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)
Retreat Centre Description
Most resources are open to everyone and 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 (usually silent), R5 weeks and other shared events and workshops. Opportunity for group bookings to run your own church, family, leadership, training or other residential programmes for up to 30 people. Sheldon is run by a lay community and guests are welcome to join our 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
2026 Events
Dec-Jan
29 Dec – 3 Jan. New Year R5 (Read, Rest, Retreat, Relax, Recuperate) – sociable mealtimes and plenty of space to do your own thing.
Jan – Feb
30 Jan – 1 Feb. Candlemas volunteer workparty
Feb
1 – 6. R5 week (Read, Rest, Retreat, Relax, Recuperate) – sociable mealtimes and plenty of space to do your own thing.
19 – 21. Share the Joy. An encounter with Icons. Retreat/workshop led by Andrea and David Chance
23 – 27. The Repair Shop. Silent retreat led by Brother Sam SSF.
Mar
2 – 6. Reflections on Retirement. Retreat/workshop led by Clare Herbert.
15 - 20. R5 week (Read, Rest, Retreat, Relax, Recuperate) – sociable mealtimes and plenty of space to do your own thing.
Mar – Apr
31 Mar – 7 Apr. Easter volunteer workparty. Work and liturgy for Holy Week and Easter.
Apr
12 – 17. Low Sunday R5 week (Read, Rest, Retreat, Relax, Recuperate) – sociable mealtimes and plenty of space to do your own thing.
20 – 24. Through the Door of Hope. Silent retreat led by Christopher Chapman.
May
24 – 29. R5 week half term (Read, Rest, Retreat, Relax, Recuperate) – sociable mealtimes and plenty of space to do your own thing.
June
8 - 12. Retreat led by Margaret Silf
22 – 26. The Labyrinth as Pilgrimage. Retreat led by Clare Callanan.
Jun – Jul
28 Jun – 3 Jul. R5 week (Read, Rest, Retreat, Relax, Recuperate) – sociable mealtimes and plenty of space to do your own thing.
July
6 - 10. Poetry and creativity retreat led by Martin and Meg Wroe
July – August
23 Jul – 1 Aug. Volunteer workweek including open air theatre.
August
3 – 7. Retreat led by Ian and Gail Adams.
9 – 14. R5 week (Read, Rest, Retreat, Relax, Recuperate) – sociable mealtimes and plenty of space to do your own thing.
17 – 21. The Garden Gospel. Silent retreat. led by Simon Parke
23 - 28. R5 week (Read, Rest, Retreat, Relax, Recuperate) – sociable mealtimes and plenty of space to do your own thing.
see website for autumn dates
Retreat Centre Location
Sheldon Retreat, Exeter EX6 7YT, UK
Sheldon Retreat (Mary & Martha)
Sheldon Retreat, Exeter EX6 7YT, UK