can help!
On the interactive map above you will find all the APR member retreat houses, with contact details and a link to their website. We also have retreat houses in France and Cyprus, and retreat leaders across the UK, or why not join an online retreat?
Promoting Christian Spirituality Through Retreats
The Association for Promoting Retreats exists to encourage more people to go on retreat and to support the ministry of our member retreat houses and retreat leaders. We also organise a biannual conference for Church of England diocesan spirituality advisers, and administer a bursary fund to enable individuals to go on retreat when cost is an obstacle.
Retreat Calendar
Calendar of Events
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6 events,
R5 retreat at Sheldon
R5 with optional Art Read, Retreat, Rest, Relax, Recuperate Led by the Sheldon team This week straddles the late bank holiday but travelling to the westcountry on the Sunday which is much easier than Saturday! Sociable mealtimes and all the regular resources of Sheldon like chapels (including daily liturgy), labyrinth, art shed and library. Sheldon also …
Centring Prayer retreat at the House of Prayer
Led by: Jill Benet Intensive Retreats are an opportunity to immerse oneself fully in the method and background of Centering Prayer as taught by Contemplative Outreach. There will be up to three hours of Centering Prayer each day, and the time outside meetings is in silence. There will be time for personal reflection, contemplative liturgy …
Open Day for Clergy at Penhurst Retreat Centre
Open Day for Clergy at Penhurst Retreat Centre
Leader: Ven Martin Lloyd Williams A `Taste and See` day for clergy in and around the South East of England. An opportunity to experience Penhurst as a retreat centre for yourself and also to raise awareness of this special resource to your church congregations. The day will include a tour of the house, gardens and grounds, …
Autumn Renewal Day at Wydale Hall
Autumn Renewal Day at Wydale Hall
An opportunity to come together for worship, prayer, Bible teaching and ministry. Led by: Josh Cockayne & Richard Barber There is no charge for this event. Donations are welcome, but not required.
5 events,
APR autumn retreat at Shallowford House
‘God who comes to meet us – Encountering God’, led by APR President, Rt Revd John Stroyan. Bishop John writes, ‘The Church is not about the church. The Church is about God and the world for which Christ died. In this retreat we will be reflecting on God’s desire that we should know him, not …
Walking retreat day at Launde Abbey
Walking retreat day at Launde Abbey
A guided walk led by Jo de Graaf, providing an opportunity to explore a deeper relationship with our Creator through His creation.
5 events,
Research Seminar at St Antony’s Priory
Research Seminar at St Antony’s Priory
The Nature of Personhood and Freedom in the Theology of John Neville Figgis With Clinton Collister
6 events,
Folk music weekend at Hilfield Friary
Led by Gill and Alan McIntosh Gill and Alan welcome you to the second of their ever popular folk weekends. They also run two monthly folk/acoustic sessions in the Weymouth area. Bring your instruments and voices, and any tunes or songs that are important to you too. Suggested donation £150 to include food and accommodation. …
Mindfulness retreat at Mirfield
This is a new retreat in our programme and will be led by Bishop Chris Edmondson and Karen Openshaw. It will run from Friday 3rd – Sunday 5th November, with arrival from 3pm on the 3rd and departure after lunch on Sunday 5th. The theme of this late autumn weekend is how we make connections …
Quiet Day at Epiphany House
Quiet Day at Epiphany House
For those looking for a Quiet Day for the winter, Bridget Macaulay will be leading a day exploring how we might meet God in winter seasons at the house on the 3rd November 2023. For information or to book please contact bookings@epiphanyhouse.co.uk or call us on 01872 857953.
5 events,
Quiet Day at Ty Mawr Convent
Quiet Day at Ty Mawr Convent
St Non: the faithful and surprising prayer of self-emptying love. Rt. Revd. Mary Stallard Mary Stallard is a bishop in the Church in Wales and a founder member of MaeCymru (Merched a’r Eglwys: supporting women in the Church in Wales). She is a Welsh learner, married to the Rev Andrew Sully, and has two daughters. …
8 events,
Personal Retreat at the Royal Foundation of St Katharine
Personal Residential Retreat including time with a Spiritual Director The Royal Foundation is offering an opportunity to come for a personal one-night residential retreat with an opportunity to meet 1:1 with a listener. We are delighted to confirm our listener for this retreat will be Mary Monfries who is an experienced Spiritual Director and experienced …
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Photography retreat at Sheldon
Seeing with the eye of the heart Led by Steve Radley The heart is thought of as the seat of our emotions. For many of us, the last few years have been a roller coaster of emotions as we adapt to change and grieve the loss of things we knew. Discover how your smartphone or camera …
Art and Soul retreat at the Othona Community Essex
Led by Genevieve Collier An invitation to get immersed in three days of artmaking for personal reflection and to explore what within you needs to be expressed. Art making can be soothing and offer respite, it can ignite sparks of imagination, it can put you in touch with deep feelings. Art skills or being able to …
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Community Experience retreat at the Othona Community, West Dorset
Planting for Sustainability: 18-36s meet, work and relax together in a unique community by the sea
Pre-Advent Clergy retreat at Mirfield
Fr. Thomas Seville will lead our Pre-Advent Clergy Retreat: ‘Meditations on the Lord’s Prayer’ Arrival is on Monday afternoon from 3pm and departure is after breakfast on Friday. This is a traditional silent retreat with an address each day.
Create Pray Retreat day at Holland House
Create Pray Retreat day at Holland House
Create Pray, gives a time and space in the week, to be still from the business of everyday of life. Being creative, and always interested in finding creative ways to connect with God in prayer, I stumbled on the idea of ‘Prayer Doodles’ using an ancient spiritual practice called ‘Lectio Divina’. Lectio Divina is a way of …
Quiet Day at Launde Abbey
Quiet Day at Launde Abbey
Praying with all the Saints Catherine Lomas will lead this Quiet Day by exploring aspects of theology relating to the role of icons in our worship, and consider how this can help in your own spiritual practice.
8 events,
Dante seminar at Sarum College
With Dr Mark Vernon Divine Comedy matter today, regardless of convictions and beliefs. The day will be enjoyed by those seeking an introduction to Dante as well as those seeking to deepen their knowledge. The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri is many things: a personal crisis, a diatribe against corruption, an unsurpassed poem, a celebration …
Women poets course at Sarum College
With Nicola Slee There is a long and venerable tradition of women’s religious poetry, although it is much less well known than the comparable male canon. Beyond the explicitly religious, many female poets engage with broad spiritual themes of truth, meaning, longing, healing and redemption. In this short course, we will draw on some of …
Quiet Day at Whalley Abbey
Quiet Day at Whalley Abbey
Guests in the World Canon Patricia Impey wil lead a day of reflection exploring the Celtic understanding of life lived in the presence of God. As part of the time together guests will be given the opportunity to make a Celtic cross and learn about the intricate patterns worked on them. Absolutley NO artistic skill …
7 events,
Quiet Day at St Columba’s House
Quiet Day at St Columba’s House
Take a moment to be a human being, not a human doing! A peaceful guided retreat day with lunch. This day is for anyone who needs a break. Reflect, read, colour, pray, meditate, walk or just be. “Come to me, all of you who are weary and loaded down with burdens, and I will give …
5 events,
Library Talk at St Antony’s Priory
Library Talk at St Antony’s Priory
What do you seek? Time to explore the wisdom offered by religious life. With John-Francis Friendship
9 events,
The face of love retreat at Launde Abbey
The face of love: Seeing and being seen A retreat with Sister Rachel reflecting on what it might mean to allow ourselves space both to look towards God and to truly know that in the same moment, God looks upon us.
Meeting God retreat at the Franciscan Centre, Ladywell
A time of exploring led by Christopher Chapman Drawing from the riches of the Christian spiritual tradition, the Bible, artwork, and poetry, we will explore how we can cooperate with the Holy Spirit at work in our own human spirit.
History of Hilfield Friary weekend
Led Br Hugh An interesting journey into the past looking at Hilfield’s history. We will look at the tithe maps, Hardy’s Woodlanders, the building of Flowers Farm, the Little Commonwealth and the start of Franciscan life by looking at maps and records as well as reading the Friary land itself. Suggested donation £150 to include …
Ignatian Quiet Day at Penhurst Retreat Centre
Ignatian Quiet Day at Penhurst Retreat Centre
Leaders: Rev Peter Doodes and Fiona Bower Ignatian spirituality is not only discovering yourself and responding to the call of Christ in your life; it is also discovering FOR yourself. It is about finding our connections between the Gospel stories and our own stories, and perhaps sharing these with each other. This retreat will allow us to walk …
10 events,
Advent Quiet Day at Hilfield Friary
Advent Quiet Day at Hilfield Friary
Led by a Member of the Hilfield Friary Community Join us for our annual Advent Quiet Day. A chance to retreat from secular society as we prepare for the birth of the Christ Child, the Light of the World. Suggested donation £25 to included soup and bread. Please let Suzi know if you have any …
Quiet Day at the Royal Foundation of St Katharine
Quiet Day at the Royal Foundation of St Katharine
Finding Soulfulness in a Digital World Led by the Ven Roger Preece The power of technology has revolutionised the way we work and connect with the world. How do we appreciate all the positive aspects of the digital world, whilst protecting ourselves from what causes harm to our souls? During this day we can disconnect …
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4 events,
Winter watch at the Othona Community Essex
Led by Hugh Nicholson and Nastassja Simensky All levels of experience are welcome for birdwatching and wildlife watching or you may just want an incentive to get out in the fresh air in good company. In the evenings there will be talks and films on wildlife and local history themes.
Healing Retreat at Penhurst Retreat Centre
Leader: Carol Bostock and the Beauty from Ashes team A Beauty from Ashes healing retreat focusing on deep inner healing. The retreat will include worship, teaching and opportunity for one-to-one prayer ministry with Carol and the Beauty from Ashes team.
Open Reflective Day at the Royal Foundation of St Katharine
Open Reflective Day at the Royal Foundation of St Katharine
We are delighted to invite you to our Urban Oasis for our Open Reflective Days in 2023. These are our most popular retreats allowing you to have a personal quiet day to reflect and recharge away from the distractions of everyday life. You may use this day as time to pray, do some life admin or maybe to finish that project …
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Quiet Day at Shallowford House
Quiet Day at Shallowford House
Led by Rev Evelyn Bone and she leads us through a gentle day of devotion, quiet time and worship. There is the opportunity to meet one to one and engage in a few prayerful activities. The cost is £22 which includes lunch and refreshments. The day runs from 9.45am to 3.30pm. Please call the office …
6 events,
Encounter retreat at the Greenhouse Barnes Close
Encounter includes a simple led reflection in the morning and evening and an invitation to join the Greenhouse Midday prayers. Make yourself at home in the house, library, grounds, meditation garden and country park. Optional simple craft and grounds-work sessions available in the afternoons, spiritual accompaniment sessions in the mornings. Begins at 10.30 am on …
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Online Oasis Day
Online Oasis Day
‘Seeing through the eyes of the poets of World War 1’ led by Revd Andrew Studdert-Kennedy (Team Rector, St Andrew’s, Uxbridge) Please let us know if you would like to be part of this by emailing Jane Franklin on: janefranklinretreats@gmail.com. Jane will then send you a ‘Zoom’ invitation in order to participate. “Oasis Days” offer quiet …
8 events,
Enneagram retreat at the Othona Community, West Dorset
This workshop is Part 2 for those who have already attended an introduction to the Enneagram, such as an Exploring the Enneagram weekend at Othona. We will be learning about the defence mechanisms of each of the Enneagram types, and the growth path that is specific and most helpful for your enneagram type.. To get the most …
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Celtic Advent Day at St Chad’s House, Leek
Celtic Advent Day at St Chad’s House, Leek
Come and Celebrate the beginning of Celtic Advent with St Chad's House in Leek on Thursday 16th November. Come and learn more about the rich heritage of this tradition and how we can enjoy a meaningful Advent season. Browse books in the library, enjoy tea, coffee and homemade cakes, chat by the cosy fire and join in with midday prayer …
Quiet Day at Tinhay Retreats
Quiet Day at Tinhay Retreats
Caring for Creation A day retreat from 10am until 3pm exploring eco issues. Prayers and meditations on the theme, plus the usual opportunity to enjoy the quiet, inside or outside enjoying the beauty of creation. (Please note the change of date due to a family wedding).
7 events,
Happiness Retreat at Penhurst Retreat Centre
Leader: Andy Parnham We live in a stressed-out high-pressure world, and we`re all in need of wellbeing physically, emotionally and spiritually. The Happiness Course is designed to address them all. The four sessions will explore what happiness and a well-lived life look like, the importance of relationships and how to find purpose and meaning.
Practising Hope Retreat at Holland House
Led by warden, Helen Stanton More info on https://www.hollandhouse.org/events
Rest in Silence retreat at the House of Prayer
Led by: Jill Benet An opportunity to form, and participate in, a small contemplative community for a weekend of silence to deepen the experience of Centering Prayer. There will be some short sessions of input and the invitation for one-to one-meetings. This retreat is suitable for those experienced in Centering Prayer as well as those …
9 events,
Beginners Retreat at the Community of St Mary the Virgin, Wantage
This short retreat, facilitated by Sr Lizzie Ruth, is for anyone who has never been on a retreat before or who would value some extra guidance on how to use the space and time in retreat. Participants will first be given some helpful general advice about being in retreat and helped to enter into the …
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9 events,
R5 retreat at Sheldon
R5 with optional Art Read, Retreat, Rest, Relax, Recuperate Led by the Sheldon team This week straddles the late bank holiday but travelling to the westcountry on the Sunday which is much easier than Saturday! Sociable mealtimes and all the regular resources of Sheldon like chapels (including daily liturgy), labyrinth, art shed and library. Sheldon also …
Classical concert at Launde Abbey
Classical concert at Launde Abbey
Classical Concert and Cream Tea: Eleanor Hodgkinson (piano) & Nick Stringfellow (cello) Our final concert of 2023, book early for this event featuring Eleanor Hodgkinson.
6 events,
Blessed to be a blessing retreat at Launde Abbey
Explore with Roy Searle how the God of blessing created us to be channels of blessing to people and places, in every place where we are.
New Directions Retreat at Penhurst Retreat Centre
Leader: Jack and Sandra Telfer This retreat/workshop is for full-time Christian workers returning to the UK after ministry overseas or for an extended home assignment. It provides an opportunity to `unpack` the transition process and issues around adjustment in a context of group discussion, reflection and prayer within the beautiful setting of the retreat centre.
Creative retreat at Llangasty Retreat House
In the Bleak Midwinter: a preparation for Advent and Christmas Creative Retreat with Ann Meek and Sue Ives
Sea of Galilee Retreat at Shepherd’s Dene
A Visual Virtual Retreat by the Sea of Galillee with Bishop John Pritchard Using vivid photos and evocative Bible studies, visit the places Jesus loved and lived in throughout Galilee. No airfare needed!
7 events,
Clergy retreat week at Whitchester Christian centre
Time Out for Clergy and Church Ministers From 4pm on Tuesday 21 - 11am Saturday 25 November Need a few days to stop and take a breath? Come for 2, 3 or 4 nights in this period for just £76/night, full board. Click here for more detail, or call us on 01450 377477.
8 events,
Soul Craft Day at the Greenhouse at Barnes Close
Soul Craft Day at the Greenhouse at Barnes Close
Drawing, writing, walking, praying, reading, meditating, crafting... whatever you like to do, bring it! The day is framed around a simple scriptural reflection. Pay what you can and bring a packed lunch!
Online retreat with Christian Retreats
Online retreat with Christian Retreats
THE PRAYER OF THE HEART: This retreat is about the inner contemplative journey and wisdom from Desert and Eastern Christianity. Including the Jesus Prayer.
8 events,
Stillness retreat at the Royal Foundation of St Katharine
“Be still and know." This retreat is about helping you to more habitually find a place of calm within you that has you able to be less reactive and more aware of your choices in life. Run over 2 days for small groups of up to 8 people and facilitated by 2 experienced coaches Chris Blakeley …
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9 events,
Gospel singing weekend at St Columba’s House
We are really lucky to have Mark joining us at Saint Columba’s House for a weekend of Gospel singing workshops with his team of vocal coaches. This wonderful opportunity is happening over the weekend of November 24th – 26th 2023 This is a very special opportunity for anyone who loves group singing. We have very limited …
Pre-Advent Retreat at Wydale Hall
An opportunity to set aside a weekend to help you prepare for the busy-ness of the coming Christmas season. Retreat leader to be announced soon. Led by: to be confirmed Cost: £196.00 including accommodation and food
Slow stitching day at the Bield at Blackruthven
Slow stitching day at the Bield at Blackruthven
Come away for a day from your busy life to the Bield and enjoy exploring the art of slow stitching in the comfort of the guest lounge, sitting together beside the log burning stove and working on our stitching.
10 events,
Quiet Day with Christian Retreats
Quiet Day with Christian Retreats
Exploring the Spirituality of the Desert Mothers, at the Monastery of Our Lady of Hyning
Online Advent retreat with Julian of Norwich
Online Advent retreat with Julian of Norwich
'Fire in the Heart' An Advent Retreat with Julian with Rachel Mann, Claire Gilbert, Richard Carter, Julia Mourant and Malcolm Guite
4 events,
IGR at the Franciscan Centre, Ladywell
Step away from the noise and haste of your everyday life and into the quiet beauty of the Franciscan Centre Ladywell in the heart of Surrey. Each day you will be accompanied by a trained spiritual director.
4 events,
Advent retreat at Launde Abbey
Further details f this retreat will be available shortly. Please check back regularly for updates.
IGR at Penhurst Retreat Centre
Leader: Dilys Threshie Come and deepen your relationship with God on this silent IGR. An individually guided retreat offers you the time and opportunity to pay attention to God and to be more aware of God`s work in your life. It also gives the space to pray and to reflect on your life, to consider the …
Retreat at Whalley Abbey with Christian Retreats
THE WONDER OF STORIES – RESIDENTIAL RETREAT AT WHALLEY ABBEY PLEASE BOOK THROUGH WHALLEY ABBEY: bookings@whalleyabbey.org 01254 828 400
8 events,
Longing for God retreat at the House of Prayer
A silent individually guided retreat for busy people, those who have not made a retreat before, or for anyone who needs time away to stop, breathe, and pray. A retreat guide will be available for daily individual meetings to accompany you through the retreat. Above all, this retreat is a time of listening to God …
Lectio Divina at the House of Prayer
Lectio Divina at the House of Prayer
An opportunity to join a small group meeting at the House of Prayer during Advent. Lectio Divina is divine reading, listening to Scripture with the ear of the heart. Places are limited and given on a first-come, first-served basis.
9 events,
Craft Week at Hilfield Friary
With Suzi Herbert A time to come together away from the all the craziness of the season to relax and have time to craft. Expect good company and fun in cosy surroundings providing a relaxing time to finish all those pesky craft projects you have been meaning to finish or have a go at something …
Online Advent retreat with Petite Retreats
Online Advent retreat with Petite Retreats
Join us for a virtual journey filled with relaxation, self-discovery, and rejuvenation. This event will provide you with a unique opportunity to unwind and embrace the spirit of Advent from the comfort of your own home. Discover the peace of self-reflection and mindfulness as we prepare for Christmas. Embrace the joy and anticipation that Advent …
9 events,
Quiet Day at Rydal Hall
Quiet Day at Rydal Hall
Leader: Revd David Wilmot This Quiet Day 'Just another Sunday Morning? Enriching our experience of Holy Communion.'
At the APR we aim to:
- promote the value of retreats and the work of retreat houses and retreat leaders
- support the provision of opportunities for quiet and reflection within the context of everyday life
- encourage training in retreat leadership and spiritual direction
- facilitate renewal and growth in spirituality
- enable the exploration of different expressions of Christian spirituality
As a membership organisation, we rely on subscriptions to enable our work. If you are not already a member, please do consider joining APR, so that we can do even more to promote retreats.
Announcements
This week we are praying for...
Each week we pray for one of our member retreat houses. This week we are praying for all who live, work or seek refreshment at the Franciscan Centre, at Ladywell in Surrey
Membership
Please consider joining APR, and help us support retreat houses and extend the benefit of retreats to more people. See the membership page for more information.
Bursaries
Our Bursary Scheme is there to help our retreat house members enable more people to benefit from retreats, especially where cost might be an obstacle. See the Bursary page for details.
Resources
We regularly post articles and information on topics related to retreats, prayer, and Christian spirituality. We hope you will find something of interest; see the Resources Pages here.
Support the work of APR
As a membership organisation, we rely on subscriptions to enable our work. If you are not already a member, please do consider joining APR, so that we can do even more to promote retreats.
If you are a UK taxpayer, please consider Gift Aiding your donation. We are able to claim an additional 25% from HMRC on top of your donation, at no extra cost to you. All you need do is complete our online Gift Aid declaration form and we’ll take care of the rest.
How to Donate
If you would like to make a donation to support the work of APR, or specifically to the Bursary Fund, you can do so by means of the online donation button below.