A retreat is your chance to step aside from life for a while, to rest and just 'be' in a welcoming, peaceful place.
Iona Abbey
Contact Details
Contact Name:
Iona Abbey Bookings
Email:
Telephone:
01681 700 404
Retreat Centre Description
A unique opportunity to stay in the iconic Iona Abbey and experience living in community with people from all over the world.
You will be hosted by the Iona Community, an international, ecumenical Christian movement working for peace and justice, the rebuilding of community and the renewal of worship.
Come and share in the daily worship, delicious vegetarian meals, laughter, sharing of stories, pilgrimage, optional workshops, creative art and music, and ‘helping out’ tasks – all the time exploring faith in action and how we can make a difference in this world. During your free time, you can explore the beautiful island of Iona, renowned for its rich history, white-sand beaches, and stunning wildlife, or simply find a peaceful spot in the Abbey to reflect and unwind.
Most of the Iona Abbey programmes last for 6 days (Saturday to Friday). Some focus on specific themes, others (‘Time & Space’) are more generic. All seek to reinvigorate and inspire. There are also opportunities for shorter 3-days breaks and last-minute flexible stays. We warmly welcome all enquiries—come and experience life in community on Iona!
Accommodation on Offer
Our accommodation is housed in the beautifully restored part of a former Benedictine monastery, best accessed through the peaceful Cloister. As part of the Iona Community experience, you’re invited to join in worship twice daily in the iconic Iona Abbey. Meals are served in the refectory, where monks once dined, offering a deep connection to the Abbey's past.
Our modern and recently upgraded facilities include 44 beds across 21 comfortable bedrooms, with 11 shower rooms. Three of our five single bedrooms are fully accessible, including one with an en-suite bathroom and two others conveniently located near an accessible bathroom. A lift is available for access to the first floor, where you'll find the refectory. Please note that 10 bedrooms are on the second floor, accessible via two flights of stairs.
Due to the limited number of single and twin rooms, some guests may be asked to share a room—an opportunity to meet new friends in this welcoming community!
Our freshly prepared meals are mostly vegetarian, from our own Abbey kitchen. The food is so loved that an "Iona Abbey Cookbook" was recently published by popular demand! While we cater to many special dietary needs, we are unable to cater for very severe allergies. We encourage you to contact us in advance to discuss any mobility or dietary requirements to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.
Retreat Centre Facilities
Please see website for retreat centre facilities
Types of Retreat Offered
Please see website for retreats offered
2026 Events
March 7-13 Work Week: Help us get the Iona Abbey Centre ready for the season. For energetic people willing to get their hands dirty! Offered at a discounted rate.
March 14-20 Time and Space: Do you need time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.
March 14 - 20 Gardening Sustainably: This hands-on week offers practical skills, inspiration, and ways to care for the earth through gardening and daily living. Note this will be running alongside a Time and Space week so you can bring a companion along even if they're not into gardening.
March 21 - 27 Writing the Island: Join Kenneth Steven for a week of walking and writing and discovering the Celtic Christian stories and place of Iona.
March 28 - 31 Time and Space 3 nights. Come to Iona Abbey for a three night stay and get some time and space.
April 1 - 7 Experience Easter on Iona: Join us for an unforgettable Holy Week and Easter journey on Iona in 2026. Experience a blend of solumn reflection and joyous celebration.
April 7 - 10 Time and Space 3 nights. Come to Iona Abbey for a three night stay and get some time and space.
April 11 - 17 Rewilding Your Spirituality. Do you sometimes feel as if your spirituality has been ‘tamed’? Join Arnd Corts for some spiritual rewilding on Iona!
April 18-24 Time and Space: Do you need time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.
April 25- May 1 New Members Week - A week for Iona Community Members to gather on the Isle of Iona.
May 2 - 8 Time and Space: Do you need time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.
May 9 - 15 John Bell: Weathering the Storm. Explore how we can draw on our faith resources to navigate the unique personal and political challenges of the 2020s. With John Bell.
May 16 - 22: Time and Space: Do you need time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona. 3 or 6 night stays available.
May 23 - 29: Time and Space: Do you need time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.
May 30 - June 5: Time and Space: Do you need time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.
June 6 - 12: Columba Week. Join us as we celebrate St Columba. We’ll follow in his footsteps on Iona, discovering how his remarkable story resonates within us.
June 13 - 19: Experiencing nature, with Bob Gilbert. Explore Iona’s landscape and nature’s role in Christian tradition as we seek an eco-spirituality for today.
June 20 - 26: Practising hope. An exploration and experience of hope from different dimensions - theology, spiritual, relational, community, worship.
June 27 - July 3: Wild Goose Resource Group Week: An interactive week exploring creative, participative and playful ways to worship, led by the Wild Goose Resource Group, Jo Love, Iain McLarty and Jane Bentley.
July 4 - 10: Time and Space: Do you need time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.
July 18 - 24: Time and Space: Do you need time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.
July 25 - 31: Community Week. A special week for Members of the Iona Community to gather together on the Isle of Iona. Note this week is only open to Members
August 1 - 7: Youth Fest: Explore faith, justice, and community through creativity, conversation, and connection at Iona Abbey. (YouthFest is for groups of 14 - 17 year olds).
August 8 - 14: Family Week: We warmly welcome all kinds of families to gather at Iona Abbey for a week of reflection, creativity, and adventure in a wild and beautiful setting.
August 15 - 21: Singing Week - Wild Goose Resource Group: Singing Week with Lim Swee-Hong 林瑞峰 and the Wild Goose Resource Group’s Iain McLarty and Jane Bentley.
August 22 - 28: Time and Space: Do you need time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.
August 29 - Sept 4: Time and Space: Do you need time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.
September 5 - 11: Sound and Vision - Creativity Week: Join us for a week of late summer invention and creation. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy readings, workshops, music, poetry, art and storytelling. Come to celebrate, learn, and explore, surrounded by Iona’s stunning natural beauty.
September 12 - 18: Time and Space: Do you need time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.
September 19 - 25: Time and Space: Do you need time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.
September 26 - October 2: John Bell - Weathering the Storm:Explore how we can draw on our faith resources to navigate the unique personal and political challenges of the 2020s. With John Bell.
October 3 - 9: Hopeful Imagination with Alistair McIntosh. Alastair McIntosh, renowned environmental activist and writer, will lead this week exploring how Celtic spirituality can inspire both imaginative reflection and practical action.
October 10 - 16: Festival of Writing and Storytelling. Join our Festival of Writing and Storytelling. Explore various creative processes, develop your literary skills, and enjoy fireside readings and storytelling. For writers and story enthusiasts of all ages.
October 17 - 23: Politics, Power and Protest: In an era of political polarisation and growing extremism, this week will be an opportunity to explore how we can engage well with politics in pursuit of justice and peace.
October 24 - 30: Contemplation in Community - with Stephen Wright: Curious about contemplation? Experienced in the practice? We invite you to join us for this special week of contemplation in community with experienced facilitator, Stephen Wright.
October 31 - November 6: Winter Work Week: Come and help us prepare Iona Abbey Centre for a rest, at the end of the 2026 season. This week is for energetic people who don’t mind getting their hands dirty. This week is available at a discounted rate.
November 9 - 13: Stillness in Community: Join Quaker, and Iona Community Leader Ruth Harvey, for some days of gentle, stilling contemplative practices in the beauty of an Iona winter.
2027 Events
SPRING WORK WEEK 2027
6 - 12 March
Join the Iona Abbey Work Week and help prepare the Abbey for the season ahead. A week of practical work, worship, community and shared purpose.
TIME AND SPACE
13 - 19 March
Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat in the UK, a reflective retreat, or simply time away, this week gives you space to pause, breathe and reconnect in one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.
TIME AND SPACE 3 NIGHTS
20 -23 March
Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat in the UK, a reflective retreat, or simply time away, this week gives you space to pause, breathe and reconnect in one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.
EXPERIENCE EASTER ON IONA
24 - 30 March
Journey through Holy Week and celebrate Easter on Iona. A week of worship, reflection and community at Iona Abbey.
TIME AND SPACE 3 NIGHTS
30 March - 2 April
Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat in the UK, a reflective retreat, or simply time away, this week gives you space to pause, breathe and reconnect in one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.
MOVING IN A JUST WORLD
3 - 9 April
Explore movement, justice and community through dance, reflection and conversation at Iona Abbey. No dance experience needed.
JOHN BELL: ADVENTURES IN EDEN
10 - 16 April
Explore ancient stories which speak into the age we live in and the faith we share with John Bell.
TIME AND SPACE
17 - 23 April
Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat in the UK, a reflective retreat, or simply time away, this week gives you space to pause, breathe and reconnect in one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.
TIME AND SPACE
24 - 30 April
Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat in the UK, a reflective retreat, or simply time away, this week gives you space to pause, breathe and reconnect in one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.
TIME AND SPACE
1 - 7 May
Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat in the UK, a reflective retreat, or simply time away, this week gives you space to pause, breathe and reconnect in one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.
PRAYING IN FLESH AND BONE
8 - 14 May
Explore prayer through breath, movement and reflection at Iona Abbey. A thoughtful Christian retreat for spiritual growth and renewal.
TIME AND SPACE
15 - 21 May
Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat in the UK, a reflective retreat, or simply time away, this week gives you space to pause, breathe and reconnect in one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.
TIME AND SPACE
22 - 28 May
Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat in the UK, a reflective retreat, or simply time away, this week gives you space to pause, breathe and reconnect in one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.
TIME AND SPACE
29 May - 4 June
Please note, this Time and Space week is already fully booked through a partner organisation – more information soon.
COLUMBA WEEK 2027
5 - 11 June
Explore, with Simon de Voil, the life and legacy of Saint Columba through reflection, sacred music, discussion and contemplative practice on Iona.
TIME AND SPACE
12 - 18 June
Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat in the UK, a reflective retreat, or simply time away, this week gives you space to pause, breathe and reconnect in one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.
ACTIVE HOPE
19 - 25 June
Explore how we respond to suffering, injustice and the climate crisis through reflection, creativity, community and spiritual practice.
EXPERIENCING NATURE
26 June - 2 July
Discover birds, plants and wildlife on Iona while exploring ecology and spirituality through observation, story and reflection.
TIME AND SPACE
3 - 9 July 2027 @ 9:00 am
Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat in the UK, a reflective retreat, or simply time away, this week gives you space to pause, breathe and reconnect in one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.
CHASING THE WIND – WILD GOOSE RESOURCE GROUP
10 - 16 July
Discover creative and participatory worship through music, prayer, storytelling and community with the Wild Goose Resource Group.
YOUTHFEST
17 - 23 July
A week-long youth festival for 14–17 year olds, combining adventure, friendship, creativity and community on Iona.
COMMUNITY WEEK 2027
24 - 30 July
A special week for Members of the Iona Community to gather together on the Isle of Iona. Note this week is only open to Members.
FAMILIES WEEK 2027
31 July - 6 August
We warmly welcome families of all shapes and sizes to gather at Iona Abbey for a week of fun, creativity, and adventure on our beautiful island.
August 2027
SINGING WEEK 2027
7 - 13 August
Join a week of community singing, music and spirituality, sharing songs from around the world and the Iona Community.
YOUNG ADULTS WEEK 2027
14 - 20 August
Join us for a week of connection and creativity as we explore how to find hope and build change as young adults. Open to anyone aged 18-35.
TIME AND SPACE
21 - 27 August 2027 @ 9:00 am
Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat in the UK, a reflective retreat, or simply time away, this week gives you space to pause, breathe and reconnect in one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.
REFUGE & THE RESISTANCE OF JOY
28 August - 3 September
Join the UNESCO Chair for Refugee Integration team in this peace and justice retreat exploring refuge, creativity, joy and community in challenging times.
TIME AND SPACE
4 September - 10 September
Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat in the UK, a reflective retreat, or simply timeaway, this week gives you space to pause, breathe and reconnect in one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.
FOLLOWERS OF THE WAY
11 - 17 September
Explore prayer, reflection and spiritual practices on a reflective Christian retreat at Iona Abbey.
QUEER JOY: IDENTITY, FAITH AND RITUAL
18 - 24 September
An LGBTQ+ faith retreat exploring queer identity, spirituality, ritual and joyful community.
JOHN BELL: ADVENTURES IN EDEN
25 September - 1 October
Explore ancient stories which speak into the age we live in and the faith we share with John Bell.
TIME AND SPACE
2 - 8 October
Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat in the UK, a reflective retreat, or simply time away, this week gives you space to pause, breathe and reconnect in one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.
FESTIVAL OF WRITING AND STORYTELLING
9 - 15 October
A creative writing retreat with workshops, storytelling and inspiration for readers and writers on Iona.
TIME AND SPACE
16 - 22 October
Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat in the UK, a reflective retreat, or simply time away, this week gives you space to pause, breathe and reconnect in one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.
STEPHEN WRIGHT – CONTEMPLATION IN COMMUNITY
23 - 29 October
Explore contemplation, stillness and prayer through a week of reflection, solitude and community on Iona.
30 October - 5 November
Help us get Iona Abbey Centre ready for the winter. This week is for energetic people who don’t mind getting their hands dirty. This week is available at a discounted rate.
STILLNESS IN COMMUNITY (MON-FRI, 4 NIGHTS)
8 - 12 November
A gentle retreat of prayer, reflection and community life at Iona Abbey. Find space for stillness, rest and renewal in an Iona winter
Retreat Centre Location
Isle of Iona PA76 6SN, UK
This retreat centre is not currently listing on the Retreat Association website
Iona Abbey
Isle of Iona PA76 6SN, UK