A retreat is your chance to step aside from life for a while, to rest and just 'be' in a welcoming, peaceful place.
Penhurst Retreat Centre
The Manor House, Penhurst Ln, Penhurst, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 9QP, UK
Retreat Centre Description
Penhurst is a small, friendly, ecumenical Christian centre offering a warm welcome to all. The centre, a 17th century manor house, is sited next to a small parish church in a rural area of outstanding natural beauty, providing a haven of tranquility. The house is available for fully-catered individual or small group retreats and quiet days throughout the year. There is also a programme of led and accompanied retreats. This centre has a particular heart for UK and overseas mission and we offer dedicated retreats/workshops for those with mission connections and a 10% discount offered to associates of agencies/churches that are members of Global Connections.
Accommodation on Offer
Main house. Sitting room, dining room, small library, small meeting room for up to 4 people. Seven upstairs bedrooms: 4 twin ensuite, 1 double with designated shower-room, 1 single ensuite, 1 single with designated bathroom.
Annexe. Chapel and 2 ground floor twin ensuite bedrooms (1 adapted for wheel-chair users).
All bedrooms available for single-occupancy.
Beautiful grounds. Orchard, Prayer labyrinth. 3 summerhouses for 1-2 people. Small art room for up to 8 people.
Retreat Centre Facilities
Please see website for retreat centre facilities
Types of Retreat Offered
Please see website for retreats offered
2024 Events
The following retreats may be subject to change and others added. Please see the website for up-to-date information.
Individually guided retreats (IGR). An opportunity to take time out with God, to prayerfully pay attention to Him and become more aware of His work in your life. Space to pray and reflect on life, consider decisions and set priorities.
January
25
The Conversion of St Paul. Come, search the Scriptures and unearth the treasures of St Paul’s story, transformation, challenge, inspiration and encouragement. Gary Cregeen.
February
5-8
Emmaus Road. An opportunity to come aside with Jesus. Using a selection of Gospel stories, space to stop, reflect and be. Jack & Sandra Telfer.
10
Tell me more… storytelling as spiritual exploration. Careful attention to people’s personal stories is often the context for them ‘knocking on the door’. Steve Gurr.
16-18
The Wilderness Experience. As we step into Lent, an opportunity to engage with wilderness experiences in the Bible and our lives. Brigid Main.
19-22
Mindfulness, Song and Personal Transformation. A unique fusion of mindfulness and song to draw us into spirituality, wellbeing and community. Shaun Lambert & Mike Leigh.
26
Exploring Ignatian Spirituality. Walking with Ignatius of Loyola, come and discover the relevance of Ignation Spirituality to our lives today. Peter Doodes & Fiona Bower.
February-March
29-3
Behold your God. Explore many of the wonderful themes in Isaiah and be humbled, encouraged, inspired, refreshed and envisioned for the days ahead. Tony Horsfall.
March
4
Day of Prayer for Mission. Have a heart for the nations? Come and join us for a day of prayer for the worldwide mission community.
8-10
Being and Doing in a Climate Crisis. How to respond to devastating climate events on our planet? Explore a God-centred way of being and doing. Val Freeman.
12
Mission Leaders Open Day. Opportunity to experience what the retreat centre offers, including a tour of the house and grounds, guest speaker, and home-cooked meal.
15-17
Crossroads. Space for people at a crossroads in life to pause, step back and reflect on where they are. Jacqui Zanetti & Mary Monfries.
18-21
Send my Roots Rain. Explore ways of allowing the life-giving water of the Spirit to soak down to your roots. Christopher Chapman.
April
8-12
Narnia, Middle-earth and Home. Drawing from the Bible, stories of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien, explore themes including belonging, rest, homelessness, spiritual home and Heaven. Andy Swinford.
15
Exploring Ignatian Spirituality. Walking with Ignatius of Loyola, come and discover the relevance of Ignation Spirituality to our lives today. Peter Doodes & Fiona Bower.
18
Becoming the True Me. Experience the power of God’s transforming love through music and teaching. Marilyn Baker & Tracy Williamson.
25-28
Retiring Well. Journeying towards and into retirement, there are many issues to think through. Suitable for people finishing full-time work within 12-24 months. Helen Calder.
April-May
29-3
Praying with Jesus. Meet and communicate with the One who loves us through exploring the prayers of Jesus in the Gospels. Amy Boucher Pye.
May
4
Daring to Talk about Grief. Space to connect with your grief in a supportive environment, including input about common themes of the grieving process. Shirley Skrentny.
11-19
Silent IGR (4, 6 or 8 nights). Maureen Stringer & Chris Doust.
20-24
Touching the Hem of His Garment. Engage with Jesus the Healer through worship, teaching, optional prayer ministry and soaking sessions. Carol Bostock & Beauty from Ashes team.
May-June
31-2
Praying In and Out. Come explore prayer in a broad sense, opening opportunity to find more balance in life with God. Val Freeman.
June
3
Day of Prayer for Mission. Have a heart for the nations? Come and join us for a day of prayer for the worldwide mission community.
10-13
New Directions. Opportunity for Christian overseas ministry workers returning to the UK to unpack the transition and adjustment issues. Jack & Sandra Telfer.
14
Jonah – the Depth of God’s Grace. Come ‘plumb the depths’ of this short but significant Old Testament book. Gary Cregeen.
17-21
God who Sings through Us. Musical (re)-treat exploring songs and hymns from many cultures and sharing in fun, fellowship and laughter. Laurie & Brigid Main.
24-28
Draw and Paint the Beauty of Penhurst. Draw what you see and paint what you have seen in any water based medium. Viv Walkington.
July
1-5
Valley Paths. Take time with God to reflect on difficult life experiences, seek better understanding, go deeper with Him and gain new healing. Gill Hancock.
8
Disordered Eating. Explore over-eating, often an area of shame, including some Biblical teaching, common reasons for over-eating and ways forward. Shirley Skrentny.
9
Encountering the Healer. Jesus said He came to heal the broken-hearted. Come engage with Jesus the Healer. Carol Bostock & Beauty from Ashes team.
15-19
Silent IGR (4 nights). Susan Oakes.
19-21
Painting the Story of Jonah. Drawing and painting as a way of immersing and allowing the story to speak to us. No skill required. Carol Morgan.
22-26
Refresh, Restore, Recharge! Lean back into the Lord – meet Him where you are and receive His love, grace and strength. Jack & Sandra Telfer.
July-August
29-2
Refilling whilst We Pour Out. Opportunity for people who give out in Christian ministries and caring professions to refuel and refresh. Hilary Murdoch.
August
5-9
Contemplative Slow Stitching. Using pre-loved fabric, colourful threads and simple running stitches, quietly think, pray and allow the Lord to speak. Elizabeth Scott.
16-18
Reigniting your Creative Spark. Looking at the spirituality of using our unique creativity and how to revive it when it’s gone cold. Dan & Val Freeman.
31
Open Day. Experience the Penhurst welcome and hospitality, meet the team, find out about the centre, have a tour, enjoy delicious food and live music.
September
2
Day of Prayer for Mission. Have a heart for the nations? Come and join us for a day of prayer for the worldwide mission community.
3-5
The Cup of Our Life. Using themes and practices from Joyce Rupp’s book, explore spiritual awareness and growth through imagery of ordinary cups. Richard & Storm Hann.
6-8
A Taste of Silence. A time of peace and solitude punctuated by four short meditations together. All welcome, particularly those new to retreats. Dawn Pointing.
9-13
Visio Divina: Divine seeing through the camera. Discover how your (smartphone) camera can aid stillness, help explore emotions, ways of seeing and spiritual practice. Steve Radley.
13-14
Visio Divina: Embracing Change through your (smartphone) camera. Designed to support church leaders find new hope and direction through contemplative photography. Steve Radley.
16
Exploring Ignatian Spirituality. Walking with Ignatius of Loyola, come and discover the relevance of Ignation Spirituality to our lives today. Peter Doodes & Fiona Bower.
19
Deeper into God’s Heart. Drawing closer to God through hearing His voice in our everyday lives with music and teaching. Marilyn Baker & Tracy Williamson.
19-22
Behold your God. Explore many of the wonderful themes in Isaiah and be humbled, encouraged, inspired, refreshed and envisioned for the days ahead. Tony Horsfall.
24
Spiritual Directors and Christian Counsellors Open Day. Experience what the retreat centre offers, including a tour of the house and grounds, guest speaker, and home-cooked meal.
27-29
Work Party! Come and enjoy the beauty and fellowship of Penhurst, while also helping maintain and develop the centre together. The Penhurst team.
October
7-10
Christian Writer’s Retreat. Workshop-based training and mentoring suitable for intermediate-level writers wanting to improve their craft and seriously seeking publication. Andrew & Seren Boyd.
11-13
Mission Debrief (families). Opportunity for Christian overseas ministry families to process their transitions to the UK. Family sessions and sessions for parents and children separately. Wânia Honman & Rebecca de Vos.
15
Mission Leaders Open Day. Opportunity to experience what the retreat centre offers, including a tour of the house and grounds, guest speaker, and home-cooked meal.
17
You Spread a Table before Me. Jesus came to heal the broken-hearted. Come engage with Jesus the Healer. Carol Bostock & Beauty from Ashes team.
18-20
The Hidden Life of Trees. Can trees help deepen our prayer life and support systems? Experience connectedness in God’s creation and openness to God’s wild hospitality. Brigid Main.
25-27
Divorce Recovery Workshop. Whatever stage of separation or divorce you are at, this workshop helps makes sense of it and find ways forward. Mandy Callf.
October-November
28-2
Silent IGR (5 nights). Maureen Stringer & Chris Doust.
November
4
Jesus had Compassion. Jesus said He came to heal the broken-hearted. Come engage with Jesus the Healer. Carol Bostock & Beauty from Ashes team.
4-8
Encounters with Healing. A healing retreat: rest for the weary, nourishment for the hungry, care for the burdened. Pat Marsh.
11
Exploring Ignatian Spirituality. Walking with Ignatius of Loyola, come and discover the relevance of Ignation Spirituality to our lives today. Peter Doodes & Fiona Bower.
11-15
Silent IGR (4 nights). Dilys Threshie.
18-21
New Directions. Opportunity for Christian overseas ministry workers returning to the UK to unpack the transition and adjustment issues. Jack & Sandra Telfer.
25-30
Silent IGR (5 nights). Dawn Pointing.
December
2
Day of Prayer for Mission. Have a heart for the nations? Come and join us for a day of prayer for the worldwide mission community.
9-13
Advent quiet days with the Penhurst team.
2025 Events
January
17 – 19 I Can’t, God Can
Explore how we can let go of striving and struggling and open up to what God can do when life doesn't go as planned. Mandy Callf
20 – 24 Penhurst Family Week
For members of the Penhurst Family, join us at the start of the year to learn about how you can pray for and support us throughout the year while enjoying peaceful time away with God. With the Penhurst Team
February
3 – 7 Space to Rest
Book in for the whole week or just a couple of nights. Ruth will host a short prompt morning and evening with time to chat around the fire after supper. An ideal time for anyone wanting to be with God in a loosely structured way with time for accompaniment available. Ruth Traynar
10 – 13 Grace Space
Step aside to be with the God of all grace, to meet with him where we really are and receive the deep refreshment only he can give. The retreat will include guided sessions, space for individual reflection and prayer and the opportunity for one to one prayer. Jack and Sandra Telfer
17 – 21 Valley Paths
We all go through difficult experiences in life and the temptation can be to ‘grit our teeth’ to try and get through, pick ourselves up and carry on without giving ourselves time or permission to work through any impact the crisis might have left us with. This course enables us to take time with God, reflect on past events, seek a better understanding and go deeper with him, gaining new layers of healing. Gill Hancock
24 Prayer Shawl Workshop
Come together to either crochet or knit a prayer shawl and spend time praying for the recipient. Whilst the shawl is our gift to someone else, we will also experience blessing as we take time out to create, pray and spend the day together. Suitable for both experienced and less experienced crocheters/knitters and will include spiritual reflection as well as time creating together. Vicki Cottingham
24 – 27 Singles and Couples Debrief
An opportunity for mission partners to process their transitions to the UK with a mix of group work and debrief sessions. Sandie Reeves and Wania Honman
February - March
28 – 2 Who am I in God?
In the beauty of Penhurst take time out to explore the themes of roots, place and creation in our spiritual exploration of ‘who am I in God’?
Using ideas from Celtic, Māori and Aboriginal spirituality we will explore the two books through which God speaks to us, scripture and creation. Brigid Main
March
3 Day of Prayer for Mission
Come and join us for a day of prayer for the worldwide mission community.
7 – 9 Praying in and Out
This lightly guided retreat will help find balance in our prayer life with God - receiving from him as well as expressing ourselves to him. There will be plenty of time for rest and for personal time with God. Val Freeman
10 Disordered Eating
A chance to explore the subject of over-eating, often a source of shame in our lives. It will include biblical teaching about food and eating as well as uncovering common reasons for over-eating and looking at ways forward. Shirley Skrentny
13 The Velveteen Rabbit or How Toys Become Real
Using Margery Williams’ enchanting story we will explore themes of kindness, sadness and deeper issues such as becoming real, fear, loneliness, love, desire and transformation. Roger Hagon
17 Pilgrims of Hope
An invitation to journey together towards a future based on hope, love, mercy and friendship. Explore the calling to be pilgrims and the example of hope and peace we can bring through the way we walk with God. Fiona Bower
21 – 23 Crossroads Retreat
Space for people at a crossroads in life to pause, step back and reflect on where they are and the way forward. Jacqui Zanetti and Mary Monfries
April
3 – 6 Retiring Well
If you are recently retired or planning to do so soon then this retreat helps work through key issues and is suitable for those in secular work or Christian ministry. Helen Calder
7 Deeper Into God’s Heart, A Renewal Day
Join Marilyn and Tracy for a powerful day of worship, teaching and time to encounter the God of love. With Marilyn Baker and Tracy Williamson
10 – 13 Knowing you, Jesus
A retreat for those in Christian ministry at home or abroad. This retreat calls us back to a life centred upon him out of which a life of fruitful service flows. Tony and Jilly Horsfall
May
9 – 11 Reigniting Your Creative Spark
We will look together at the spirituality of using our unique creativity and how to revive it when it’s gone cold. Led by Dan and Val Freeman
12 – Creativity, Contemplation, Connection
The day will include morning reflections, a contemplative smartphone photography walk, opportunities for creative writing, mark making, silence, self-reflection and sharing together, as we gently connect with our creative selves. Rachel Kiley
16 – Quiet Garden Day
Step aside from the busyness of life and into the peace and beauty of this place for a day of reflection and refreshment. The day will be mostly self-guided but will start and end with a reflective prayer time. Jay Ashworth
17 – 23 - 6 Night Silent IGR
17 – 25 – 8 Night Silent IGR
Maureen Stringer and Chris Doust
June
2 – Day of Prayer for Mission
Come and join us for a day of prayer for the worldwide mission community.
2 – 5 June – New Directions
A retreat for mission partners who have returned to live in the UK or are back for an extended home assignment. The focus will be on helping ‘unpack’ and understand the process of transition and change. Jack and Sandra Telfer
9 – 13 4 Night Silent IGR
Dawn Pointing
23 – 26 Invitations in the Wilderness
Experiencing God’s presence and purposes in the harder seasons of our lives. Come and explore the lessons the wilderness offers which shape our lives and ministries. Mags Duggan
June - July
30 – 4 Restore, Refresh, Recharge for Mission and Ministry Partners
Lean back into the Lord, meet him where we are and receive his love, grace and strength as we continue our journey with him. Jack and Sandra Telfer
July
7 – Pilgrims of Hope
An invitation to journey together towards a future based on hope, love, mercy and friendship. Explore the calling to be pilgrims and the example of hope and peace we can bring through the way we walk with God. Fiona Bower
11 – 13 – Well-being Weekend
A safe and supportive space for people who feel or have felt overwhelmed, providing tools for self-management in a facilitated peer mentoring style setting. This is the first of three Wellbeing Weekends. Each one will look at different subjects concerning our wellbeing. You are welcome to attend one, any or all of the weekends. Jason and Vicki Cottingham
14 – 18 Watercolour Painting Retreat
Explore the surprising, and often unpredictable technique of ‘Wet in Wet’ Watercolour painting, a great way to be experimental with your compositions and any landscape, still life, or portrait will undergo transformation with this varied, and bold technique. Viv Walkington
21 – 25 4 Night Silent IGR
Susan Oakes and Mandy Callf
August
4 – 8 Refilling Whilst We Pour Out
Do you sometimes feel as if you are pouring out of an empty cup? Well, this is an opportunity to refuel and refresh. For anyone working in Christian charities, missions, ministries or churches and also those in caring professions and roles such as medics, teachers, social workers and parents. Hilary Murdoch
18 – 22 Healing Life’s Wounds
A gentle retreat offering rest, refreshment and healing, drawing on themes from Pat’s latest book. We will explore how to find healing and wholeness with Jesus. There will be times of rest and stillness and optional one-to-one ministry. Pat Marsh
27 – 30 – Running the Race
A course for those involved in full-time Christian ministry (UK and overseas) as they prepare for retirement and the years beyond. Anne de Reybekill and Evan Winter
September
1 Day of Prayer for Mission
Come and join us for a day of prayer for the worldwide mission community.
4 – 7 Knowing you, Jesus
A retreat for those in Christian ministry at home or abroad. This retreat calls us back to a life centred upon him out of which a life of fruitful service flows. Tony and Jilly Horsfall
12 – 14 Well-being Weekend
A safe and supportive space for people who feel or have felt overwhelmed, providing tools for self-management in a facilitated peer mentoring style setting. This is the second of three Wellbeing Weekends. Each one will look at different subjects concerning our wellbeing. You are welcome to attend one, any or all of the weekends. Jason and Vicki Cottingham
15 Daring to Talk About Grief
A space for you to connect with your grief in a supportive environment. The day includes input about common themes of the grieving process; opportunities to speak about your own experience in a small and safe group and time for quiet reflection. Shirley Skrentny
23 Prayer Shawl Workshop
Come together to either crochet or knit a prayer shawl and spend time praying for the recipient. Whilst the shawl is our gift to someone else, we will also experience blessing as we take time out to create, pray and spend the day together. Suitable for both experienced and less experienced crocheters/knitters and will include spiritual reflection as well as time creating together. Vicki Cottingham
25 Quiet Garden Day
Step aside from the busyness of life and into the peace and beauty of this place for a day of reflection and refreshment. The day will be mostly self-guided but will start and end with a reflective prayer time. Jay Ashworth
September - October
29 – 5 - 6 Night Silent IGR
Maureen Stringer and Chris Doust
October
6 – Deeper Into God’s Heart, A Renewal Day
Join Marilyn and Tracy for a powerful day of worship, teaching and time to encounter the God of love. With Marilyn Baker and Tracy Williamso
10 – 12 Crossroads Retreat
Space for people at a crossroads in life to pause, step back and reflect on where they are and the way forward. Jacqui Zanetti and Mary Monfries
17 – 19 Divorce Recovery Weekend
Have you been through divorce or separation; has your relationship irretrievably broken down; are you asking yourself why it all happened? At whatever stage of separation and divorce you find yourself, this workshop helps you make some sense of it all and find ways of moving forward. Mandy Callf
20 Pilgrims of Hope
An invitation to journey together towards a future based on hope, love, mercy and friendship. Explore the calling to be pilgrims and the example of hope and peace we can bring through the way we walk with God. Fiona Bower
27 – 31 4 Night Silent IGR
Dilys Threshie
November
3 Creativity, Contemplation, Connection
The day will include morning reflections, a contemplative smartphone photography walk, opportunities for creative writing, mark making, silence, self-reflection and sharing together, as we gently connect with our creative selves. Rachel Kiley
7 – 9 Well-being Weekend
A safe and supportive space for people who feel or have felt overwhelmed, providing tools for self-management in a facilitated peer mentoring style setting. This is the third of three Wellbeing Weekends. Each one will look at different subjects concerning our wellbeing. You are welcome to attend one, any or all of the weekends. Jason and Vicki Cottingham
14 – 16 Living In Christ
The apostle Paul experienced a complete turnabout on the Damascus Road. How can we emulate him in “putting on Christ” – that is, how do we leave our old selves behind as we take on the new? Feel refreshed, challenged and equipped to live each new day with Jesus. Amy Boucher-Pye
December
1 Day of Prayer for Mission
Come and join us for a day of prayer for the worldwide mission community.
1 – 5 – Space to Rest
Book in for the whole week or just a couple of nights. Ruth will host a short prompt morning and evening with time to chat around the fire after supper. An ideal time for anyone wanting to be with God in a loosely structured way with time for accompaniment available. Ruth Traynar
8 – 12 Painting the Story of Mary: Prayer and Encounter Through Art
We will dwell in the story of Mary, mother of Jesus using drawings and watercolour to describe and listen more deeply to the events that mean the most to us. No artistic skill required, it is about encountering the story and allowing it to become prayer. Led by Carol Morgan
Retreat Centre Location
The Manor House, Penhurst Ln, Penhurst, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 9QP, UK