Holy Island Retreat with Christian Retreats

Monday 12th to Friday 16th October 2026

A while ago, I toured a theatre production ‘Illumination’, as part of the Lindisfarne Gospels Exhibition in Durham. Researching the play was a real adventure. It is a lifetime’s journey to come to a deeper knowing of the ancient Celtic Christian faith, and it continues to inspire, fascinate me and deepen my Christian spirituality. Our time in this sacred place will include prayerful and creative retreats, spiritual reflection and exploration of the compelling insights of these Celtic Saints. Retreat sessions include (weather permitting!) entering into the beautiful physical spaces of this island of St Aidan & St Cuthbert, which has been called ‘a thin place’. It is a symbolic landscape and we will reflect on various symbols, as well as being attentive to compelling pieces of art on the island. In the spirit of the monk Eadfrith, creator of the exquisite Lindisfarne Gospels, you’ll enter a candlelit ‘Scriptorium’; every dot, every stroke will be a prayer… We’ll also experience different ways of praying, including guided imaginative prayer, in which you’ll be invited to step into your coracle with Christ and journey to the Inner Farne where the hermit St Cuthbert is living an extraordinary human life. There’ll be time in nature, silence, discussion, music, art…. We will take time out to soak in and simply ‘be’ in this ancient place of beauty. This is an opportunity to deepen faith and give time to life’s journey. And all sessions are optional, so you can be free to move where the wind of the Holy Spirit blows… The sessions will take place on the island and mainly at the beautiful, spacious St Cuthbert’s Centre in the village. These retreats always seem to be graced with insight, enjoyment and spiritual depth. Holy Island is a wonderful place to retreat to! If you’re interested in attending, do feel free to contact me, Donna (Retreat Leader).