
Community of St Mary the Virgin
Retreat Centre Description
St Mary’s Convent is home to a community of Anglican Sisters who welcome guests to share in their peaceful setting and rhythm of prayer. Retreatants are welcome to join the Sisters for their Daily Office and Eucharist and to make use of their two chapels for personal prayer. The Retreat Wing itself offers two sitting rooms, an art room, a large meeting room and an informal chapel - all of which can be used by both retreat groups and individuals. Meals are home-cooked using wholesome ingredients and served in the Retreat Refectory. The Convent’s extensive grounds contain an orchard, a water garden and a labyrinth; and the Berkshire Downs and Ridgeway are not far away. From time to time the Sisters host guided retreats, sometimes led by a Sister herself. These include a recurring Beginners’ Retreat.

Accommodation on Offer
Our 21-bedroom Retreat Wing has: 10 single en suite, 2 disabled access en suite, 2 twin en suite, 6 standard single (shared bathroom), 1 standard twin (shared bathroom). There are 2 sitting rooms, informal chapel, art room, library, and a large meeting room (ideal for groups) as well as extensive gardens. Guests are welcome to spend time in St Mary’s Chapel for private prayer and reflection.

Retreat Centre Facilities
Please see website for retreat centre facilities

Types of Retreat Offered
Please see website for retreats offered

2026 Events
February
7 Embroidery Quiet Day with Suellen Pedley and The Ven Christine Allsopp
May
8-10 Conducted Retreat with Fr Charlie CR
June
20 Quiet Day with Revd Christopher Woods
July – August
31-2 Conducted Retreat with Fr John-Francis Friendship TSSF
September
26 Quiet Day with Dr Maria Dent
Please visit our website for further up to date information about our 2026 programme of Retreats.
Retreat Centre Location
St Mary's Convent, Denchworth Road, Wantage, Oxfordshire OX12 9AU, UK

Community of St Mary the Virgin
St Mary's Convent, Denchworth Road, Wantage, Oxfordshire OX12 9AU, UK
