Are you looking for somewhere to go on retreat?
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?
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.
Tutor: Angela Locke Suitable for beginners as well as more experienced writers, the Lakeland Writing Retreat seeks to inspire writers in the beautiful Lake District landscape where the great Romantic poets and so many other writers were inspired in their turn.
Reflections on retirement Led by Clare Herbert In 1820 the artist Hokusai, now 60 years old, took the title Iitsu, which means “One year old again”. According to the Japanese calendar sixty represents the completion of a whole life cycle. Yet Hokusai went on to create some of his finest work after that date, in his …
Autumn Retreat: "For Such a Time as This" A residential retreat exploring the book of Esther and theses which resonate with the times we’re living in. A lovely opportunity to spend a few days at Wydale in one of the most beautiful seasons and explore this exciting book of the Bible together. Led by Joan …
Leaders: Jill Hoffmann and Pat Marsh A healing retreat: rest for the weary, nourishment for the soul, care for the burdened. Healing our inner wounds is an important part of embracing life in all its fullness. Come and immerse yourself in the healing encounters of Jesus and receive His touch on your life.
Led by the Very Revd Andrew Nunn, Dean of Southwark Cathedral & Fr Thomas CR. Arrive Monday afternoon, depart Thursday after breakfast. This workshop event is an opportunity to deepen an understanding of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, to find out about making and hearing confessions in the Church of England, and ways of understanding the …
We often think that mysticism is a thing of the past, that the great mystics like Francis of Assisi, Julian of Norwich or Teresa of Avila are resigned to times long gone, and that mysticism died in the Reformations, the Enlightenment, or the Quietist Controversy. However, there are important mystical elements of all major world …
An evening with Evelyn Underhill at Sarum College Read More »
Leader: Carol Jackson-Doerge Full details, title and theme, will be posted in due course.
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!
Your chance to visit Othona... with interesting lunch outings
Leaders: Nicci Gagel and The Penhurst team An opportunity to get your hands dirty! Whether you are a regular guest or new to Penhurst, come and join us in some practical projects around the house and grounds. Come and enjoy the beauty and fellowship of Penhurst, while also helping maintain and develop the centre together. If you cannot …
An online retreat day with Revd Vanessa Cole to consider the changes in nature's seasons and the seasons of our lives.
“Be still and know”: finding your place of stillness As part of this month’s launch of renew:all - National Retreat Week we invite you to join us at St Katharine’s on Friday 29th September for a day’s stillness retreat led by Chris Blakeley and Mary Monfries. Whether you are new to stillness practices and want to find out …
Day of Stillness at the Royal Foundation of St Katharine Read More »
Led by Berenice Chan Come and discover how photography can help you connect with yourself and with God. Spend time practising this new way of seeing and be guided in how to pray with your images. Please bring a smart phone or camera – we will be using point and shoot or fully automatic mode.
Join with the Wydale Community for a day and help us out with our gardens. Lots of jobs for those who know nothing about gardening and those who are experts. No Charge Lunch and refreshments will be provided
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 …
Leader: Steve Radley Discover the power of your camera to see God within the ordinary. This retreat is for anyone with a camera or smartphone and will help you discover the art of contemplative photography, using image as modern icons. The skills learnt can become part of your everyday spiritual exercise, helping you see God throughout …
Following Jesus through the pots and pans Through this retreat, Bishop Mike Harrison will be exploring five particular recommendations of Brother Lawrence for practicing the presence of God and looking at how his insights can be applied in everyday life, with plenty of room for discussion on the way.
An opportunity to come for 4 nights' full board in a relaxed and peaceful environment, offering space to re-balance and re-centre coming up to the wintry period. It is often good to just take some time to yourself, away from the hustle and bustle of life and we hope this time can give you some …
Rest, relax, reflect retreat at the Coach House Kilmuir Read More »
Different Harvests This Quiet Day, led by Rosie Feuell, will consider traditional ideas of Harvest Thanksgiving, the Harvest of our Lives, and Harvest in modern and future contexts.
A mainly silent retreat for those who already meditate to go deeper, drawing on the Wisdom Tradition underlying many faiths
Leaders: Mike Mullins & Cathy Brown This three-day residential retreat, ‘Re-Discovering Your Best Self’, in the stunningly beautiful and restful gardens of Rydal Hall in the Lake District, gives you the opportunity to explore what your life has taught you about who you are at your best with all your given gifts, then discover how …
An annual weekend hosted by the Franciscan Brothers and Hilfield Community Join us for all things Franciscan. Over the weekend at Hilfield, we will be focus on Francis’ life and use his example to help us enter more deeply into a pattern of loving attentiveness to God in the world today. Suggested donation £150 to …
Leaders: Wania Honman and Rebecca de Vos An opportunity for the mission family to process their transitions to the UK together. There will be joint family sessions and then sessions for the children and parents separately too. This IS a residential weekend but online booking is not available - please contact the office to book.
Led by Imogen Nay Imogen Nay will lead a weekend exploring how spirituality and prayer can provide a hopeful way for us to respond to the environmental breakdown we are living through. Through, Bible, poetry, creative writing and guided meditations participants will be encouraged to find spiritual resources that can resource personal and community transformation.
Encountering God through Prayer with Amy Boucher Pye Want to boost your relationship with God? Come and explore different ways to pray, including praying with the Bible, practising God’s presence, listening prayer, the prayer of lament. Each is rooted in ancient practices and each can give us fresh ways to relate to God. We’ll also …
Encountering God retreat at St Katharine’s Parmoor Read More »
To be held at the Community of St Mary the Virgin, Wantage
Celtic spirituality for the changing seasons: a day connecting with God’s wisdom around us through the lives of everyday saints a Quiet Day led by Revd Canon Dr Lynda Barley
Finding an ordinary Nazareth: insights from the French author and mystic Madeleine Delbrêl’. Revd. Catherine Duce Catherine Duce is a priest at St Martin-in-the-Fields, London, with responsibility for the Nazareth Companions, an online contemplative community. She is a founding member of the wider Nazareth Community which began in 2018. Catherine is a recent new mum and …
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 …
Open Reflective Day at the Royal Foundation of St Katharine Read More »
Ever felt as if you are wandering in a wilderness, God has gone silent, your heart is downcast …? Based on the wonderful promises in Isaiah 35, we will explore our experience of going through the desert and help us to: See purpose in the desert; Find streams in the desert; Follow the Highway of …
God in all things Take this opportunity for prayer, reflection and fellowship in the peace filled setting of Whalley Abbey. This Ignation themed retreat will include different ways of praying, prayer stations and time for personal reflection. A delicious two course lunch, tea/coffee on arrival and in the afternoon.
Thin Places: ‘Learning from Lindisfarne’ led by Jane Franklin (Spiritual Director and Retreat Leader) 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 reflection for people who need a day …
Leader: Vicki Cottingham Come together and crochet a prayer shawl, spending time praying for the person who will be receiving it. Whilst we crochet the shawl as a gift for someone else, the act of crocheting itself is a gift to ourselves as it is beneficial for our own mental and emotional wellbeing.
Sue & Pauline invite you to consider what lessons can we learn from God’s first incarnation: creation. J Philip Newell writes: Creation’s outward profusion of life is rooted in its inner capacity for rest and renewal. We hope you’ll take some time to rest, reflect and become renewed for your inward and onward journey. We’ll be considering …
Are you frustrated that you can’t prioritise time for personal prayer and worship? Whilst perhaps at the same time feeling guilty about doing other things, such as arts and crafts? Let me show you how to harness the power of your creative playfulness to deepen your relationship with God. My name is Jenna Burne and …
Following Christ in a Secular Age This day will address the question of culture and discipleship, witness and mission - looking at the age we are in which is often better at making disciples for its causes than many are for Christ. Led by: Bishop Graham Cray Cost: £30.00 including lunch and refreshments
Leaders: Alison Male and Melianie O`Reilly For those who have a good working understanding of their Enneagram space, this course will look at sub-types, continue to explore the Enneagram sysyem within the Christian tradition and discover how we might use it to deepen our relationships with God, ourselves and others.
A yoga retreat with Debs Albon - not for the total beginner but good for anyone with experience of regular yoga practice. Her weekends at Othona are always popular and nourishing.
Going Deeper in Silence, Stillness and Simplicity Led by Briji Waterfield As we sit in meditation we put away our cares, expecting nothing, but simply attending and letting go of all that hinders us from being present in the now. In the spaciousness of meditation, we encounter God, the Source of All. A silent weekend for …
A day on Julian of Norwich: Mother, Mystic, Radical – with Dr Claire Gilbert. This year marks 650 years since Julian, 30 years old and suffering what was thought to be a terminal illness, experienced a series of 16 visions, or ‘shewings’, all revealing aspects of the love of God. She recovered from her illness …
Further details of this Quiet Day, led by Adrian Chatfield, will be available shortly. Please check back regularly for updates.
Thomas Merton wrote that the Gospel is ‘mercy upon mercy upon mercy’. A Quiet Day with Brother Sam Brother Sam will encourage our openness to consider the gospel message on mercy and forgiveness, and its place in the face of the culture of blame which so dominates public discourse today. A day centred on Christs …
Quiet Day at the Royal Foundation of St Katharine Read More »
Enjoy Chloe Percy-Smith, Emma Jones and Amy Bladon (Two Saxaphones & Piano), who are performing together as the Kassia Trio at Launde Abbey.
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 …
Personal Retreat at the Royal Foundation of St Katharine Read More »
Come and enjoy companionship and creativity in beautiful surroundings with time for relaxation and contemplation.
Crafting retreat Led by Anne Newport Perhaps you would like to learn a simple craft like rag rug making, or brush up on a craft such as knitting, crochet, patchwork, embroidery or quilting. Perhaps you already have a craft that you could use to bring focus to your time with God. The retreat will include quiet …
This retreat offers an opportunity to reflect on your life direction or spiritual path, perhaps at a time of discernment or wondering. The retreat includes addresses and prayer together around the theme of listening to your life, drawing on reflections from the 2016 book by the retreat leader, Julia Mourant. There will be time and space …
Leader: Julia McGuinness Come and explore a range of personal writing approaches that we can use on our Christian faith journey, using the written word to grow in our relationship with the Living Word. This retreat is for anyone who would like to explore how this process might enrich their discipleship and may be particularly useful …
The day will explore being deeply rooted in our own faith, so we can be profoundly open to others though ‘Generous Love’, ‘Hospitality and Welcome’. There will be an opportunity to put it into practice and explore faith conversations with individuals from Woking People of Faith. This day is for anyone who has an interest …
THE FEEDING OF THE 5,000. From a boat, to the shore of a lonely place... healing, the hungry are fed and the fragments are gathered.
“Stand at the crossroads and look. Look for the ancient paths. Ask where the good way is and walk in it and you will find rest for your soul.” This retreat provides a unique space for people at a crossroads in life to pause, step back and reflect on where they are, the questions they find themselves …
Crossroads Retreat at the Royal Foundation of St Katharine Read More »
Yoga Instructors: Rosanna Gordon and Siôn Jones Relax and unwind in the rolling hills and expansive lakes of Ambleside - come and spend a weekend getaway in this peaceful Lake District setting with this two night yoga retreat for mind, body and soul at the wonderful Rydal Hall.
Exploring Prayer and the Gospel through movement, art and improvisation. Using our bodies and imaginations to discover more about the Gospel and prayer in our daily lives. A way into silence. No former experience required! This retreat is being led by Sister Hilda Mary Baumberg, one of the Community of the Sisters Church, based in …
Art and Drama retreat at the Othona Community Essex Read More »
Holy Wisdom and her call for justice, love and unity. With Helen Warwick and Revd Jeanette Peirson. The ancient, hidden way of Wisdom is highlighted through this weekend, exploring our deep inner connection to Holy Wisdom and listening for her voice. Based on Helen Warwick's new book 'Wisdom Calls'.
A workshop with Jane Mellett Join us for this weekend retreat in the beautiful surroundings of the Franciscan Centre Ladywell. During these days we will explore what role faith communities have to play in addressing the ecological crisis. We will specifically focus on ecological spirituality.
Led by the House of Prayer Team 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 …
Leaders: Maureen Stringer and Chris Doust Come and deepen your relationship with God on this silent individually guided retreat (IGR). An IGR 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 …
Sharing Good News Stories A half-day session for anyone who is interested in learning how to get better at sharing great events which go on in our churches and communities. With the Diocesan Communication team from the Diocese of York. Led by: martin Sheppard and Louise Dover Cost: £25.00 including refreshments and lunch
A day exploring the Enneagram. Suitable for those who have done their groundwork and so have an idea of where they see themselves on the Enneagram and who wish to go further. Facilitated by Ros Borland and Robin Anker-Petersen
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.
Our IGRs are Ignatian-style retreats. There are no addresses as in preached or themed retreats. Rather, each person with the help of an experienced guide follows their own path as it seems God is leading them. The emphasis is on integrating body, mind and heart in faith. Each IGR is led by a CR brother, …
The Story of the Handless Woman Retreat This uniquely prepared retreat offers spiritual and creative space in which to explore one of the most compelling and crucial ancient stories for women, The Handless Woman. Psychologist Clarissa Pinkola Estes believes this tale is about the phases of an entire lifetime of a women and it teaches that the work …
Using photography as a starting point, Morna leads this retreat to draw on Ignatian spiritual practices to bring together the photographic stance and God’s lens, enabling us to see the world in fresh and new ways.
From Christian perspectives, we will explore the famous tales of Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella. And then: As the gong is sounded, an ancient Emperor of Japan appears, his eyes held by what he has just read about the exquisite song of the Nightingale... Sit back, relax and enjoy the performance... The retreat will go on …
A great week for families to enjoy the beautiful autumnal scenery around Othona. This is a chance to meet up with friends old and new and join in with seasonal activities such as pumpkin carving and take time to relax watching films in front of the fire.
Come and spend the day in quietness, peace and reflection. If you are familiar with our Quiet Garden Days, these days will follow a similar pattern and theme. A short led reflection at the start of the day, optional Communion before lunch and a shared group reflection to close before tea. Cost £20, includes lunch …
Join us for a short workshop painting an icon of Saint Kevin and a bird with bird’s nest. The Original icon was painted by Marchela D. St Kevin’s story is one of love for animals, friendship with animals and saving animals.
A Way in the Wilderness Finding meaning, direction and hope within times of uncertainty CSMV Associates’ Conducted Retreat with Christopher Chapman Where does the wilderness lie? Where might we find it? Not only in sand and rock. It stretches between ending and beginning; between loss of meaning and its recovery; between awareness of deep longing …
A Way in the Wilderness retreat at the Community of St Mary the Virgin, Wantage Read More »
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!
Time in community with no intensive course or activity in mind
Ecofluency Experience: Rediscover your ability to communicate with Nature Rekindle your ability to commune and communicate with all of Nature, in this residential experience and workshop held in the exquisite, tranquil setting of the Ladywell Convent. The Franciscan Centre is delighted to invite Dr Saskia von Diest to offer an Ecofluency experience within the tranquil …
Ecofluency Experience at the Franciscan Centre, Ladywell Read More »
FINDING NAZARETH: A RESIDENTIAL RETREAT WITH RICHARD CARTER Based on Richard Carter's new book, Letters to Nazareth Richard Carter explores the places of our own spiritual formation and growth. Richard Carter is Associate Vicar for Mission at St martin -in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square. Richard is the founder of the Nazareth Community whose members gather from everyday life to seek …
Residenatial Retreat at the Royal Foundation of St Katharine Read More »
Leaders: Mandy Callf and Ian Baxter Have you been through divorce or separation? Or has your relationship irretrievably broken down? Are you asking yourself why it all happened? Why me? Struggling with the trauma? Feeling rejected? Feeling that nobody understands? At whatever stage of separation or divorce you find yourself, this workshop helps you make some sense of …
Divorce Recovery Workshop at Penhurst Retreat Centre Read More »
Draw and paint creative designs onto plain pebbles. Using acrylic pens to draw and paint creative designs onto plain pebbles. Lots of tips and guidance on how to make works of art for yourself or as gifts. Suitable for everyone. All materials provided. Led by: Linda Daruvala and Mary Sutton – two friends who love life and …
Canon, Community and handing on the Faith Led by: Rev Dr Bruno Clifton OP What makes a text canonical and which version are we talking about anyway? The biblical texts have many authors and contributors and yet we do not have any of the texts they wrote, but copies handed down and reduplicated over generations. …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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.
‘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 …
