A day, for
your soul and spirit.
"He leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul." — Psalm 23:2–3
No agenda but stillness. A private stay at 'The Retreat' to pray, journal, read your bible, think, walk and hear yourself, and God, again — in a house set apart for exactly that.
Quiet Waters · Psalm 23
Welcome
One person. One stay. No timetable but your own.
The Retreat is a house on the edge of Stapleford Abbotts with a garden made for walking and rooms made for quiet. Most days, it hosts couples and small groups. On a personal retreat stay, it's simply yours.
There's no group to keep pace with, no session to arrive at on time. You choose how the hours are spent — in the garden, in a quiet room with a Bible open, in prayer, or simply in the kind of silence that's hard to find anywhere else.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
If you've been carrying something you haven't had space to put down, this is a stay built for exactly that.
Your stay
Three postures, not a programme
We don't schedule your stay for you — but most people find themselves moving between three postures, in whatever order suits them.
Sit and listen
A quiet room, a garden bench, a closed door. Space to pray without needing to say anything at all.
Walk it through
The garden and the lane beyond it are made for walking off what won't sit still in your head.
Write it down
A journal, a Bible, a table by the window. Room to think slowly and put words to what's been unspoken.
The house
A look inside
Is this for me?
You don't need a reason. Some people come for one anyway.
You're in a season of change
A new job, a loss, a decision on the horizon — a stay to seek God about it before you decide.
You're simply worn out
Not in crisis, just running on empty and aware you need to stop before you can go on.
You want a rhythm, not a rescue
Some guests come quarterly, as a settled practice of stepping away — not because something is wrong.
You're a church leader who pours out
Pastors, leaders, and carers are often the last to be poured into. This stay is for you too.
Preparing for your stay
What to bring, what to expect
The Retreat is self-catering, with check-in from 2pm. You're welcome to bring a Bible, a journal, walking shoes for the garden and lane, and nothing else you don't want to.
The kitchen is fully equipped for you to prepare your own meals; you're welcome to bring your own food or let us know in advance if you'd like something arranged.
- Arrive from 2pm on check in day
- The whole house and garden are yours, or your groups, for the booked time
- Complete privacy — no other guests booked alongside you
Counselling at The Retreat
Looking for support, not only stillness?
Our accredited counsellors offer personal, marriage, premarital and family counselling, as day or weekend intensives at The Retreat or as regular sessions without an overnight stay.
Book a stay
Set a day aside
Let us know when you're hoping to come, and we'll confirm availability. If you're not sure yet, that's fine too — just tell us you're interested.