Retreats in August 2026

Interested in this retreat? Use this link to complete your booking form
Suggested donation: £190

3 – 6 August (Monday to Thursday)
Family Week: St. Oswald (at Nether Springs)

Join with other families for a special week at Nether Springs, keeping the rhythm of the day with all-age friendly prayer, learning and play times, optional shared outings to local Celtic sites and discovering more about the treasures St. Oswald, former King of the North.  Interesting and fun stories and songs are guaranteed.

This retreat ends after lunch on Thursday, but families can choose to stay over on Thursday evening and join in the weekend retreat as well.

Interested in this retreat? Use this link to complete your booking form
Suggested donation: £285

7 – 9 August (Friday to Sunday)
Family Week: ‘Family Life is Holy Ground’ (at Nether Springs)

Over thirty years ago, this was an early statement of the founders of the Northumbria Community. Here is an opportunity to explore what this statement might mean for us today.  Join with other families for a special weekend at Nether Springs, keeping the rhythm of the day with all-age friendly prayer, learning and play times, optional shared outings to local Celtic sites and discovering more about the treasures of friendship and family life.

Interested in this retreat? Use this link to complete your booking form
Suggested donation: £190

10 – 13 August (Monday to Thursday)
Inner/Outer Pilgrimage (at Nether Springs)

This retreat involves both inner pilgrimage – a journey of inner work, silence, study, peace and rest and an opportunity for the ‘Heart alone with God’ staying full-board in an ensuite room – and outer pilgrimage. We have been working on resources to help those on retreat with their own transportation to explore the rich Christian heritage of Northumbria through outer, physical pilgrimage to nearby Celtic Sites. The Nether Springs Chapel, Poustinia, Labyrinth, gardens and woods and local country and coastal walks are available to all guests and provide time with God in Creation and space for the inner-outer pilgrimage as well.

Interested in this retreat? Use this link to complete your booking form
Suggested donation: £285

14 – 16 August (Friday to Sunday)
A Time for Everything (at Nether Springs)

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Join in with the life of the house based on the monastic daily rhythm of prayer, work, study/reflection, solitude and community. No set programme or teaching is provided, apart from an introduction on the first night and a closing reflection. It is just an opportunity to come and be yourself.  Open to all ages.

Interested in this retreat? Use this link to complete your booking form
Suggested donation: £190

17 – 20 August (at Monday to Thursday)
Celtic Sites and Saints (Nether Springs)

A chance to journey with the Celtic Saints whose spirituality and witness not only served the renewal of the Church but shaped culture in their own day and beyond. The example of Aidan, Cuthbert, Oswald, Hild and many others has inspired the Northumbria Community and provided a foundation for our Way for Living. This retreat offers an opportunity for the example of their lives to shape our own, as well as pilgrimages to local Celtic sites.

Open to families and people of all ages.

Interested in this retreat? Use this link to complete your booking form
Suggested donation: £285

21 – 23 August (at Friday to Sunday)
Community Introduction (Nether Springs)

An introductory retreat outlining the history, vocation and novitiate process of the Northumbria Community. An essential retreat for all who want to explore their relationship with the Community.

Please note: Participation in the first evening session is essential for those becoming Novices.