Retreat with us and be spiritually renewed
Spiritual Retreats at Minsteracres
Situated in the land of the northern saints in beautiful countryside on the borders of Northumberland and County Durham, our Passionist retreat centre is ideally placed to support you on your journey of faith.
2025 Programme
We offer a varied programme of day, weekend and week-long events throughout the year. Please see the programme details below.
Individual Retreats
We offer individual retreats and are happy to provide guidance, or you can have space to yourself for reflection. Please use the enquiry form below.
Our 2025 Programme
Welcome to our Retreat Programme for 2025 where you will find details of various residential and day retreats we have on offer in the coming months.
Welcoming guests of all faiths and none, this Passionist retreat centre is set in 110 acres of gardens, park and woodland and is situated in beautiful countryside on the border of Northumberland and County Durham
Founded in Italy in 1720 by St Paul of the Cross, the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ “The Passionists” have a special ministry to promote the Memory of the Passion of Jesus by both word and deed for the Passion of Jesus is truly the greatest story of God’s love for humanity and His creation.
The year 2025 is a Jubilee Year in the Catholic Church, a sacred year held every 25 years. Its theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” offers hope to a world facing challenges like war, poverty and climate change.
We hope that this programme will be able to offer ways in which we can all connect with the consoling power of the Passion of Jesus as we journey together in exploration of what St Paul of the Cross describes as both a sea of sorrows and an ocean of love.
Minsteracres’ mission
Minsteracres Retreat Centre provides a space where people feel welcome, can be themselves and are enabled to find healing and wholeness in their relationship with God, with themselves, with others and with creation. During all of our retreats we will be invited to consider new ways of attending to and living out the Gospel. We look forward to welcoming you!
It costs approximately £1,500 per day to run Minsteracres Retreat Centre. The suggested offerings indicated help us to cover our costs, but no one should feel excluded for financial reasons and concessions are available.
We look forward to welcoming you.
The suggested offerings indicated for each event help us to cover our costs. However, no one should feel excluded for financial reasons and concessions are available through our Bursary programme.
Calendar for 2025
Below, you’ll find a comprehensive calendar displaying all of our retreats. Each listing is clickable, allowing you to explore detailed information about the retreat you’re interested in. This includes specific features, schedules, and available amenities.
Additionally, you can conveniently book your chosen retreat online directly from this calendar. We’ve designed it to be user-friendly and informative, ensuring you have all the necessary details at your fingertips to make an informed decision.
March
The Embodied Contemplative
Led by Terry Doyle
Saturday 8th March from 10am to 4pm
This retreat will explore how we might find inner stillness and peace through the practice of Christian Meditation, gentle Tai Chi movement and breath work.
It is suitable for all ages and abilities. Come with a beginner’s mind and enjoy learning!
Suggested Donation £40
Quiet Day of Reflection During Lent
Led by Chris Smith
Thursday 27th March from 10am to 4pm
Take a step back from the busyness of daily life and immerse yourself in a space of quiet reflection. At Minsteracres, you’ll have the chance to pause, breathe deeply and open your heart to God’s presence. Through engaging with scripture, you can listen for His voice and allow His guidance to speak to you.
Surrounded by the peace and beauty of our grounds, this retreat provides a serene environment to refresh your spirit, find stillness and deepen your faith. Lunch and refreshments are included.
Suggested Donation £40
Pilgrims of Hope - Journeying Together
Led by the Minstercares Team
Friday 28th March from 6.30pm to Sunday 30th March at 2pm
A retreat exploring the Catholic Church’s theme for this Jubliee Year “Pilgrims of Hope” and how we might re-establish a proper relationship with God, with one another and with all creation.
Suggested Donation £190
April
Quiet Day of Reflection During Lent
Led by Sr Sheila McNamara RSCJ
Wednesday 2nd April from 10am to 4pm
An opportunity to step aside, listen to God in scripture and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the countryside.
Lunch and refreshments are included.
Suggested Donation £40
Walking Retreat
Led the Minsteracres Team
Saturday 5th April from 10am to 5pm
Enjoy a 7 to 10-mile walk through the beautiful countryside around Minsteracres, with moments for prayer, quiet reflection and connection with others.
Bring suitable footwear, warm weatherproof clothing and a packed lunch. Morning coffee or tea and afternoon tea with scones are included to make your day even more enjoyable.
This is a wonderful opportunity to refresh your body and soul while embracing the beauty of nature.
Suggested Donation £15
Quiet Day of Reflection During Lent
Led by the Minsteracres Team
Tuesday 8th April from 10am to 4pm
An opportunity to step aside, listen to God in scripture and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the countryside.
Lunch and refreshments are included.
Suggested Donation £40
A Circle of Prayer / Circle Dance
Led by Joyce McAndrew
Saturday 12th April from 10am to 4pm
This is an inviting programme which explores the beauty of music whilst incorporating responsive movement echoing both feelings and mood as non-verbal self-expression which touches both the soul and the imagination.
Throughout this retreat, you will have an opportunity to learn both traditional and contemporary dance movement. Continuous sequences will follow a meditative and contemplative pattern and will be punctuated with reflective readings.
Lunch and refreshments are included.
Suggested Donation £50
Holy Week Retreat
Led by the Minsteracres Team
Thursday 17th April from 6.30pm to Sunday 20th April at 2pm
Join the resident community on their journey into Easter with input from the team, time for reflection and the opportunity to take part in the climax of the Church’s liturgical year, the celebration of the Easter Triduum.
Suggested Donation £285
May
Open House
Led by the Minsteracres Team
Monday 5th May from 11am to 3pm
Have you ever wanted to have a look around Minsteracres House and Grounds? Now’s your chance! There will be exhibitions, tours, moments of reflection, tea, coffee and good home cooking.
This is an opportunity to find out about the Retreat Centre and our partners Let’s Get Growing and Tynedale Horticultural Service.
Day of Consolation
Led by Chris Smith
Wednesday 7th May from 10am to 4pm
An opportunity to join us on this poignant retreat day for people who have experienced bereavement, grief, loss or significant change.
This day will offer them an opportunity to share a safe space, to be heard, to share with others who have had similar experiences and hopefully to find courage, hope and consolation.
Lunch and refreshments are included.
Suggested Donation £40
June
Quiet Day
Led by Pat Kennedy
Tuesday 3rd June from 10am to 4pm
Take a step back from the busyness of life and join us for a day dedicated to spiritual reflection and renewal. This is an opportunity to pause, listen to God’s word in scripture and embrace the peace and stillness of the beautiful countryside.
Throughout the day, you’ll have space for quiet contemplation, personal prayer and time to connect with God in a meaningful way. The serene environment provides the perfect backdrop for rest and renewal, allowing you to leave feeling refreshed and spiritually uplifted.
Lunch and refreshments are included.
Suggested Donation £40
Pentecost Retreat
Led by Fr Chris Thomas
Friday 13th June from 6.30pm to Sunday 15th June at 2pm
In this Pentecost retreat, we will reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in the Gospel and pray for the gifts of the Spirit to flourish in our lives, that we may learn how to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with our God.
There will be times of input, times of silence and times of prayer.
Suggested Donation £220
3 Day Walking Retreat
Led by the Minsteracres Team
Tuesday 17th June from 10am to Thursday 19th June at 5pm
Spend three days exploring the beautiful countryside around Minsteracres with daily walks of 7 to 10 miles. Each morning begins with a short reflection, offering time for prayer and a chance to connect with the beauty of creation.
These walks provide a blend of physical activity, spiritual renewal and peaceful immersion in nature.
Be sure to bring sturdy footwear and weatherproof clothing to stay comfortable. This retreat is ideal for those looking to refresh their spirit and enjoy the tranquillity of the outdoors.
Suggested Donation £220
July
Pilgrims of Hope - Journeying With Nature
Led by Fr Joseph Mitchel CP
Friday 11th July from 6.30pm to Sunday 13th July at 2pm
A retreat exploring the Catholic Church’s theme for this Jubilee Year “Pilgrims of Hope” and how we might re-establish a proper relationship with God, with one another and with all creation.
Fr Joseph will use the theology of Thomas Berry CP to bring hope to our relationship with the natural world.
You can fully relax and enjoy this special time away. Whether you’re seeking clarity, peace or simply time to reconnect with your faith, this day of reflection offers a gentle and nourishing experience.
Suggested Donation £190
On a Journey with the Northern Saints
Led by the Minsteracres Team
Monday 14th July from 6.30pm to Friday 18th July at 2pm
Spend a week at Minsteracres following in the footsteps of the Northern Saints such as Aidan, Cuthbert, Oswald, Hilda and Bede.
Find out about their spirituality and motivation, early Celtic spirituality and visit the iconic places where they lived out their faith. Includes visits to Holy Island, Bamburgh, Durham Cathedral, Jarrow and Hexham.
Suggested Donation £435
Quiet Day
Led by the Minsteracres Team
Wednesday 30th July from 10am to 4pm
Take a step back from the busyness of life and join us for a day dedicated to spiritual reflection and renewal. This is an opportunity to pause, listen to God’s word in scripture and embrace the peace and stillness of the beautiful countryside.
Throughout the day, you’ll have space for quiet contemplation, personal prayer and time to connect with God in a meaningful way. The serene environment provides the perfect backdrop for rest and renewal, allowing you to leave feeling refreshed and spiritually uplifted.
Lunch and refreshments are included.
Suggested Donation £40
Singing week ‘Hope, Love and Life’
Led by Monique van den Hoogen
Wednesday 23rd July at 10am to Sunday 27th July at 2pm
Monique van den Hoogen, a Dutch musician with over 40 years of
experience leading choirs, has a special connection with Minsteracres, where she volunteered annually from 2006 to 2019.
This year, she returns for a short singing retreat themed Hope, Love and Life. The repertoire features Taizé chants and uplifting songs for example, You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban, celebrating hope and love.
The week includes time for singing, socializing and embracing the peace of Minsteracres, with optional community prayer times for added
reflection.
Open to all who love singing, this is a chance to connect through music and shared experiences.
Suggested Donation £570
August
Rosary Rally
Led by the Minsteracres Team
Saturday 16th August from 12 noon to 3pm
A wonderful opportunity to gather in honour of Mary, Mother of God in this very prayerful and sociable day, which also provides the opportunity to take in the peace and ambiance of Minsteracres.
Please bring a packed lunch. The day will commence with the celebration of Mass at 12 noon followed by the Rosary rally and Benediction from 2pm.
6 Day Individually Guided Retreat
Led by ISC Glasgow at Minsteracres
Wednesday 23rd July at 10am to Sunday 27th July at 2pm
This silent retreat offers a unique opportunity for personal reflection and spiritual growth.
Guided by members of the Ignatian Spirituality Centre in Glasgow, in partnership with the Minsteracres team, you’ll receive individual support to deepen your connection with God in a peaceful and contemplative environment.
Suggested Donation £700
September
The Magnificent Beauty of a Soul
Led by Gilliam Coxhead
Friday 12th September from 6.30pm to Sunday 14th September at 2pm
weekend exploring St. Teresa of Avila’s great masterpiece on prayer, ‘The Interior Castle.’ As we make our pilgrimage through the many dwelling places, we are drawn deeper into the mystery of who God is and who we are.
Teresa is very aware of the many trials and contradictions we will experience along the way and encourages us to; ‘Hope in the mercy of God, who never fails those who hope in Him.’ (Interior Castle 6,1:13)
Suggested Donation £190
Quiet Day
Led by the Minsteracres Team
Thursday 18th September from 10am to 4pm
Join us for a day of spiritual reflection and renewal in the peaceful countryside. This retreat offers time for personal prayer, contemplation and connection with God.
Enjoy the serene environment, with lunch, tea, and coffee provided, ensuring a relaxing experience. Whether seeking clarity, peace, or a faith reconnection, this day offers gentle nourishment for the soul.
Lunch and refreshments are included.
Suggested Donation £40
A Circle of Prayer / Circle Dance
Led by Joyce McAndrew
Saturday 27th September from 10am to 4pm
This is an inviting programme which explores the beauty of music whilst incorporating responsive movement echoing both feelings and mood as non-verbal self-expression which touches both the soul and the imagination.
Throughout this retreat, you will have an opportunity to learn both traditional and contemporary dance movement. Continuous sequences will follow a meditative and contemplative pattern and will be punctuated with reflective readings.
Lunch and refreshments are included.
Suggested Donation £50
October
The Embodied Contemplative
Led by Terry Doyle
Friday 3rd October from 6.30pm to Sunday 5th October at 2pm
This retreat will explore how we might find inner stillness and peace through the practice of Christian Meditation, gentle Tai Chi movement and breath work.
It is suitable for all ages and abilities. Come with a beginner’s mind and enjoy learning!
Suggested Donation £220
Walking Retreat
Led by the Minsteracres Team
Wednesday 8th October from 10am to 5pm
Join us for a refreshing 7 to 10-mile walk through the stunning countryside surrounding Minsteracres. Along the way, take time for prayer, quiet reflection and sharing in the beauty of creation.
Please bring suitable footwear, warm and weatherproof clothing and a packed lunch. To make your day even more enjoyable, we’ll provide morning coffee or tea and finish with afternoon tea and scones.
Suggested Donation £15
A World Fit for Children
Led by John Bell
Friday 24th of October from 6.30pm to Sunday 26th October 2025 at 2pm
A common complaint of parents and grandparents is that they ‘can’t understand’ their children. Perhaps this has to be expected. The last forty years has involved massive changes in national and global life which could not have been predicted, covering everything from communication to longevity, artificial intelligence to global warming.
So what of the future which the present younger generations will inherit when we are gone?
How do those of us, reared on a vocabulary of saints, certainties and sacraments, begin to think creatively, biblically and spiritually about the kind of legacy and the kind of world we are leaving to others.
This retreat is not simply for parents or grandparents, but for all who want to reflect on the issues of our times.
Suggested Donation £220
‘Pilgrims of Hope’ Retreat
Led by the Minsteracres Team
Friday 31st October from 6.30pm to Sunday 2nd November at 2pm
A retreat exploring the Catholic Church’s theme for this Jubilee Year “Pilgrims of Hope” and how we might re-establish a proper relationship with God, with one another and with all creation.
Suggested Donation £190
November
Day of Consolation
Led by Chris Smith
Tuesday 11th November from 10am to 4pm
An opportunity to join us on this poignant retreat day for people who have experienced bereavement, grief loss or significant change.
This day will offer them an opportunity to share a safe space, to be heard, to share with others who have had similar experiences and to hopefully find courage, hope and consolation.
Lunch and refreshments are included.
Suggested Donation £40
Quiet Day
Led by the Minsteracres Team
Thursday 20th November from 10am to 4pm
Join us for a day of spiritual reflection and renewal in the peaceful countryside. This retreat offers time for personal prayer, contemplation and connection with God.
Enjoy the serene environment, with lunch, tea and coffee provided, ensuring a relaxing experience.
Whether seeking clarity, peace or a faith reconnection, this day offers gentle nourishment for the soul.
Lunch and refreshments are included.
Suggested Donation £40
Advent Retreat
Led by Pat Kennedy
Friday 28th November from 6.30pm to Sunday 30th November at 2pm
Our Advent Retreat invites you to explore the concept of waiting on the Lord. As we prepare for Christmas, this retreat offers a chance to reflect on your spiritual readiness for the season.
Through guided reflections, prayer sessions, and communal discussions, we will explore themes of hope, peace, joy and love—the four traditional themes of Advent.
The serene environment of the retreat centre offers a perfect setting for personal contemplation and spiritual renewal. Join us in this journey of waiting and preparation, embracing the Advent season with intentionality and grace.
Suggested Donation £190
Disclaimer: Please note that for each of our retreats to take place we need a minimum number of attendees to make them viable. The running of all retreats is subject to achieving this minimum. We endeavour to do everything we can that is within our control to ensure that retreats run, but when we are unable to achieve these numbers, we may have to cancel. We will of course give notice in such circumstances
Have you ever wondered what it is like to go on retreat?
Retreat Questions
A retreat is exactly what it sounds like — the chance to step aside from life for a while, to rest and just ‘be’ in a welcoming, peaceful and inspiring place like Minsteracres.
Retreats are for ordinary people at any time in their lives. There are no expectations on anyone going on retreat and you don’t need to be a churchgoer – we welcome people who share our values.
Do you:
- Wish for some quiet time to reflect on things that matter most to you?
- Need some time away from work or family?
- Want to deepen your spiritual life?
- Want to simply pray?
- Want to develop a particular interest? …then a retreat might be just for you.
Retreats offer the opportunity to:
- Find space
- Reflect
- Pray and worship in peaceful and comfortable surroundings
We offer a wide variety of retreats including retreats:
- For the beginner
- With a theme such as Holy Week, Pentecost, Advent,
- Structured with a programme
- For individuals or groups who wish to deepen their faith
- Free form where you can do your own thing
Thanks to the presence of the resident community there is always a warm welcome and a real sense of being a guest in their home. The community is the guardian of the Passionist ethos of Minsteracres, which is expressed through a life of prayer, presence and hospitality.
- We offer a warm welcome to all
- We have beautiful Grade II buildings set in an 110 acre estate of gardens and woodland
- We have a wide range of meeting rooms from small (up to 10 people) to large (up to 90 people)
- We have a library, various prayer spaces and an art room that are available to use
- We offer overnight accommodation—from simple rooms with shared facilities to a few en suite rooms
- We provide tasty, home-cooked food and can accommodate special dietary needs with advanced warning
- We cater for those with disabilities
Yes, we welcome people who wish to spend some time alone.
Yes, we offer the opportunity to talk to someone in complete confidence. We can also provide individually guided retreats where someone is assigned to listen and guide you whilst on retreat.
A retreat varies in length but is usually anything from two to seven days. We also offer one-day retreats such as quiet days and walking retreats throughout the year.
Yes. It costs over £1,000 per day to keep Minsteracres Retreat Centre running. We do not have another principal source of income and so we charge our visitors a competitive rate to cover our costs (but not to profit) that include:
- Maintaining the Grade II buildings and 110 acre estate
- Providing food and accommodation for all our visitors
- Paying for staff and retreat leaders
