What is it like to come on retreat
At Worth Abbey, we offer a variety of retreat experiences to suit different spiritual needs, including themed, individually guided, and self-guided retreats.
Themed Retreat
Themed retreats are led by a member of the monastic community or a specially selected collaborator. Each retreat focuses on a particular spiritual theme and includes a variety of sessions, such as teaching, discussion, guided meditation, group prayer, and exploration of different prayer methods.
Between sessions, guests are free to walk the Abbey’s beautiful grounds, read, or spend time in personal reflection. Participation in the daily monastic prayer and liturgy is also encouraged, offering a deeper connection to the rhythm of the Abbey's spiritual life.
Individually Guided Retreat
This retreat provides a silent, reflective space that typically lasts from 2 to 6 nights. If it’s your first time, we recommend starting with 2 nights.
During the retreat, you will meet daily with a spiritual director who will guide your prayer and reflection. Much of the retreat is spent in silence, with meals also observed in silence (except for supper on the first night and lunch on the final day). Guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in prayer and reflection, and are invited to participate in the monastic community's daily cycle of prayer and liturgy.
Self-Guided Retreat (Time Out)
For those seeking time for personal reflection, our self-guided retreats offer the space to simply be still and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the Sussex countryside. There is no set programme, though guests can opt to join the daily monastic timetable of prayer and liturgy, a daily Lectio Divina session, and may request a 1:1 meeting with a member of the monastic community.
This retreat is ideal for individuals looking to carve out their own time for quiet contemplation.
What to Bring
For your stay, you only need to pack your personal belongings, including comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes for walking the estate.
We provide:
- Bed linen and towels
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Teaching (where applicable)
A Typical Day on Retreat
At Worth Abbey, we follow the Rule of St. Benedict, welcoming all guests as Christ himself. Whether you are new to retreats or a regular visitor, you will receive a warm welcome and comfortable accommodation.
Here’s what a typical day might look like:
- 06:15 – Matins (Office of Readings)
- 07:30 – Lauds (Morning Prayer)
- 08:00 – Breakfast
- 10:00 – Session / Personal prayer or reflection
- 11:00 – Break
- 11:30 – Session / Personal prayer or reflection
- 13:00 – Midday Prayer
- 13:15 – Lunch
- 14:30 – Session / Personal prayer or reflection / Free time
- 17:30 – Mass
- 18:45 – Vespers (Evening Prayer)
- 19:15 – Supper
- 20:15 – Compline (Night Prayer)
During your stay, we encourage you to take breaks, enjoy fresh coffee or tea, and treat yourself to homemade cake or biscuits!
Pre-Booking and Further Information
Pre-booking is required for all retreats. To book please click here.
To find out more or ask a question please contact us.
We look forward to welcoming you to Worth.
