Does a long term retreat exist in uk

[wheretogo2026]

I’m in my 60s, retired, no commitments and going through difficult time due to divorce(not my choice). Once I get the equity from the house sale I’d love to go somewhere for a few month to “reset” and decide where I want to live and what I want to do. I’d love to find a retreat I could go for a few month. Whilst I don’t mind time on my own I’d love somewhere with activities, classes and other people. Does such a place exist? All retreats seem a few days not a few months. I’m thinking somewhere about £1,500 a month plus food and activities. I can’t see anything that looks quite right. Any suggestions

Have you thought about volunteering at a retreat centre? You’d make new friends and your accommodation would be free.
Also being active might help take your mind off things and keep melancholy at bay.

That’s an interesting idea. I’ll look into it. Definitely need to be active

The Iona Community

I saw Ben Fogle's programme about The Iona Community and thought it was wonderful.

You can volunteer at the Buddhist Centre at Thornby Hall in Northamptonshire. You'll be an expert Barista after.

I think the Othona retreat on the Essex coast have long term volunteers working there. My friend often goes to their short themed retreats and says it’s a wonderful place.

Lendrick Lodge near Callander is often looking for volunteers as well as lots of Buddhist retreats .

I was going to say look at Buddhist retreats.

Or consider a long cruise. That meets all of your requirements and you can get some good deals on longer cruises. Plus the added benefit of travelling.

Are there any non religious retreats ?
Thank you

You could look into Braziers Park in Oxfordshire - I believe that's a secular community.

Thank you for all your amazing suggestions. I am researching all of them. I’m not sure what I want so making me think. I hadn’t thought of volunteering, more renting a room at a retreat. However I like the idea of getting involved in preparing veg, washing up etc and the coffee shop sounds great but at my age I couldn’t do hours of physical work. I could just book myself a cottage somewhere but really like the idea of doing some sort of classes/self help

Great thread OP, this is something I am interested in. as well. If I find anything i'll come back and update here

Thank you. Very interested in nagarjuna in Northampton as suggested by pp but nothing I can do until I’ve sold my house but definitely something I’m seriously looking at. Good luck to you

I think any centres that you volunteered to work in would take into account fitness. I don't imagine they are charging around working so hard, more a gentle mindful working away which might be quite helpful.
I was going to suggest the Iona Community or Findhorn or Isle of Erraid.

@wheretogo2026 are you a Buddhist?

No I’m not. Just looking for a retreat

You could go to Dhippa Dharma and do Vipassana on a 10 day silent retreat. Its organic vegetarian food and operates on donation only. I went in the early 00s and donated £100.

Its not a requirement

Sharpham is a wonderful place and there’s also Gaia house.
www.sharphamtrust.org/volunteering

By chance I was skimming through this website the other day. https://www.holyisle.org/courses/buddhism/view/winter-retreat

I've never made it across Lamlash Bay to Holy Isle but there's a well established Buddhist community there. Looks like you do a bit of work as well as contemplation.