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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4 events,
Summer Bank Holiday pilgrimage at Mirfield
Arrive Friday afternoon, depart after lunch on Sunday (when the pilgrimage ends) or stay on another night until after breakfast on Monday. As Christians, we journey with Christ through the years of our life. Sometimes people leave their ordinary surroundings and make a special journey to spend time in the presence of God in a special …
R5 retreat at Sheldon
R5 (August) 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 …
Quiet Week at the Othona Community Essex
Come along for a midweek break to enjoy the peace and tranquillity and hopefully some good weather. There is no set programme, giving plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. There will be a chance to help with tasks both inside and outside to help keep the week going smoothly.
4 events,
Preparing for Retirement at Penhurst Retreat Centre
Leaders: Anne de Reybekilll and Evan Winter This course will seek to help those who have been involved in full-time Christian ministry (UK and overseas) prepare for retirement and the years beyond. It will look at what we understand by `retirement`, the Biblical approach to old age, and in particular at the spirituality of ageing.
8 events,
Stone carving weekend at Hilfield Friary
Led by Lindy Cameron Join Lindy for the second practical stone carving experience. Learn to carve or increase your skills while exploring with others how ancient stone and spirituality might work alongside each other in a relaxed environment where all are welcome. Tools provided but if you would like to bring your own then please do. Come …
Spirituality of Walking retreat at Holland House
Led by Rosie Miles Come and spend a weekend at Holland House, where (weather willing) we will both walk in the local area and explore together writing about walking in prose and poetry. The writers who will help us do this may include Robert Macfarlane, Raynor Winn, Kerry Andrews, Graham B. Ussher, Thomas A. Clark, …
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Rhythm of Prayer weekend at Wydale Hall
Embrace the challenge and discipline of a monastic pattern of prater and meditation with the Wydale Community for a weekend. Led by: The Wydale Community Cost: £196.00 including accommodation and food
Hildegard retreat at Penhurst Retreat Centre
Leader: Brigid Main Come and discover Hildegard, a hidden treasure of the church. Through her visions, music and words we have the opportunity to re-learn precious truths about God, our faith and the world we live in.
7 events,
Labyrinh training day with Christian Retreats
Labyrinh training day with Christian Retreats
Labyrinth Training Day: Saturday 2nd September 2023 11am-6pm (Please arrive early - there will be coffee from 10.30am) Venue: Leyland Methodist Church, 9 Turpin Green Ln, Leyland, Lancashire PR25 3HA The labyrinth is a safe, beautiful prayerful holding space and offers time to slow down, walk one's pathway, listen to the inner journey, be attuned to …
Quiet Day at Ty Mawr Convent
Quiet Day at Ty Mawr Convent
Praying with women poets. Professor Nicola Slee Nicola Slee is Director of Research at the Queen’s Foundation for Ecumenical Theological Education, Birmingham, and Professor of Feminist Practical Theology at Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam. Both poet and theologian, Nicola has authored many books concerned with women’s faith and spirituality. Current book with Canterbury Press, Abba Amma: Improvisations on the …
5 events,
Classical concert at Launde Abbey
Classical concert at Launde Abbey
Book early for this wonderful concert with Eleanor Turner (Harp) and Lisa Nelsen (Flute)
4 events,
Mission Debrief at Penhurst Retreat Centre
Leaders: Wania Honman and Sandie Reeves An opportunity for mission partners to process their transitions to the UK. Come and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the retreat centre as part of your home assignment or re-entry to the UK and take the opportunity to receive a personal debrief.
Day of prayer for Mission at Penhurst Retreat Centre
Day of prayer for Mission at Penhurst Retreat Centre
Do you have a heart for the nations? Do you know mission workers who need prayer support? Come and join us for a day of prayer for the worldwide mission community. No charge but donations towards a light lunch would be appreciated.
Quiet Day at Launde Abbey
Quiet Day at Launde Abbey
This is my body A Quiet Day led by David Harknett with his daughter Rose, the day provide a chance to think about our bodies, in both their brokenness and beauty,
2 events,
Midweek Sabbath retreat at St Katharine’s Parmoor
Walking in the Rain – Midweek Sabbath with Revd Richard Grenham-Thompson A joyful experience, or a curse from God. A chance to reflect on our walk through life as the rains fall. ‘For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making …
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3 events,
Quiet Day at Wydale Hall
Quiet Day at Wydale Hall
What is Jesus Like? A day retreat to explore the person and character of Jesus by looking at his names throughout Scripture. Led by: Ruth Crompton Cost: £30.00 including lunch and refreshments
7 events,
Colour Personalities Week at Shepherd’s Dene
What do your colour choices reveal about your personality? A weekend of self-discovery and personal growth.
Harvest weekend at the Othona Community Essex
This is a very busy time of year for harvesting and utilising our seasonal fruits, there will be juice making from our apples, grapes and pears and prep work for winter planting in the garden. There are always jobs to be done indoors as well.
Poetry retreat at Hilfield Friary
With Elizabeth Cook John Donne (1572–1631) was born into a Catholic family but by the end of his life was Dean of St Paul’s in London. His life was full of drama and difficulty and he endured periods of sickness and poverty. His poetry – as arresting now as when it was first written – is …
The Jesus Prayer retreat at Launde Abbey
Meditate together on this ancient prayer, discover something of its history and spiritual value, learn about the use of prayer ropes, and - of course! - practice praying the Jesus Prayer together. Led by Chris Webb.
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 …
Quiet Day at Penhurst Retreat Centre
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 …
7 events,
Labyrinth Day at Shepherd’s Dene
Labyrinth Day at Shepherd’s Dene
£45pp includes lunch and refreshments Invitation to a sacred journey - rediscovering the labyrinth as a pilgrim path of prayer Jesus invites people to walk with him and go on a journey. Come and rediscover the ancient Christian practice of prayer walking with labyrinths to embody prayer and pilgrimage. Learning how to deepen the joy …
6 events,
New Wine, New wineskins at Bonnevaux WCCM
With Andrew Harvey, Cynthia Bourgeault and Laurence Freeman
Reading retreat at Mirfield
The written word is no longer confined to the printed page. Now we can text and e-mail, tweet and blog and have become used to the availability of both instant and constant communication. Whether you find this a blessing or a curse, or a strange combination of both, this week is an opportunity to step …
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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Exploring Covenant Day at Penhurst Retreat Centre
Exploring Covenant Day at Penhurst Retreat Centre
Leader: Alison Marchant This relaxed, interactive day will explore what covenant originally meant in Bible times, how it has developed over the years and begin to uncover some of the amazing depth and riches of what it means for us personally to be in covenant with Almighty God today. It is an opportunity to at least …
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4 events,
Reforesting the Soul retreat at Launde Abbey
Experience a feeling of being embraced and challenged by trees as Andrew Mayes invites you to pray with the trees.
Online Oasis Day
Online Oasis Day
The Roots of the Mountains: Reflecting on Jonah A ‘virtual’ Oasis Day led by Dr Antonia Lynn (London Centre Spiritual Direction) 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 …
5 events,
Quiet Week at the Othona Community, West Dorset
This quiet week will be an opportunity to relax in the peace of Dorset coastal landscape and enjoy poetry, walks, meditations and community together. We are delighted to welcome back our leaders for this week, partners Jane Pearse and Catherine Bond. Jane and Catherine have an eclectic taste for poems including many by Mary Oliver, …
Exploring Spiritual Pain at Sarum College
Exploring Spiritual Pain at Sarum College
The use of the word spiritual has become commonplace in many areas of life. We sometimes use it to describe people who are aware of their inner life and wish to attend to it outside of the strictures and structures of organised religion. It is a concept widely used in health and social care, and …
6 events,
Rest for the Weary Retreat at Penhurst Retreat Centre
Leader: Tony and Jilly Horsfall Do you have a feeling of exhaustion or sense of having failed to reach the mark in Christian living? These common maladies that beset God`s people are addressed in the magnificent words of Isaiah 40. This retreat will help take your eyes off yourself and plant them firmly on the God …
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‘Being Human’ retreat at the Franciscan Centre, Ladywell
A set of workshops lead by Niamh Brennan. In this course/workshop we will examine what it means to be a ‘human being’ considering the Universe story as articulated through contemporary science.
10 events,
Residential retreat at the Royal Foundation of St Katharine
Led by Elizabeth Foy A Contemplative Waiting: The Art of Faith This retreat will include a visit to the National Gallery, to take a contemplative look at some masterpieces of Christian art, and consider how looking at particular artists’ visions might challenge or refresh our sense of the familiar. We’ll also consider how looking at paintings might play …
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Walking Retreat at Wydale Hall
Come for a Walk As the title suggests! Join others for a weekend of guided walks, gentle ones on Friday and Sunday and a longer one on Saturday. Make new friends or meet up with old ones. Led by: The Wydale Community Cost: £196.00 including accommodation and food
Folk music workshop at Shepherd’s Dene
Weekend courses for fiddles or mixed instruments. Enjoy intensive folk music study, music making and self development with expert tuition from experienced teacher and musician Stewart Hardy. See also www.stewarthardy.co.uk For information and bookings contact Ali music@stewarthardy.co.uk
Quiet Day at Wydale Hall
Quiet Day at Wydale Hall
Becoming more Christlike The Archbishop of York joins us for the day to help us in our thinking about what it means for us as individuals and as the Church to become more like Jesus. Led by: the Archbishop of York Cost: £30.00 including lunch and refreshments
11 events,
Retreat Day for Worship Leaders at the Living Well, Nonington
Retreat Day for Worship Leaders at the Living Well, Nonington
Led by Rev Stephen Hardy and Rev Lorraine Apps-Huggins
Quiet Day at Wydale Hall
Quiet Day at Wydale Hall
Introduction to Silence An opportunity to see what a silent retreat feel like for you. There will be worship and prayer guidance, and plenty of time for you to see if being silent is as alarming as it sounds! Led by Lynn & John Grove Cost: £30.00 including lunch and refreshments
7 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.
6 events,
Photography and Prayer Retreat at Rydal Hall
Learning to See with the Eyes of the Heart - A retreat exploring photography and prayer. Tutor: Rev’d Susan Blagden Come and explore contemplative photography and spirituality within the beautiful setting of Rydal Hall.
Narnia Retreat at Penhurst Retreat Centre
Leader: Andy Swinford Come and explore the theme of journeying through the life God has given us, drawing inspiration from the Bible and from the stories of C S Lewis and J R R Tolkien. We shall look at such themes as leave-taking and home-coming, pilgrimage, companions on the way, the things that sustain us, God`s …
An evening with Thomas Merton at Sarum College
An evening with Thomas Merton at Sarum College
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 …
6 events,
Quiet Day at St Columba’s House
Quiet Day at St Columba’s House
‘Be Still and Know that I am God’ Psalm 46 v10 – A Quiet Day A quiet day led by Susannah Riley. Come and spend a guided quiet day with lunch. Time just to be, to read, to be creative, to walk….to find space to be yourself with God. For anyone needing a quiet day. …
5 events,
Residential retreat at the Royal Foundation of St Katharine
CHANGE VIEWED THROUGH THE LENS: A RESIDENTIAL RETREAT WITH STEVE RADLEY The weekend will help you discover the power of your camera to still your mind, and help you notice and connect with the beauty of the divine in all things. Stephen is an Anglican priest, trained professional photographer and members ambassador for the Guild of …
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8 events,
Revisiting Advent and Christmas at Sarum College
Revisiting Advent and Christmas at Sarum College
Liturgical, theological and pastoral opportunities for Advent and Christmas As we reach Harvest, our minds will already be turning to how we will observe Advent and Christmas in our parishes and communities, and in our own devotional life. This half-day online course will seek to revisit the distinctive themes of this wonderful period of the …
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Quiet Garden day at Holland House
Quiet Garden day at Holland House
Come and spend the day in quietness, peace and reflection. Organised by the Friends of Holland House, the day will include a short reflection at the start of the day, optional Communion before lunch and a shared group reflection to close before tea and cake. Cost £20, includes lunch and refreshments
Rural Mission Hub at Launde Abbey
Rural Mission Hub at Launde Abbey
This rural mission hub day day includes led reflection, time for personal prayer, mutual learning, shared wisdom and companionship with others in rural pioneering ministry.
7 events,
Autumn Equinox retreat at the Open Pathway Centre
Bringing balance to everyday life. led by David Cole
Singing Retreat at Penhurst Retreat Centre
Leader: Brigid and Laurie Main Do you love music but cannot sing? Do friends and family tell you to leave the singing to others? Then this is for you! Do you sing and want to explore new songs and music? Does your repertoire need a new lease of life? Then this is for you! God made …
Lakeland Writing Retreat at Rydal Hall
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.
Sitting at the feet of Carmelite mystics retreat at the House of Prayer
Teresa of Avila famously described prayer as nothing else than an intimate sharing between friends, taking time to be alone with Him who we know loves us. She, and the other great Carmelite mystics, have much to teach us about how beloved we are and the grandeur of our calling. They also help us to …
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Changing Seasons quiet day with Petite Retreats
Changing Seasons quiet day with Petite Retreats
A day in the peaceful garden at Lopcombe, considering the changes in nature's seasons and the seasons of our lives.
8 events,
Discernment morning with Christian Retreats
Discernment morning with Christian Retreats
A time to review our callings and discern the guidance of the Spirit. The retreat includes guided imaginative prayer, the spiritual treasures of a beautiful painting and time to listen to the body’s wisdom.
Guided walk at Shepherd’s Dene
Guided walk at Shepherd’s Dene
With Revd Diane Johnson A chance to explore the countryside around Shepherds Dene. Bring your own lunch, other refreshments provided.
7 events,
Reflections on retirement retreat at Sheldon
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 at Wydale Hall
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 …
Confessions workshop at Mirfield
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 …
Healing Retreat at Penhurst Retreat Centre
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.
An evening with Evelyn Underhill at Sarum College
An evening with Evelyn Underhill at Sarum College
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 …
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6 events,
Midweek retreat at St Katharine’s Parmoor
Leader: Carol Jackson-Doerge Full details, title and theme, will be posted in due course.
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!
7 events,
Open Space retreat at Othona West Dorset
Your chance to visit Othona... with interesting lunch outings
6 events,
Working Party at Penhurst Retreat Centre
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 …
Changing Seasons quiet day with Petite Retreats
Changing Seasons quiet day with Petite Retreats
An online retreat day with Revd Vanessa Cole to consider the changes in nature's seasons and the seasons of our lives.
Day of Stillness at the Royal Foundation of St Katharine
Day of Stillness at the Royal Foundation of St Katharine
“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 …
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5 events,
Gardening Day at Wydale Hall
Gardening Day at Wydale Hall
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
Contemplative Photography at the House of Prayer
Contemplative Photography at the House of Prayer
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.
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
The 2023 APR Autumn retreat will be held from 31 Oct until 2 Nov 2023 at Shallowford House, Staffs. It will be led by APR President, Rt Revd John Stroyan. More details are available by clicking here, or book your place now using our online booking form.
The 2023 APR Annual General Meeting will be held at Shallowford House at 2pm on Thursday 2nd November (You are invited to join us for a celebration of Holy Communion and lunch preceding the meeting, at a cost of £20). The AGM will also be accessible via Zoom. Book now by emailing promoting.retreats@gmail.com, and please let us know whether you will be joining us in person or online!
Don’t forget it’s National Retreat Week from 23-30 September 2023! How might you get involved? Find out more on renewall.org.uk
This week we are praying for...
Each week we pray for one of our member retreat houses. This week we are praying for the Sisters of the Community of the Holy Name in Hessle, East Yorkshire, and for all who seek rest and refreshment with them
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.