A retreat is your chance to step aside from life for a while, to rest and just 'be' in a welcoming, peaceful place.
Douai Abbey
Contact Details
Contact Name:
Fr Alexander Austin OSB
Email:
Telephone:
0118 9715399
Retreat Centre Description
Douai Abbey is a Benedictine monastery set on high ground above the Kennet Valley in rural West Berkshire. The community of 14 monks sing most of the divine office in English with Vespers in Latin and guests are welcome to attend. The community is Roman Catholic but other denominations are very welcome. Most of the extensive grounds are open to guests and there are well-signposted walks in the immediate vicinity. Our programme of organised retreats for 2026 is not yet complete but details will soon be available on our website. Individual retreatants are always welcome.
We normally limit the size of groups to 12 participants so that peace and quiet is easier to maintain, but we can accommodate up to 35 day visitors.
Accommodation on Offer
Three conference rooms with digital projectors and screens
No 1 Capacity 35 as lecture room; 20 sitting at a table; upright chairs
No 2 Capacity: 20 in comfy chairs
No 3 Capacity 16 in comfy chairs
Two sitting rooms/ library
One interview/conversation room
6 double rooms, 3 twin rooms, 13 single rooms - all en suite
Four rooms with disabled access showers near lift
Abbey Church - capacity 250
St Mary's Church - capacity 80
Retreat Centre Facilities
Please see website for retreat centre facilities
Types of Retreat Offered
Please see website for retreats offered
2026 Events
Retreat Centre Location
Upper Woolhampton, Reading RG7 5TQ, UK
Douai Abbey
Upper Woolhampton, Reading RG7 5TQ, UK