Ideas

St John’s Church, Cockayne Hatley, is a beautiful sanctuary situated on the Clopton Way, surrounded by peaceful countryside. It serves as both a parish church and a ‘thin space’ for those seeking retreats, quiet days, study sessions, pilgrimages, or concerts. With facilities including toilets and a kitchenette, it provides an ideal setting for PCC vision days and spiritual gatherings.

St Mary’s Church, Puttenham, is a medieval church nestled in the beautiful countryside of northwest Hertfordshire. With underfloor heating and well-maintained facilities, it offers a quiet and open space for retreats and quiet days. The church regularly hosts quiet days for Churchwardens and provides training for those looking to offer quiet days for others. It is often available for spiritual gatherings and reflection.

Lee Abbey’s communities in Devon and London warmly welcome those seeking Spiritual Renewal and Wellbeing. In Devon, visitors can join a scheduled programme or simply ‘Come and Be,’ enjoying space for reflection and retreat around the house and estate. As part of the year a clergy discount is offered and bursaries may be available too. In London, a student hostel in Kensington with a garden, day or overnight retreats are available on short notice, subject to availability.

(Image: Coastal retreat-Lee Abbey, North Devon by Martin Richard Phelan, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Visitors are welcome to come for an individual retreat, offering time to think, read, pray, reflect, and deepen their relationship with God. During term-time, guests can join students for meals and worship, while in the vacations, they may stay alongside other retreatants or conference guests, or choose to self-cater and enjoy a more private experience. Guided retreats are also offered for clergy and lay ministers, featuring a programme of input and the company of others. These are typically held during term-time, allowing participants to engage with student life and utilise the educational resources for study.

(Image: Riponcollege, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

It is quite common for individuals to book accommodation for personal self-directed retreats. Such individuals are always welcome to join the Community Mass at 12 noon each day (10.15 am on Sundays) and to also join the community for Morning (8.00 am) and Evening (6.30 pm) Prayer. The Chapels and the Rosary Way are open each day for private prayer and we have a Holy Hour of Adoration at 3.00 pm each Saturday.

A good venue for a parish quiet day.  24 people can be accommodated.

Discover the seven-mile circular pilgrimage route created by the Revd Bill Britt, taking you through the rich history of Roman and medieval sites, including the churches of St Ippolyts, and Great and Little Wymondley. This self-guided walk is designed to help you connect with the sacredness of the local landscape, buildings, and history. An eight-page booklet accompanies the route, providing historical insights, Bible verses, reflections, and a detailed map to guide your journey. This route offers a meaningful way to explore the spiritual heritage of the area.

A flexible method for personal reflection and community work, providing a safe space for deep exploration of feelings and shared experiences. Sessions often begin with the words, "Now we have time to breathe. In a circle of trust we listen and explore feelings. There’s space to wonder and play, in love"

This approach has been used in various contexts—Lent courses, confirmation preparation, small church sermons, community storytelling, and providing pastoral support to someone with a terminal illness. Others apply it for spiritual reflection, multigenerational ministry, and work with refugees. In one case, a priest even used it to mediate conflict within a church council.

Supper and lunch clubs offer a warm, welcoming space for people to connect over food, fostering both wellbeing and spiritual renewal. These gatherings create a sense of community, where sharing a meal becomes a chance to build friendships, find support, and enjoy meaningful conversation. Whether it’s a simple lunch or a hearty supper, these clubs provide an opportunity to slow down, be present, and nurture both body and soul in an atmosphere of hospitality and kindness. Join us to experience the joy of connecting with others and deepening your sense of spiritual wellbeing through shared meals.

The Alban Way is a year long programme focused on equipping and forming you to grow as disciples and leaders. Through practice-based teaching sessions, we want to help you build foundations on which your relationship with Jesus grows and flourishes.