A retreat is your chance to step aside from life for a while, to rest and just 'be' in a welcoming, peaceful place.
Sheldon Retreat (Mary & Martha)
Sheldon Retreat, Exeter EX6 7YT, UK
Retreat Centre Description
Sheldon is run by a lay community. Most resources are open to everyone but we also have a specialist focus on supporting clergy especially at times of stress, crisis or burnout. (1:1 sessions and/or emergency bolt-hole are for people in ministry only.) Secluded private retreats either self-catering or with stocked larder. Fully catered led retreats and other programme events. Opportunity for group bookings to run your own church, family, leadership, training or other residential programmes for up to 35 people. Guests welcome to join community simple daily prayers. Beautifully converted cluster of thatched farm buildings. Includes 45 acres of fields and woodland with friendly sheep, small but perfectly formed library, art shed for creative play, medieval and modern chapels for quiet moments and a replica Chartres labyrinth when you can walk your prayers. House rules include ‘no clergy shop talk’. #CleanAir #CovidSafe. Confidentiality paramount. Always happy to discuss by phone to see if Sheldon will suit your needs.
Accommodation on Offer
Self-contained units for private retreats (5 Linhay Lodges, 3 Hen Runs and 3 Pig Pens). Each include their own kitchenette and en-suite bath or shower.
Main buildings available for group bookings when we're not running our own programme events. The Pound House has 6 bedrooms (11 beds), 1 kitchen and 3 dining/meeting rooms (1 large, 2 small). The Long Barn has 9 bedrooms (17 beds), 2 kitchens and 2 large dining/meeting rooms. All bedrooms are en-suite and single people are never asked to share. Reasonably good disabled access and special diets catered for.
Medieval chapel of Christ the Servant open for private prayer at all times. Community daily prayers in Chapel of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Guests in ministry on private retreat also have access to the Shepherd's Sanctuary.
For guests on private retreats or programme events, the very well-stocked Art Shed is open at all times, and the cosy eclectic library has several thousand titles to choose from.
The outdoor replica Chartres labyrinth is just one part of 45 acres of grounds with gentle walks round fields and woodlands.
Retreat Centre Facilities
Please see website for retreat centre facilities
Types of Retreat Offered
Please see website for retreats offered
2024 Events
29 Jan – 2 Feb
Retreat. Winter birdwatching. Andrew Mann
Feb 4 – 9
R5 (Read, Rest, Retreat, Relax, Recuperate) with 1:1 sessions for people in ministry and/or additional workshops open to everyone.
Feb 21 & 22
Share the Joy – an encounter with Icons. Andrea and David Chance.
Feb 26 – Mar 1
Retreat. Send my roots rain. Christopher Chapman.
3 – 8 Mar
R5 Lent (Read, Rest, Retreat, Relax, Recuperate) with 1:1 sessions for people in ministry and/or additional workshops open to everyone.
26 Mar – 2 Apr
Easter volunteer workparty. Work and worship.
7 – 12 Apr
R5 Low Sunday (Read, Rest, Retreat, Relax, Recuperate) with 1:1 sessions for people in ministry and/or additional workshops open to everyone.
15 – 19 Apr
Retreat. Earth Matters - Here we are, Breath, Grief, Gratitude and Wonder. Carla Grosch-Miller.
29 Apr – 3 May
Retreat. Passion to Pentecost. Brian Draper
26 – 31 May
R5 (Read, Rest, Retreat, Relax, Recuperate) with 1:1 sessions for people in ministry and/or additional workshops open to everyone.
3 – 10 Jun
Retreat. Ask for the ancient paths – exploring the labyrinth. Clare Callanan
15 – 19 Jul
Retreat. Margaret Silf
25 Jul – 3 Aug
Volunteer workweek. Work, theatre and worship.
Aug 5 – 9
Retreat. Julian of Norwich - Revelations of Divine Love. Ian and Gail Adams.
Aug 11 – 16
R5 (Read, Rest, Retreat, Relax, Recuperate) with 1:1 sessions for people in ministry and/or additional workshops open to everyone.
Aug 19 – 23
Retreat. Meister Eckhart. “All God wants of man is a peaceful heart”. Simon Parke
Aug 25 – 30
R5 (Read, Rest, Retreat, Relax, Recuperate) with 1:1 sessions for people in ministry and/or additional workshops open to everyone.
See website for autumn dates
2025 Events
Please see our website www.sheldonretreat.com/visit for full listings of our 2025 events including led silent retreats and retreat/workshops and R5 (Read, Rest, Retreat, Relax, Recuperate) weeks.
Retreat Centre Location
Sheldon Retreat, Exeter EX6 7YT, UK