Why go on a Retreat?

A retreat is an invitation to pause —
to step away from the pace and pressures of daily life and rest in God’s presence.
In the Christian contemplative tradition, retreating is not about achieving something,
but about making space: for silence, for prayer, for deep listening.

Whether you are seeking direction, healing, renewal, or simply quiet,
a retreat offers the space to breathe and to be — and to rediscover the sacred in your own life.

We are here to offer and hold this sacred space for you —this place to reflect, rest, pray, or simply be.

Everyone is welcome, Sister Eveleen Retreat House is open to all.

Our guided Retreats

... are led by experienced retreat leaders and usually focus on a theme (such as the Psalms, Trinity, or Evelyn Underhill),
a spiritual tradition (Ignatian, Benedictine, Franciscan, Desert, etc.), or a particular approach to contemplation (for example, creativity, prayer vigils, or sacred writing).

Most guided retreats include extended times of silence, spacious personal time, and the option of individual spiritual direction. You are gently accompanied throughout — with input, reflection prompts, and encouragement to pray and reflect in the way that suits you best.

Our retreats are shaped by the rhythm of daily prayer at the retreat house. This rhythm is never forced, but gently undergirds the retreat experience. You are warmly invited to take part, and many guests find it a grounding and nourishing presence throughout their stay.

We offer guided retreats ranging from 1 to 7 days. Have a look at our Retreats or Annual Programme 
and see what speaks to you. 
A good starter would a guided 1-day retreat (like this one, or this one), 
and then explore more from there.

 

Self-Guided Retreats

A self-guided retreat gives you complete freedom to shape your own time.
You decide how to spend each day — whether in silence, journaling, walking, resting, or praying.
We provide a peaceful space and offer resources if needed, but the rhythm is yours to discern.

When you arrive at Sister Eveleen Retreat House, you’ll be warmly welcomed with a glass of water, a cup of tea or coffee, and a homemade cookie. You will receive a short introduction to the house, health and safety, and your room
— and from there, your retreat begins.

You might spend time in prayer, explore the nearby hill paths and sea air, rest deeply, read reflectively, or simply enjoy the quiet. We have books, retreat guides (including this one for short or longer stays), and art materials available to support your time. If you would like deeper support, we can help you connect in advance with one of the experienced spiritual directors who work with us and can come to the house to meet you. 
Links to book an overnight self-guided retreat or a day-retreat.

The Gifts of Silence

Silence is not an absence — it is a presence.
In silence, we begin to hear what is usually drowned out by noise:
the quiet voice of God, the stirrings of our own soul, the wisdom of creation.
Far from being empty, silence is spacious—
it opens us to clarity, rest, and deep listening.

Many of our retreats are held in silence, offering a rare and sacred opportunity
to step away from the constant demands of communication.
In this stillness, we are invited to simply be with God — not through striving, but through surrender.
Silence becomes a sacred companion, creating space for healing, prayer, and deep inner renewal.

Worried about the silence?
If silence feels unfamiliar or even a little frightening, you are not alone —many of our guests feel that way at first.
But you are gently guided through the experience by the retreat leader, who offers support, structure, and reassurance along the way. Time and again, we hear how silence becomes not something to fear, but something deeply life-giving.
You are held gently here as you discover it for yourself.

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Here is some feedback from our guests:

 

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