Weekends

Weekend breaks can be just enough time to step back from routine and reconnect with faith. Whether you’re travelling solo, with a partner, or as part of a church group, a weekend away offers the opportunity to rest, reflect, and refocus — without needing a full week off work.

This guide outlines ideas for planning short, faith-centred getaways and how to make the most of a weekend for spiritual renewal.

Why Take a Faith-Based Weekend Away?

Modern life often leaves little space for stillness. Even short breaks can create room for rest and reflection — a chance to pray without pressure, explore Christian heritage, or enjoy creation at a slower pace.

A weekend away can:

  • Offer time to pray, read, or walk without distraction

  • Provide a reset during busy seasons

  • Strengthen relationships through shared faith experiences

  • Help explore new worship settings or churches

Types of Weekend Getaways

Quiet Retreat

Ideal for individuals or couples needing space to rest and listen. Book a stay at a retreat house, monastery guest wing, or simple B&B near a church or countryside.

Group Breaks

Weekend trips with a church group or small fellowship can build community while offering shared times of prayer, study, or worship.

Christian Heritage Visits

Visit historic sites like cathedrals, abbeys, or pilgrimage stops for a weekend steeped in spiritual history.

Nature-Based Escape

Plan a quiet weekend walking through a national park, coast, or forest, with space for prayer and reflection in nature.

Worship-Focused Break

Attend a Christian conference, festival, or church weekend — centred on teaching, worship, and spiritual encouragement.

Planning a Weekend Break

Choose the Purpose

Clarify your aim: rest, prayer, fellowship, exploration, or a mix. This will help shape where you go and what you include.

Find a Suitable Location

Depending on your goals, consider:

  • Retreat centres for prayerful quiet

  • Countryside or coast for walking and nature

  • Cities with access to historic churches and cathedrals

  • Familiar spiritual places — somewhere meaningful to revisit

Try to avoid overfilling your itinerary — leave room for stillness.

Sample Weekend Itinerary (Individual or Couple)

Friday Evening

  • Arrive and settle in

  • Light dinner or self-catered meal

  • Evening prayer or scripture reading

Saturday

  • Morning walk and silent reflection

  • Visit a local church or historic site

  • Midday prayer and journalling

  • Afternoon rest or reading

  • Optional group worship or quiet time

  • Evening meal and time for shared reflection

Sunday

  • Attend a local service

  • Short walk or visit nearby spot of interest

  • Travel home early afternoon

Sample Weekend Itinerary (Small Group)

Friday

  • Travel together

  • Opening prayer and simple meal

  • Evening discussion or worship

Saturday

  • Morning devotion and breakfast

  • Group walk or guided reflection

  • Midday rest and personal prayer

  • Afternoon Bible study or discussion

  • Shared meal and evening worship

Sunday

  • Attend local church

  • Closing prayers and reflections

  • Return journey

What to Bring

  • Bible and journal

  • Comfortable clothing and shoes

  • Reusable water bottle and snacks

  • Optional devotional book or worship playlist

  • A prepared reading or scripture for group sharing (if attending with others)

Keep packing simple — the focus is on being present, not being busy.

Ideas for Faith Activities on a Weekend Away

  • Lectio Divina – meditative reading of scripture

  • Prayer walks – short or extended routes, outdoors or around a church

  • Creative reflection – drawing, photography, or poetry based on the weekend

  • Shared worship – singing, silence, or guided prayers

  • Evening Examen – reviewing the day with thankfulness and prayer

Where to Go in the UK

City Escapes

  • York – Minster, city walls, and monastic heritage

  • Canterbury – Cathedral and surrounding pilgrimage history

  • Durham – River walks, cathedral, and peaceful university town

Countryside Breaks

  • Lake District – Ideal for nature and rest

  • Cotswolds – Quiet villages and historic churches

  • Northumberland Coast – Holy Island and open skies

Retreat Centres with Weekend Options

  • Many Christian retreat centres offer short-stay bookings — including Launde Abbey, St Cuthman’s, and Penhurst Retreat Centre.

Keeping It Sustainable

  • Avoid long travel if possible — choose a location within 2–3 hours

  • Share travel with others to reduce cost and impact

  • Keep costs low by self-catering or using retreat house meals

  • Allow space for rest — don’t treat it as a sightseeing trip

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