Guided or Individual Retreats
At Worth Abbey, guided and individual retreats offer time away from the noise of everyday life, held within the rhythm of monastic prayer and the peace of the Sussex countryside. Guests are invited to slow down, reflect, and be gently supported, whether through guidance or quiet solitude.
Select the retreat below to find out more…
Time Out – Self Guided Individual Retreat
- 5th - 8th October 2026
- FULLY BOOKED. Contact retreats@worth.org.uk to join the waiting list
- 7th - 10th December 2026
Spend a few days at Worth Abbey enjoying the rhythm of the monastic prayer and liturgy, time in reflection and the peace of the Sussex countryside.
Benedictine Individually Guided Retreats (BIGR)
- 12th - 16th October 2026
- FULLY BOOKED. Contact retreats@worth.org.uk to be added to wait list
The Benedictine IGR offers a contemplative Benedictine environment as a place of discernment – where you follow the monastic rhythm of the day.
Themed Retreats
Led by a monk or an invited collaborator, themed retreats focus on a particular spiritual topic. They include teaching, discussion, group prayer, and introductions to different prayer practices. Time is also set aside for personal reflection and participation in the Abbey’s liturgical life.
Select the retreat below to find out more…
Finding Stillness
- 16th - 19th November 2026
Led by Fr David, come to Worth Abbey and encounter the power of stillness. Through the Benedictine tradition, discover how stillness can be part of your everyday life and how transformative it can be.
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Living with Loss Retreat
- 9th - 12th November 2026
- FULLY BOOKED. Contact retreats@worth.org.uk to join waiting list
Led by Fr Peter and bereavement counsellor Simon Holland-Brown, this retreat offers healing through group sharing personal reflection and spiritual support.
Advent Retreat
- 1st - 3rd December 2026
- LIMITED AVAILABILITY - 2 places remaining
Take time out to reflect on the season of Advent and the message it has about preparing us for Christmas. The time of Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year and is a good time to take stock.
Bible, Literature and Art: The Renewal of the Christian Imagination - Abbot Mark Barrett OSB
- 5th - 7th March 2027
Led by Abbot Mark Barrett OSB, this retreat explores renewal through faith and imagination. Guided by the Psalms and images of wind, fountain and fire, its three conferences on poetry, story and visual art reveal Christian creativity as a vocation of renewal.
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Heartfulness: beyond mindfulness - Abbot Christopher Jamison OSB
- 16th - 18th April 2027
Led by Abbot Christopher Jamison, this retreat will explore that in an era of self-absorption, mindfulness offers personal wellbeing. Christians are mindful in order to listen to others and to love them, an attitude called heartfulness.
Joy in the Stillness: an Eastertide retreat led by Eddie Gilmore
- 14th - 16th May 2027
Experience a deeply restorative Eastertide retreat guided by Eddie Gilmore in the peaceful surroundings of Worth Abbey.
Day Retreats
The perfect introduction to a retreat for those who are new to retreat experiences or just looking for an opportunity to step away from everyday pressures without the need for an overnight stay. With a communal lunch and refreshments, a wonderful way to connect with others in a peaceful environment.
Select the retreat below to find out more…
Quiet Friday Day Retreat
- 9th October 2026
- 30th October 2026
- 13th November 2026
- 27th November 2026
- 11th December 2026
If you're unable to attend a full residential retreat, we invite you to join us for a Quiet Day retreat, normally held on the second Friday of each month (excluding August). This is a special opportunity to experience peace and reflection within our serene grounds and Quiet Garden.
Advent Wreath Making Workshop
- 21st November 2026
Join us for a peaceful Advent Wreath Making Workshop.
Take time to slow down, be creative, and reflect on the meaning of the season.
All are welcome—no experience needed
Looking Ahead with Hope - Advent day retreat led by Eddie Gilmore
- 28th November 2026
Through a series of short talks, Eddie will explore some of the rich themes of this most evocative season and offer practical suggestions for personal prayer.
Through the Wilderness - Lent day retreat led by Eddie Gilmore
- 13th February 2027
For a gentle and prayerful day of preparation for the season of Lent, join experience retreat guide Eddie Gilmour through a series of short reflections
Young Adult Retreats (ages 18-35)
Through shared prayer, discussion and group activities, participants encounter God and one another in a welcoming Benedictine environment. Build connections, share experiences, and leave refreshed in spirit and in friendship.
Select the retreat below to find out more…
Young Adults Advent Retreat
- 4th - 6th December 2026
Prepare your hearts for the Coming of God at Advent by attending this young adults’ advent retreat at Worth Abbey.
Creative Retreats
Creative retreats invite those attending to explore prayer and spirituality through artistic expression. Led by experienced facilitators, these retreats combine creative practice with silence, reflection, and the Abbey’s rhythm of prayer. No previous experience is required — only a willingness to explore creativity as a path to prayer and self-discovery.
Select the retreat below to find out more…
A Sanctuary for the Written Word: a writing retreat led by Eddie Gilmore
- 13th - 15th November 2026
- LIMITED AVAILABILITY - 2 places remaining
Whether you are seeking fresh inspiration or looking to make progress on your latest literary project, the beautiful, tranquil setting and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the monastic liturgy (for those who wish) provide the ideal conditions for creativity to flourish and words to flow.
Peace is Every Step - a walking retreat led by Eddie Gilmore
- 11th - 13th June 2027
Join experienced retreat guide and seasoned walker Eddie Gilmore for a two-night residential retreat exploring prayer, walking and the gift of slowing down in the beautiful surroundings of the Abbey.