What is a Retreat?

The word ‘retreat’ suggests taking a step back, and it is this process of taking a look at life from a new perspective which is what makes coming away on a retreat so powerful.

A retreat at Ampleforth Abbey offers the chance to reflect on and progress your spiritual journey whilst resting in our comfortable retreat centre. You don’t have to be Catholic or even a Christian to join us here, to benefit from the chance to discover who you really are and what you’d like your life to mean. We welcome anyone seeking a meaningful encounter in the peaceful setting of our working monastery.

If you’re looking for the chance to connect with a community of like-minded others as you explore your faith and gain a deeper understanding of yourself in turn, you might choose to join one of our guided retreats. These are each centred on a different topic and led by either an Ampleforth monk or one of our knowledgeable retreat leaders.

Topics range from those which offer tools towards living a calmer or more Christian life; perhaps through the lens of a piece of scripture, or methods such as Christian meditation or Lectio Divina. In the pages following, you can also read about coming to Ampleforth Abbey as an individual, for space and respite, or as part of a pre-formed group, looking to develop your bond of faith.

Whatever you choose, a retreat here offers the chance to learn more about yourself and return to your day-to-day life refreshed and renewed.