Whalley Abbey Retreat
Whalley Abbey is a place steeped in history dating back to c1300 and was the home of a monastic Cistercian community dedicated to spiritual practice. It was one of the last Cistercian Abbeys to be built in England. It is situated in the County of Lancashire at Whalley.
In the 1530s, Henry VIII began to close the monasteries and abbeys and large parts of the abbey was destroyed. Today you can see the ruins of the abbey which gives a wonderful insight to its size and structure.
The remaining abbey house, now owned by the Diocese of Blackburn, is used as a centre for courses, conferences, and retreats.
Our retreat will be held in the abbey house. The house is largely medieval but has been altered several times since 1588. We will practise daily in beautiful oak panelled great hall, and we will be using the grounds for outside practice and reflection.
Our practice room
We will be using the great hall and grounds of the abbey over the weekend.
Accommodation
The rooms are comfortable and warm with coffee/tea making facilities. You will have single occupancy with ensuite facilities.
Dining
Your stay includes
Friday evening meal
Saturday – Breakfast, lunch, and evening meal with tea/coffee breaks during the day.
Sunday – Breakfast and lunch
Dates 14th – 16th October
Arrival from 16:00 on Friday 14th.
Retreat ends Sunday 16th after lunch.
Programme outline:
- Our day will start at 7:30am with an early morning practice and finish at 8:30pm.
- Daily sessions will be held in the beautiful great hall.
- Sessions will be a mixture of guided practice, experiential practice, walking, movement practice discussion, and reflection.
- There will be extended periods of silence, no talking or interacting with others, and will be requested no to engage with phone or other digital distractions.
