A retreat is your chance to step aside from life for a while, to rest and just 'be' in a welcoming, peaceful place.
Sarum College
Retreat Centre Description
At Sarum College we offer ecumenical space for reflection about how people can live together generatively for the common good where all can flourish.
We explore wholeness and the values which empower us to share well-being especially as they relate to issues such as health, equality, disability, sexuality, age, creativity and love.
Sarum is blessed with one of the most beautiful locations in the country, underpinned by a warm welcome, generous hospitality and great food. Our location in Salisbury Cathedral Close, in buildings where theology has been taught for more than 160 years, along with a supportive community of learning allows time for reflection and contemplation, which is such a rarity in our otherwise busy lives. We are a five-minute walk from the High Street with shops, cafes and a twice-weekly market. There are excellent cultural venues within the Close.
We offer a range of services, including library access, and sessions for spiritual direction or mentoring.
Sarum College does not want finance to be a barrier to anyone who wishes to take part in our programme. We offer a limited number of bursaries for those who would be unable to participate without financial support. Visit our website for more information: https://www.sarum.ac.uk/grantmaking-trusts/
Accommodation on Offer
Forty-one of our 53 guest bedrooms are ensuite. We have two accessible bedrooms. Wren bedrooms at the front of the College have uninterrupted views of the Cathedral, several others have lovely views overlooking the rooftops of the Close and spire. Rooms are single, double and twin; all have tea and coffee-making facilities. None have televisions.
The lift gives access to all the floors. Butterfield Chapel is a lovely 19th century chapel open to visitors when not in use for worship and events. There is also a common room with easy chairs and licensed bar for guest use, as well as a specialist library open to the public.
There are several meeting rooms, the largest of which holds approximately 80 people. Food is freshly made onsite with a range of options and catering to a range of dietary requirements.
Retreat Centre Facilities
Please see website for retreat centre facilities
Types of Retreat Offered
Please see website for retreats offered
2026 Events
The Sarum Course in Spiritual Direction
The aim of the Spiritual Direction programme is to work in the formation of people to begin the task of competent, well-informed, thoughtful and reflective spiritual direction.
The course is designed to model and reflect the nature and values of spiritual direction at every level throughout your time at Sarum and is delivered in residential, mixed mode and online formats to accommodate access requirements and learning preferences. Designed to provide a balanced learning environment, the programme blends personal and spiritual formation with skills development.
Find out more on our website: https://www.sarum.ac.uk/learning/spiritual-direction/ or email Educational Administrator, Clair James: cjames@sarum.ac.uk
Exploring Theology Programme
"Tough questions, great conversations & no easy answers."
This flagship online theology course offers intellectually rigorous, interactive, and accessible learning for anyone who wishes to delve deeper into the world of theology and Biblical studies outside of a formal degree programme. No prior academic theological study is necessary, just curiosity!
Exploring Theology is a two-year course with three 10-week terms designed so that students can join at any time with no obligation to commit to successive terms and years.
Year A (beginning Sept 2025) focuses on Exploring the Bible, serving to equip students with knowledge and tools to read and encounter the Scriptures faithfully and fruitfully in their own lives. The Spring term begins on 13th January and runs every Tuesday 7pm-9pm. It provides an introduction to the New Testament and then the Summer term focusses on the various ways in which we read, interpret, understand, and make meaning of the Bible.
Here are a selection of our courses for 2026. New courses are being added all the time: see you website for further details of these and other courses: https://www.sarum.ac.uk/short-courses/
January
12-15 Greek and Hebrew Reading Weeks
29 Sarum Study Day. An ideal opportunity for busy people to take some time to carve out an intentional space for self-directed reading, reflection and creativity. We offer a framework, companionship and excellent hospitality that will help you to both relax and focus. Onsite 10am-4pm.
February
5 Doing justice. Explore the power of spirituality to transform us so that we can transform social structures and social consciousness. Onsite 10am-4pm with Rachel Lampard.
9-12 Modern & Postmodern Perspectives on Christian Spirituality. An excellent introduction to the forms and types of spirituality in the Christian tradition from the Reformations to the present day. Postgraduate course open to all held onsite at Sarum College over a few days with Dr Michael Hahn & guest tutors.
17 Reading Scripture Together. Onsite 10am-4pm with Rabbi Shoshana Boyd-Gelfand & Dr Jayme Reaves.
26 Can Preaching learn from Stand-Up Comedy? A playful day of theory and practice exploring how skills and approaches from stand-up comedy might challenge and help preaching. Onsite 10am-4pm with Ian Macdonald.
March
10-11 Poetry Retreat. Onsite over two days with Canon Dr Manon James.
24 Spiritual Landscapes. Spirituality, landscape & the environment. Is there anything more vital to write about today? Onsite 10am-4pm with Richard Skinner.
26 Jesus and the Pharisees. Take a new look at the Pharisees taking account of the latest historical research; might they be creative dialogue partners rather than ‘baddies’? Onsite 10am-4pm with Dr Ann Conway-Jones.
April
20-23 Themes in medieval Christian Spirituality. Examine the role of women in this Western Medieval Schools of Christian Spirituality and evaluate their contributions to the mysticism and politics of the period; learn about medieval spirituality in the broader context of medieval theological developments and explore key Christian spiritual texts from this period. Postgraduate course open to all held onsite at Sarum College over a few days with Dr Michael Hahn & guest tutors.
May
13 Exploring the book of Acts. Onsite 10am-4pm with Rev. Simon Woodman.
18-21 Texts and the Christian Tradition. Exploring a specific text, either from the Bible or the Christian spiritual tradition. Critically engage with the text using particular lenses with enable deeper consideration of its meaning, significance, impact and longevity for the Christian spiritual tradition, its adherents, and/or the wider cultural context. Postgraduate course open to all held onsite at Sarum College over a few days with Dr Michael Hahn & guest tutors.
June
3 Reading the Bible: Meaning & Truth. Back to basics: what do we think we are doing when we read the Bible? How do we extract meaning from it, and what sort of truth do we expect to find? Take a look at the very different ways in which historical scholars, Christians, and Jews approach the Bible. Onsite 10am-4pm with Dr Ann Conway-Jones.
18 Reading Scripture Together. Onsite 10am-4pm with Rabbi Shoshana Boyd-Gelfand & Dr Jayme Reaves.
22 Sarum Study Day. An ideal opportunity for busy people to take some time to carve out an intentional space for self-directed reading, reflection and creativity. We offer a framework, companionship and excellent hospitality that will help you to both relax and focus. Onsite 10am-4pm.
July
Courses coming soon.
August
9-14 Hebrew in a week. 6-day intensive course.
10-15 Greek in a week. 6-day intensive course.
September
17 Reading Scripture Together. Onsite 10am-4pm with Rabbi Shoshana Boyd-Gelfand & Dr Jayme Reaves.
October
8 Exploring the non-Pauline epistles. Onsite 10am-4pm with Rev Simon Woodman.
November
10 Sarum Study Day. An ideal opportunity for busy people to take some time to carve out an intentional space for self-directed reading, reflection and creativity. We offer a framework, companionship and excellent hospitality that will help you to both relax and focus. Onsite 10am-4pm.
December
2 Reading Scripture Together. Onsite 10am-4pm with Rabbi Shoshana Boyd-Gelfand & Dr Jayme Reaves.
2027 Events
Retreats, Study Breaks and Quiet Days
Throughout 2027 Sarum College will offer opportunities for personal retreat, reflective study and spiritual renewal. Guests can enjoy the peaceful setting of Salisbury Cathedral Close while making use of the College's chapel, library, hospitality and accommodation facilities. https://www.sarum.ac.uk/learning/private-stays-retreats-study-breaks-and-sabbaticals/
For the latest programme and booking information visit: www.sarum.ac.uk/short-courses/
Individual and Group Retreats
Sarum welcomes individuals and groups throughout the year for:
· Private retreats
· Quiet days
· Sabbaticals
· Study breaks
· Residential group retreats
Spiritual direction may be arranged subject to availability
2027 Events at Sarum College
OutoftheBox Storytelling Retreat (12 - 14 Feb 2027)
A creative weekend retreat exploring storytelling, play, and reflection, using visual story-making to deepen connection, spark imagination, and nurture wisdom and wellbeing.
https://www.sarum.ac.uk/short-courses/outofthebox-storytelling-retreat/
Contemporary Spirituality in Historical Perspective(15 - 18 Feb 2027)
Explore how Christian spirituality engages with today's diverse spiritual landscape, examining the influence of modernity, postmodernity, and voices from the margins of the Church.
https://www.sarum.ac.uk/short-courses/ma-module-contemporary-spirituality-in-historical-perspective/
Faith in Action: Living out the Gospel of Justice (11 Mar 2027)
Explore how Christian faith inspires action for justice, combining spirituality, reflection and practical engagement to make a difference in today’s world.
https://www.sarum.ac.uk/short-courses/faith-in-action-living-out-the-gospel-of-justice/
Embodied Christian Spirituality (05 - 08 Apr 2027)
Explore how our bodies, identities and lived experiences shape Christian spirituality, drawing on diverse perspectives to deepen understanding of faith in everyday life.
https://www.sarum.ac.uk/short-courses/ma-module-embodied-christian-spirituality/
Christian Nationalism (15 Apr 2027)
With Helen Paynter
Visit the website for forthcoming booking details.
God in the Musicals (20 Apr 2027)
Discover how some of the world’s best-loved musicals explore themes of faith, redemption and justice, offering fresh perspectives on theology through story, song and performance.
https://www.sarum.ac.uk/short-courses/god-in-the-musicals/
Beyond the Dark Night: Mining Christian Spirituality for Trauma-Informed Support and Accompaniment
(23 – 25 Apr 2027)
With Dr Gillian Ahlgren. Discover how to integrate trauma wisdom from the worlds of psychology and social work with insights and practices from visionary Christian spiritual leaders.
Visit the website for forthcoming booking details.
Advanced Study of a Theological Text (10 - 13 May 2027)
Engage in an in-depth exploration of a significant theological text, examining its meaning, influence and continuing relevance for Christian spirituality and contemporary faith.
https://www.sarum.ac.uk/short-courses/ma-module-advanced-study-of-a-theological-text/
Voices, Visions and Dreams: Listening, Meaning-Making and Responding in Spiritual Accompaniment (17 - 19 May 2027)
A conference for spiritual directors exploring how voices, visions and dreams can be understood, discerned and accompanied through the insights of theology, spirituality and psychology.
https://www.sarum.ac.uk/short-courses/voices-visions-and-dreams-listening-meaning-making-and-responding-in-spiritual-accompaniment/
Making the Most of Daily Prayer (20 May 2027)
With Tom Clammer
Visit the website for forthcoming booking details.
A Jane Austen Retreat (11 – 13 June 2027)
With the Rev Dr Rachel Mann
Visit the website for forthcoming booking details.
Sarum Study Day (21 Jun 2027)
Spend a refreshing day at Sarum College, enjoying dedicated time for self-directed reading, reflection, creativity or project work, supported by a gentle structure, companionship, refreshments and lunch in a comfortable setting.
Retreat with Anna Robinson (8 – 10 Oct 2027)
Visit the website for forthcoming booking details.
More courses are always being added, please check the Sarum College Short Courses page for any updates: https://www.sarum.ac.uk/short-courses/
Other courses available:
Sarum Course in Spiritual Direction
The Sarum Course in Spiritual Direction is a well-established two-year programme designed to form thoughtful, reflective and competent spiritual directors. The course explores the practice and theology of spiritual accompaniment while nurturing participants' own spiritual and personal development.
Delivered through a blend of residential, online and mixed-mode learning, the programme combines theological reflection, practical skills development and spiritual formation.
Themes include:
· Spiritual direction and its traditions
· Listening and discernment
· Spiritual accompaniment in times of transition, loss and change
· Vocation and calling
· Prayer, imagination and creativity
· Human and spiritual development
· Professional practice, supervision and reflection
Find out more at: www.sarum.ac.uk/learning/spiritual-direction/
Discovering Theology: Starting Out
Theology just means thinking about God!
Discovering Theology helps you name the theology you’re already doing with a community of curious people, guided by our expert tutors. Over three 6-week terms, discover God’s Story, the Church’s Story and how they relate to Your Story, through a flexible online learning programme.
Visit the website for forthcoming booking details.
Exploring Theology: Going Further
"Tough questions, great conversations, no easy answers."
Exploring Theology is Sarum College's flagship online theology programme. Accessible, interactive and intellectually rigorous, it is designed for anyone wishing to deepen their engagement with theology and biblical studies, regardless of previous academic experience.
The programme is delivered in flexible ten-week terms, allowing participants to join individual courses without committing to a full degree programme.
Find out more at: www.sarum.ac.uk/learning/exploring-theology/
Retreat Centre Location
19 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EE, UK
This retreat centre is not currently listing on the Retreat Association website
Sarum College
19 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EE, UK