A retreat is an intentional step away from the busyness of everyday life — to rest, reflect, and reconnect with God. Whether for a weekend or a week, alone or with others, retreats offer Christian travellers a space for quiet, prayer, and spiritual renewal.
This guide outlines the different types of retreats available, how to prepare for one, and what to expect during your time away.
What Is a Christian Retreat?
A retreat is a period set aside for spiritual focus. Unlike a holiday, it isn’t centred on activity or entertainment. Instead, it is structured around stillness, prayer, and reflection — often in a setting that encourages peace and solitude.
Retreats may be silent, guided, themed, or self-led. Some are designed for individuals, while others are organised for groups or church communities.
Types of Christian Retreats
Silent Retreats
Often offered in monasteries or retreat centres, these involve a period of extended silence. Meals, worship, and personal reflection take place without conversation, allowing space to listen deeply to God.
Guided Retreats
Led by a spiritual director or retreat leader, these include daily talks, scripture readings, and personal prayer time, often with optional one-to-one sessions.
Themed Retreats
Focused on a particular topic — such as grief, discernment, creativity, or healing — these retreats include structured input alongside time for quiet.
Personal Retreats
Self-guided retreats with minimal structure, allowing individuals to rest, pray, and reflect in their own way.
Group or Church Retreats
Organised by local churches or ministries, these offer shared worship, teaching, fellowship, and time for personal prayer.
Choosing the Right Retreat
When selecting a retreat, consider:
-
Purpose – Are you seeking rest, discernment, healing, or simply time with God?
-
Length – Do you need a weekend, a midweek break, or a longer stay?
-
Silence vs. interaction – Are you comfortable with extended silence, or would you prefer a more social format?
-
Location – Do you want countryside solitude, coastal views, or proximity to home?
Most retreat centres offer information about the style and structure of their events. Reading reviews or speaking to someone who has attended before can be helpful.
Preparing for a Retreat
Spiritually
-
Pray in advance about what you need or hope to receive
-
Consider a passage of scripture to bring with you
-
Be open to rest — sometimes God speaks most clearly when we stop trying
Practically
-
Bring comfortable clothes and layers suitable for walking or sitting outdoors
-
Pack a Bible, journal, pen, and any devotional reading
-
Avoid overpacking — keep it simple and distraction-free
-
Leave work, study, and unnecessary screens behind if possible
What to Expect on Retreat
Each retreat centre will vary, but common features include:
-
Daily rhythm of prayer – often morning and evening services
-
Private rooms or simple shared accommodation
-
Communal meals – sometimes silent, sometimes shared
-
Quiet time – large blocks of the day for personal reflection, reading, or rest
-
Spiritual guidance – optional one-to-one sessions with a chaplain or retreat leader
Retreats usually take place in peaceful settings — near the sea, in the countryside, or within a monastery. Many centres have gardens, chapels, libraries, and walking paths for guests to use.
UK Retreat Centres to Explore
Launde Abbey, Leicestershire
An Anglican retreat house offering themed and silent retreats in a rural setting.
St Beuno’s, North Wales
A Jesuit centre for Ignatian retreats, set in scenic hills with structured silent options.
The Bield at Blackruthven, Perthshire
Ecumenical centre offering creative and spiritual retreats in Scotland.
Hilfield Friary, Dorset
A Franciscan community focused on creation care, simplicity, and hospitality.
Sheldon Retreat, Devon
A rural retreat space welcoming individuals, couples, and clergy in need of rest and renewal.
Going on Retreat as a Group
Group retreats can be deeply enriching, especially for churches, small groups, or ministry teams.
Tips for group retreats:
-
Establish the purpose — rest, fellowship, vision planning, or spiritual growth
-
Keep the schedule balanced — include shared prayer and teaching, but also free time
-
Allow space for silence and individual reflection
-
Consider inviting a speaker or facilitator for input
Some retreat centres offer packages or self-catering options for groups to organise their own programme.
After the Retreat
Return gently. The shift from quiet back to daily life can be disorienting. Allow a buffer if possible — avoid jumping straight into meetings or busy schedules.
Ways to continue the impact of your retreat:
-
Revisit notes or reflections from your journal
-
Make time for regular silence or prayer walks
-
Discuss insights with a spiritual friend or mentor
Let me know if you’d like a list of recommended UK retreat centres by denomination or region, or a printable “retreat packing list” and preparation guide.