A retreat is your chance to step aside from life for a while, to rest and just 'be' in a welcoming, peaceful place.
Minsteracres Retreat Centre
Minsteracres Retreat Centre, Minsteracres, Consett DH8 9RT, UK
Retreat Centre Description
A Spiritual Place Providing Hospitality and Spiritual Wellbeing
Minsteracres Retreat Centre is a Christian place of prayer with a resident community of Roman Catholic Passionist priests and lay people. Our resident community provides a homely and welcoming atmosphere.
We welcome people who share our values and we invite you to enjoy our hospitality, food and accommodation. Minsteracres is set in a beautiful 110 acre estate in the North East of England. Within our historic buildings and estate we have spaces for prayer and rooms to hire for retreats and events.
Accommodation on Offer
- Accommodation for up to 72 people across the Main House and Retreat House depending on combination of singles/doubles/twin rooms.
- The Ballroom for groups up to 90 people. A magnificent room with a wood-burning stove.
- The Parlour for groups up to 30 people. Another magnificent room with a wood-burning stove.
- The Retreat House Lounge (with wood-burning stove) or Lecture room, each of which can accommodate 55 people.
- The Library for groups up to 25.
- The Bethany suite for groups up to 20 which also includes tea and coffee making facilities and a microwave oven.
- A beautiful chapel with the use of a keyboard.
- Various prayer spaces.
- All forms of Audio Visual equipment are available for presentations etc.
- 110 acres of grounds, parkland and woodland in the beautiful Northumberland countryside. We have a number of walks for all abilities. Have a look at our Visitor’s Map for more information.
Retreat Centre Facilities
Please see website for retreat centre facilities
Types of Retreat Offered
Please see website for retreats offered
2025 Events
2025 Programme
March
Saturday 8th March from 10am to 4pm
The Embodied Contemplative Terry Doyle
This retreat will explore how we might find inner stillness and peace through the practice of Christian Meditation, gentle Tai Chi movement and breath work.
Thursday 27th March from 10am to 4pm
Quiet Day of Reflection during Lent Chris Smith
An opportunity to step aside, listen to God in scripture and enjoy the peace and tranquility of Minsteracres.
Friday 28th March from 6.30 pm to Sunday 30th March at 2pm
‘Pilgrims of Hope’ Minsteracres Team
A retreat exploring the Catholic Church’s theme for this Jubilee Year “pilgrims of Hope” and how we might re-establish a proper relationship with God, with one another and with all creation.
April
Wednesday 2nd April from 10am to 4 pm
Quiet Day of Reflection during Lent Sr Sheila McNamara RSCJ
Tuesday 8th April from 10am to 4pm
Quiet Day of Reflection during Lent Minsteracres Team
Saturday 12th April from 10am to 4 pm
A Circle of Prayer Circle Dance Joyce McAndrew
Explore the beauty of music while incorporating responsive movement which touches the soul and imagination.
Thursday 17th April from 6.30pm to Sunday 20th at 2pm
Holy Week Retreat Minsteracres Team
Join the resident community on their journey into Easter with input from the team, time for reflection and the opportunity to take part in the climax of the Churches liturgical year, the celebration of the Easter Triduum.
May
Wednesday 7th May from 10am to 4pm
Day of Consolation Chris Smith
An opportunity to join us on this poignant retreat day for people who have experienced bereavement, grief, loss or significant change. This day will offer them an opportunity to share a safe space, to be heard, to share with others who have had similar experiences, hopefully finding courage, hope and consolation.
June
Tuesday 3rd June from 10am to 4pm
Quiet Day Pat Kennedy
An opportunity to step aside, listen to God in scripture and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the countryside.
Friday 13th June from 6.30pm to Sunday15th at 2pm
Pentecost Retreat Fr Chris Thomas
In this Pentecost retreat we will reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in the Gospel and pray for the gifts of the Spirit to flourish in our lives, that we may learn how to act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with our God. There will be times of input, times of silence and times of prayer and praise to help us open ourselves more fully to God.
Tuesday 17th June from 10am to Thursday 19th at 5 pm
3 Day Walking Retreat Minsteracres Team
Three days of walks of 7 to 10 miles through beautiful countryside around Minsteracres. Every day starts with a reflection, with time for prayer and sharing the beauty of creation. You will need suitable footwear and weatherproof clothing.
July
Friday 11th July from 6.30pm to Sunday 13th at 2pm
‘Pilgrims of Hope’ Retreat Fr Joseph Mitchell CP
A retreat exploring the Catholic Church’s theme for this Jubilee Year “Pilgrims of Hope” and how we might re-establish a proper relationship with God, with one another and with all creation. Fr Joseph will use the theology of Thomas Berry CP to bring hope to our relationship with the natural world.
Monday 14th July at 10am to Friday 18th at 2pm
On a Journey with the Northern Saints Minsteracres Team
Spend a week at Minsteracres following in the footsteps of the Northern Saints such as Aidan, Cuthbert, Oswald, Hilda, and Bede. Find out about their spirituality and motivation, early Celtic spirituality and visit the iconic places where they lived out their faith. Includes visits to Holy Island, Bamburgh, Durham Cathedral, Jarrow and Hexham.
Wednesday 23rd July at 10am to Sunday 27th at 2pm
Hope, Love and Life Monique van den Hoogen
A singing workshop full of music and joy. We are delighted to welcome back Monique who has conducted choirs for many years and led a number of successful workshops at Minsteracres.
Wednesday 30th July from 10am to 4pm
Quiet Day Minsteracres Team
An opportunity to step aside, listen to God in scripture and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the countryside. Lunch, tea and coffee provided.
August
Saturday 16th August from 12 noon to 3 pm
Rosary Rally Minsteracres Team
A wonderful opportunity to gather in honour of Mary, Mother of God in this very prayerful and sociable day, which also provides the opportunity to take in the peace and ambiance of Minsteracres. Please bring a packed lunch. The day will commence with the celebration of Mass at 12 noon followed by the Rosary rally and Benediction from 2pm.
Friday 29th August from 6.30pm to Friday 5th September at 10am
6 Day Individually Guided Retreat ISC Glasgow at Minsteracres
This retreat is held in silence and will be led by members of the Ignatian Spirituality Centre in Glasgow in collaboration with the team at Minsteracres.
September
Friday 12th September from 6.30pm to Sunday 14th at 2pm
The Magnificent Beauty of a Soul Gilliam Coxhead
A weekend with St. Teresa of Avila, exploring her great masterpiece on prayer, 'The Interior Castle.' As we make our pilgrimage through the many dwelling places, we are drawn deeper into the mystery of who God is and who we are. Teresa is very aware of the many trials and contradictions we will experience along the way and encourages us to; 'Hope in the mercy of God, who never fails those who hope in Him.' (Interior Castle 6,1:13)
Thursday 18th September from 10am to 4pm
Quiet Day Minsteracres Team
An opportunity to step aside, listen to God in scripture and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the countryside.
Saturday 27th September from 10am to 4pm
A Circle of Prayer - Circle Dance Joyce McAndrew
This is an inviting programme that explores the beauty of music whilst incorporating responsive movement echoing both feelings and mood as non-verbal self-expression which touches both the soul and the imagination. Throughout this retreat you will have an opportunity to learn both traditional and contemporary dance movement. Continuous sequences will follow a meditative and contemplative pattern and will be punctuated with reflective readings.
October
Friday 3rd October from 6.30pm to Sunday 5th at 2pm
The Embodied Contemplative Terry Doyle
This retreat will explore how we might find inner stillness and peace through the practice of Christian Meditation, gentle Tai Chi movement and breath work. It is suitable for all ages and abilities. Come with a Beginner’s Mind and Enjoy Learning!
Friday 24th October from 6.30 pm to Sunday 26th at 2pm
Retreat Weekend John Bell
John Bell is a hymn writer, speaker and member of the Iona Community.
Friday 31st October from 6.30 pm to Sunday 2nd November at 2pm
‘Pilgrims of Hope’ Retreat Minsteracres Team
A retreat exploring the Catholic Church’s theme for this Jubliee Year “Pilgrims of Hope” and how we might re-establish a proper relationship with God, with one another and with all creation.
November
Tuesday 11th November from 10am to 4pm
Day of Consolation Chris Smith
An opportunity to join us on this poignant retreat day for people who have experienced bereavement, grief, loss or significant change..
Thursday 20th November from 10am to 4 pm
Quiet Day Minsteracres Team
An opportunity to step aside, listen to God in scripture and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the countryside.
Friday 28th November from 6.30pm to Sunday 30th at 2pm
Advent Retreat Pat Kennedy OBJ
Our Advent Retreat will help us discern the idea of waiting on the Lord. As we begin to prepare for the feast of Christmas, we challenge ourselves to use this time to reflect on our spiritual readiness for the gift of Christmas.
Retreat Centre Location
Minsteracres Retreat Centre, Minsteracres, Consett DH8 9RT, UK