Religious retreats (Christian)

[KatherineLacey]

Hello, I hope someone can advise me.

I want to go on retreat for a few days this summer. Not sure why, just something I feel drawn to do. I have done a bit of Googling but most of the advice I can find seem to be broadsheet newspaper articles for people who want a retreat somewhere quiet and picturesque but aren't too bothered about the religious aspect. I want a retreat with a definite religious aspect as I'm currently exploring my Christian faith - a friend said try a convent but I'm not sure how many there are or which one to choose.

It will have to be in the UK, preferably England, as I don't have much money at the moment. I am at the sort of high church Anglican end of things, if that makes any difference, but a Roman Catholic place would be fine.

Can anyone recommend somewhere?

Thanks.

I think Ashburnham near Battle do retreats. Beautiful place & v peaceful!

The Good Retreat Guide has some good ideas. www.thegoodretreatguide.com/spirituality/christian

I've heard very good things of the Society of Martha and Mary at Sheldon in the west country and St Beunos in Wales.

I've been to Launde Abbey and can't recommend it highly enough. They have a programme of organised retreats, or you can just book in and go on your own. It's a beautiful, peaceful place (and very comfortable with delicious food to boot). A really good place, I should think, to explore your faith.

I would really recommend All Hallows in Ditchingham on the Suffolk Norfolk border.

www.all-hallows.org/retreats.php

It is a high Anglican convent and amazingly lovely to go there.

Many convents have a guest wing.

Why not take a look at the UK Christian Handbook for ideas, if you don't own a copy (who does!) your vicar or minister might or your local biggish church or library.

www.amazon.co.uk/UK-Christian-Handbook-Peter-Brierley/dp/0551032359

Also, I highly recommend this place, Lee Abbey, beautiful and amazing but not cheap. Also gets booked up very quickly so ask first what is still free before getting your hopes up for a particular weekend.

www.leeabbey.org.uk/devon/

All best wishes.

Thanks everyone for giving me some ideas. Italian, I really like the look of All Hallows'.

Does anyone have any experience of Turvey Abbey near Bedford? I found it today while following various links.

Also, can someone give me a bit more info on how the whole thing works? I was planning on not bringing any books or gadgets, leaving my phone somewhere, and going to as many of the services as poss. Is that what most people do? Also, I've noticed that often places don't say what kind of donation they want. Do you ask about that when you email for possible dates etc?

thanks

Have you thought about doing a Taize retreat? I don't know a great deal about it, but my best pal goes on one now and then and I believe it's very broad, ecumenical with a Christian focus, and you can opt for a silent retreat alone or engaging with prayer meetings etc. - up to you. They have them all over the world but I believe there's an Abbey in the West Country that does them regularly.

I'm sorry I'm being so vague

Hi Haunted - I've just googled, I see what you mean. It looks good but I think I'd like something a bit more traditional, more of the sort of liturgy I'm used to. But I'll mention it to anyone who asks me about that sort of retreat, thanks.

I stayed with my kids at Rydal Hall in the lake district for a church weekend away. I can recommend it very highly, beautiful place, very family friendly, spritual and excellent food. It is very reasonably priced too.

I think most (all?) anglican dioceses have their own retreat houses. Your priest would be able to give you a contact for that- or probably you could find out from a diocesan website. They'll publish a list of their guided retreats, so you could see if one of those floats your boat, and if not you can just book in to stay there, go to the services, have some quiet time alone (maybe wandering the countryside near by), and often book in a slot to talk to the warden/chaplain.

I'd also point you towards the Franciscans- high church Anglicans, but deeply grounded in the mess and beauty of our world.

Hi, I'm not sure if anyone is interested but I am organising a Christian mums' weekend away for the first weekend of Septemebr this year. It is not restricted to any type of church but most of the mums are from Anglican backgrounds. It's in Malshanger, closest big landmark would be Heathrow, costs £40 including food but rooms are shared. There will be times of prayer, worship, teaching and free times.