Day Retreat for the new year:

Well in Body, Mind & Spirit

Helen Lawrence

Saturday 10 January: 9:30am – 4pm

£30 including lunch and refreshments

As the first event in our 2026 programme, we offer an opportunity to reflect on what we each need to function well as disciples of Jesus and consider some steps towards linking our faith with our own wellbeing.

Helen is Assistant Manager at Wydale.

January Private Retreat Day

Friday 16 January: 9:30am – 4pm

£22 including lunch and refreshments

In 2025 we experimented with monthly private retreat days – days when it was possible for individuals to come to Wydale just to be. These days proved to be popular, so for this year’s programme we have built on the idea. We will do our best to ensure that the house is quiet and we have built a network of chaplains, one of whom will be available throughout the day should guests wish to talk and will be celebrate a Eucharist in the middle of the day. So, if you’ve felt for a while that you would benefit from just having a day away, with no input or agenda imposed, there are ten of these days in our programme. Which will you book in for?

Winter Individual Guided Retreat

4pm Monday 19 January – 10am Friday 23 January

£416

Many people come to Wydale on individual retreats throughout the year; however, it is rare that we can have the house in silence. Over recent years we have established a pattern of dedicating space in our programme in the winter and in the summer where individuals can come, receive guidance from an experienced spiritual director and meet with God in the stillness. Although we can’t guarantee complete silence across the site (the gardens may be used by others and the birds can be quite chatty) this retreat offers the opportunity to focus on God without the need to interact with other retreatants.

Winter Renewal Day

Dominic Black

Tuesday 3 February 10:30am – 3:30pm

Renewal Days are opportunities for people to come to Wydale and spend a day worshipping, receiving Bible teaching, praying and being prayed for. Although booking is essential, these events are free of charge and refreshments including a packed lunch are provided. Donations are welcome but not required.

Dominic Black is vicar of Hull Minster.

February Private Retreat Day

Thursday 12 February 9:30am – 4pm

£22 including lunch and refreshments

In 2025 we experimented with monthly private retreat days – days when it was possible for individuals to come to Wydale just to be. These days proved to be popular, so for this year’s programme we have built on the idea. We will do our best to ensure that the house is quiet and we have built a network of chaplains, one of whom will be available throughout the day should guests wish to talk and will be celebrate a Eucharist in the middle of the day. So, if you’ve felt for a while that you would benefit from just having a day away, with no input or agenda imposed, there are ten of these days in our programme. Which will you book in for?

The Pilgrim’s Path: Journeys of Faith in Tolkien’s Work

John Hoyland

Thursday 5 March 9:30am – 4pm

£30 including lunch and refreshments

From the commitment of the hobbits to their quest to the burden of the Ring, in the light of persistent hope amidst overwhelming darkness, Tolkien’s work is full of resonance with the spiritual path. This quiet day will offer opportunities for exploration of the journey of our faith – remembering that pilgrimage isn’t solely about physical travel but about the transformative journey of the soul: enduring trials, finding strength in fellowship and discovering redemption.

John is a tutor on the Lifelong Learning team for the Diocese of York.

Knitwits for God!

Liz Pacey

Wednesday 11 March 9:30am – 4pm

£30 including lunch and refreshments

A relaxing day of not only finding God in our knitting and crochet but learning how we can share the joy with others. Bring your own work in progress if you wish or take part in our Easter project. Or both!

Liz is a licensed lay minister (reader) and a long-time knitter.

Spring Gardening Day

Saturday 14 March 9:30am – 4pm

No charge: Lunch and refreshments provided

It’s always more fun working together than alone, don’t you think? Especially when the kettle is always on and lunch is provided. Come and spend a day helping to get the Wydale garden ready for the next phase of growth! All tools provided, all instructions given, just bring a waterproof and a warm sweater.

Relaxation Day with Massage

Saturday 14 March 9:30am – 5pm

£50 to include lunch, refreshments and a professional treatment

Are you worn out with ministering to others and would appreciate a day to relax and be ministered to? We are delighted to offer an opportunity for a limited number of people to come to Wydale for a day. You will be allocated a bedroom for the day and be able to unwind, snooze, be fed and have a treatment from our friend and community member Mary Sarah Eldridge.

Places limited to six – strictly first come, first served. Maybe you could treat yourself, or gift the day someone you feel would benefit from this opportunity.

Mary is a professionally qualified and experienced practitioner in a range of therapies specialising mainly in Remedial and Orthopaedic Massage and Sport Massage. The Wydale management team are very grateful for her skills!

March Private Retreat Day

Wednesday 25 March 9:30am – 4pm

£22 including lunch and refreshments

In 2025 we experimented with monthly private retreat days – days when it was possible for individuals to come to Wydale just to be. These days proved to be popular, so for this year’s programme we have built on the idea. We will do our best to ensure that the house is quiet and we have built a network of chaplains, one of whom will be available throughout the day should guests wish to talk and will be celebrate a Eucharist in the middle of the day. So, if you’ve felt for a while that you would benefit from just having a day away, with no input or agenda imposed, there are ten of these days in our programme. Which will you book in for?

The Meaning of the Resurrection

Graham Cray

Thursday 26thMarch 9:30am – 4:30pm

£30 including lunch and refreshments

The resurrection of Jesus is the foundational act of the Christian faith. St Paul wrote ‘If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile.’ Either we serve a living Lord or commemorate a dead hero. The New Testament is full of rich teaching about the fact and the meaning of the resurrection, far more than can be covered by sermons on Easter day. St Peter wrote of ‘a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead’. This study day will explore the scale of that hope.

Graham is a member of the Wydale community, a retired Bishop and theological college principal.

Holy Week Retreat

Ruth Crompton

4pm Tuesday 31 March – 4pm Friday 3 April

£336.00 to include full board

Take a few days out to stay at Wydale and consider the events and significance of Holy Week. There’ll be some input and some space for reflection at this sacred time of year.

Ruth is a retired Methodist superintendent minister and member of the Wydale community.

Easter Fun Day

Saturday 4 April Doors open 10am; Last entry 3pm

Free of charge

This is an opportunity for families and friends to come together to enjoy an Easter egg hunt, Easter-themed crafts, tea & cake in an informal environment as well as hearing the Easter story.

The Fun Day has become something of a tradition, and we love having families from the local villages as well as further afield come and enjoy our grounds. There’s no fixed programme and no need to book, just pop along between 10am – 3pm.

Children must be accompanied by adults.

Spring Renewal Day

Paul Millard

Wednesday 15 April 10:30am – 3:30pm

Renewal Days are opportunities for people to come to Wydale and spend a day worshipping, receiving Bible teaching, praying and being prayed for. Although booking is essential, these events are free of charge and refreshments including a packed lunch are provided. Donations are welcome but not required.

Paul is vicar of St Paul’s Church, Holgate.

April Private Retreat Day

Thursday 16 April 9:30am – 4pm

£22 including lunch and refreshments

In 2025 we experimented with monthly private retreat days – days when it was possible for individuals to come to Wydale just to be. These days proved to be popular, so for this year’s programme we have built on the idea. We will do our best to ensure that the house is quiet and we have built a network of chaplains, one of whom will be available throughout the day should guests wish to talk and will be celebrate a Eucharist in the middle of the day. So, if you’ve felt for a while that you would benefit from just having a day away, with no input or agenda imposed, there are ten of these days in our programme. Which will you book in for?

Finding Balance in a Busy Life

Mona-Karina Theodosius

Tuesday 21 April 9:30am – 4pm

£30 including lunch and refreshments

Jesus said, "I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly,” John 10:10

How can we tap into this abundance from places of tiredness and depletion as Christians in ministry, recognising our vulnerability and looking to sustain our health in body, mind and spirit? Mona-Karina Theodosius, Diocesan Adviser in Pastoral Care, will offer time to reflect together and apart on ways to live balanced meaningful lives even in the midst of anxious and demanding times. There will be a particular emphasis on supporting those involved in public ministry, both lay and ordained, and their families.

Mo is a UKCP registered Systemic Psychotherapist and the Diocesan Adviser in Pastoral Care. She is also a spiritual accompanier, supervisor, trainer and relational mediator with a love of the Arts, especially literature and the theatre.

A Day at Taizé

Anna Walker

Thursday 7 May 9:30am – 4pm

£30 including lunch and refreshments

Many of us are familiar with the simple, meditative chants, periods of silence, and heartfelt prayer that characterize Taizé worship. This quiet day will offer an opportunity to step away from the everyday, to reflect, and to connect with this contemplative tradition that has touched countless lives worldwide. Join us for a day of shared reflection, song, and quiet, open.

Anna is Director of Whalley Abbey, the Diocesan Retreat House for the Blackburn Diocese.

May Private Retreat Day

Tuesday 26 May 9:30am – 4pm

£22 including lunch and refreshments

In 2025 we experimented with monthly private retreat days – days when it was possible for individuals to come to Wydale just to be. These days proved to be popular, so for this year’s programme we have built on the idea. We will do our best to ensure that the house is quiet and we have built a network of chaplains, one of whom will be available throughout the day should guests wish to talk and will be celebrate a Eucharist in the middle of the day. So, if you’ve felt for a while that you would benefit from just having a day away, with no input or agenda imposed, there are ten of these days in our programme. Which will you book in for?

The Gift and Craft of Discernment

Graham Cray

Thursday 28 May 9:30am – 4:30pm

£30 including lunch and refreshments

Jesus told the Pharisees, ‘you cannot interpret the signs of the times.’ St Paul wrote that Christians should not be ‘conformed to this age but discern what is the will of God’. We are all to be ‘led by the Spirit’. So, we all need discernment if we are to navigate this rapidly changing world and if we are to follow Jesus in his mission today. Discernment is both a gift - it is impossible without the Holy Spirit – and a craft - maturing with practice. A study day to help us understand and develop discernment.

Graham is a member of the Wydale community, a retired Bishop and theological college principal.

Developing an Attitude of Rest

Ian Cartwright

Tuesday 2 June 9:30am - 4pm

£30 including lunch and refreshments

How often have we noticed we take time off, yet spend that time still driven by worry about our regular activities to the point we may as well still be engaged in them? This day will introduce ways of connecting with a less fearful, more restful part of ourselves, providing a compassion-filled, safe space for a deeper connection with God through contemplative prayer, Bible meditation and foster a healthy awareness of mental health and wellbeing.

Ian Cartwright is Compassion Focussed Therapy Therapist, an accredited Mental Health First Aid (England) Instructor and experienced course facilitator.

June Private Retreat Day

Tuesday 16 June 9:30am – 4pm

£22 including lunch and refreshments

In 2025 we experimented with monthly private retreat days – days when it was possible for individuals to come to Wydale just to be. These days proved to be popular, so for this year’s programme we have built on the idea. We will do our best to ensure that the house is quiet and we have built a network of chaplains, one of whom will be available throughout the day should guests wish to talk and will be celebrate a Eucharist in the middle of the day. So, if you’ve felt for a while that you would benefit from just having a day away, with no input or agenda imposed, there are ten of these days in our programme. Which will you book in for?

Summer Renewal Day

Katie Wade

Thursday 9 July 10:30am – 3:30pm

Renewal Days are opportunities for people to come to Wydale and spend a day worshipping, receiving Bible teaching, praying and being prayed for. Although booking is essential, these events are free of charge and refreshments including a packed lunch are provided. Donations are welcome but not required.

Katie is Associate Vicar of St Chad’s, Romiley, and Leader of the Ministry of the LifeCentre. She heads up the Women’s Ministry for New Wine.

July Private Retreat Day

Wednesday 22 July 9:30am – 4pm

£22 including lunch and refreshments

In 2025 we experimented with monthly private retreat days – days when it was possible for individuals to come to Wydale just to be. These days proved to be popular, so for this year’s programme we have built on the idea. We will do our best to ensure that the house is quiet and we have built a network of chaplains, one of whom will be available throughout the day should guests wish to talk and will be celebrate a Eucharist in the middle of the day. So, if you’ve felt for a while that you would benefit from just having a day away, with no input or agenda imposed, there are ten of these days in our programme. Which will you book in for?

Repair and Retreat

4pm Sunday 9 August – 3pm Friday 14 August

£50 donation for food welcome but not required.

Here at Wydale we love it when people come for quiet and stillness. However, Repair and Retreat is not one of those times! For a week in the summer the emphasis is on practising the presence of God whilst hard at work – as our emphasis is on building community through the repairing and maintenance of the community’s home. We ask those who join us for this very special kind of retreat to work (mostly outside) for no less than three hours each morning. Many keep working throughout the day and the effect of all this is remarkable. Community events happen most evenings and we join for morning prayer, a short act of worship after breakfast and then night prayer before we fall exhausted into our beds. All are welcome; but please be aware that this retreat includes a lot of physical work which everyone is expected to do so this is not for the faint of heart!

NB due to the family nature of Repair & Retreat, Wydale has a particularly rigorous safeguarding policy for this event.

Summer Individual Guided Retreat

4pm Sunday 23 – 10am Friday 28 August

£528 to include full board and individual direction

Many people come to Wydale on individual retreats throughout the year; however, it is rare that we are able to have the house in silence/ Over recent years we have established a pattern of dedicating space in our programme in the winter and in the summer where individuals can come, receive guidance from an experienced spiritual director and meet with God in the stillness. Although we can’t guarantee complete silence across the site (the birds and the sheep can all be quite chatty and other parts of Wydale may be used by others) this retreat offers the opportunity to focus on God without the need to interact with other retreatants.

Relaxation Day with Massage

Saturday 5 September 9:30am – 5pm

£50 to include lunch, refreshments and a professional treatment

Are you worn out with ministering to others and would appreciate a day to relax and be ministered to? We are delighted to offer an opportunity for a limited number of people to come to Wydale for a day. You will be allocated a bedroom for the day and be able to unwind, snooze, be fed and have a treatment from our friend and community member Mary Sarah Eldridge. Places limited to six – strictly first come, first served. Maybe you could treat yourself or gift the day someone you feel would benefit from this opportunity.

Mary is a professionally qualified and experienced practitioner in a range of therapies specialising mainly in Remedial and Orthopaedic Massage and Sport Massage. The Wydale management team are very grateful for her skills!

Autumn Gardening Day

Saturday 19 September 9:30am – 4pm

Free of charge, lunch and refreshments provided

The gardens are glorious at Wydale over the spring and summer months and by September they are beginning to be ready for their season of rest. Come and enjoy the company of others whilst helping to put the garden to bed. Tools and instruction provided, as is lunch and a regular supply of tea and biscuits!

September Private Retreat Day

Thursday 24 September 9:30am – 4pm

£22 including lunch and refreshments

In 2025 we experimented with monthly private retreat days – days when it was possible for individuals to come to Wydale just to be. These days proved to be popular, so for this year’s programme we have built on the idea. We will do our best to ensure that the house is quiet and we have built a network of chaplains, one of whom will be available throughout the day should guests wish to talk and will be celebrate a Eucharist in the middle of the day. So, if you’ve felt for a while that you would benefit from just having a day away, with no input or agenda imposed, there are ten of these days in our programme. Which will you book in for?

Autumn Renewal Day

Linda Maslen

Tuesday 6 October 10:30am – 3:30pm

Renewal Days are opportunities for people to come to Wydale and spend a day worshipping, receiving Bible teaching, praying and being prayed for. Although booking is essential, these events are free of charge and refreshments including a packed lunch are provided. Donations are welcome but not required.

Linda is Church Leader of Fountains Church, Bradford.

"Trees planted by streams of water...": Spirituality for wellbeing in ministry and leadership

Andrew De Smet

Thursday 8 October 9:30am – 4pm

£30 to include lunch and refreshments

When we are concerned for the needs of others, how do we ensure that our own needs are met? This day will include inputs and times for personal and group reflection in the peaceful surroundings of Wydale Hall.

Andrew De Smet is a retired Anglican priest, spiritual accompanier, counsellor/psychotherapist and former Diocesan pastoral care advisor with experience of parish ministry in inner city, small town and rural areas.

October Private Retreat Day

Monday 19 October 9:30am – 4pm

£22 including lunch and refreshments

In 2025 we experimented with monthly private retreat days – days when it was possible for individuals to come to Wydale just to be. These days proved to be popular, so for this year’s programme we have built on the idea. We will do our best to ensure that the house is quiet and we have built a network of chaplains, one of whom will be available throughout the day should guests wish to talk and will be celebrate a Eucharist in the middle of the day. So, if you’ve felt for a while that you would benefit from just having a day away, with no input or agenda imposed, there are ten of these days in our programme. Which will you book in for?

‘Being a Christian, becoming more human'

Graham Cray

Tuesday 3 November 9:30am – 4:30pm

£30 to include lunch and refreshments

Jesus was the only perfect human and, as Christians, we are to become more like him. ‘Conformed to the image of God’s Son’ according to St Paul. So, to grow as a Christian should be to become more and more human, as humans were created to be. Jesus promised ‘life in its fullness’, but some versions of Christianity can look more negative and restrictive. We can be known only for what we are against than what we are for. Sadly, we can be more like the Pharisees than like Jesus sometimes. A study day on what becoming more human might look like.

Graham is a member of the Wydale community, a retired Bishop and theological college principal.

Brave Hearts and Faithful Hands: Women in the Bible

Lynn Comer

Wednesday 11 November 9:30am – 4pm

£30 to include lunch and refreshments

This day of reflection will provide the opportunity to explore the lives of some of the remarkable women in Scripture. There’ll be ample time for quiet personal reflection as well as input and discussion, providing a space to connect these stories to your own journey of faith.

Lynn is the Director of Lifelong Learning and Warden of Lay Ministry at the Diocese of York and a Reader at St Luke’s, Burton Stone Lane in York.

November Private Retreat Day

Tuesday 17 November 9:30am – 4pm

£22 including lunch and refreshments

In 2025 we experimented with monthly private retreat days – days when it was possible for individuals to come to Wydale just to be. These days proved to be popular, so for this year’s programme we have built on the idea. We will do our best to ensure that the house is quiet and we have built a network of chaplains, one of whom will be available throughout the day should guests wish to talk and will be celebrate a Eucharist in the middle of the day. So, if you’ve felt for a while that you would benefit from just having a day away, with no input or agenda imposed, there are ten of these days in our programme. Which will you book in for?

Pre-Advent Retreat

4pm Monday 23 November – 3pm Wednesday 25 November

Joan Sargent & Rachel Hirst

£224 to include full board

As we approach the festivities of the Christmas period, this retreat will offer an opportunity to take some time out to pause before the baubles and light cloud our view. This year’s retreat is led by Joan & Rachel who bring their collective experience of lay and ordained ministry to providing thought-provoking input and space to reflect.

Joan is a lay preacher and pastor; Rachel is a retired priest. Both are now active in churches in the York Diocese.

Christmas Decorating

10am Wednesday 25 – 3pm Friday 27 November

Full board provided, donations welcome but not required.

Fancy coming to deck Wydale Hall with boughs of holly? We find decorating the Hall for Christmas an enjoyable task, so we thought we would share it. We might even pop on some carols and have a Christmassy treat or two to get us in the mood. If you can hang a bauble, that’s perfect, if you can climb on a stepladder, that’s a bonus!

Wydale does 2126

4pm Saturday 28 – 11am Sunday 29 November

£120 to include an overnight stay furnished with all the finest fare

Step into the future at Wydale Hall, 2126! Imagine the historic charm of our beloved North Yorkshire retreat centre infused with the marvels of tomorrow. Experience an evening of unforgettable fusion of heritage and hyper-modernity: come for a fine afternoon tea, followed by a sumptuous meal celebrating all our imagination can conjure as we picture Wydale in a hundred years’ time; then stay and enjoy a relaxed breakfast as you ease back into the twenty-first century.

Dress code for Saturday evening: visionary, space-age, avant-garde, ultra-modern…whatever your mind’s eye suggests!

Christmas Lunches

Tuesday 1 – Sunday 20 December

£27.50 Lunches served at 1pm.

Our Christmas meals have become something quite special over recent years. Whether you would like to come with one other person, or with a few friends or with a large group, Wydale can provide a comfortable and different venue for you to enjoy a festive lunch together. A menu will be published in the early autumn, and we are happy to take bookings on most dates between 1 – 20 December. The meal includes three courses plus coffee & mince pies.

Father Christmas, Crafts, & Cake!

Saturday 12 December

Doors open 10am; last entry 3pm

Free of charge

Father Christmas (a.k.a. Santa) said he wouldn’t dream of missing his annual visit to Wydale’s pre-Christmas fun day. Do come along (no need to book) and enjoy the festive atmosphere, with crafts, cake and – if you’d like to – a chance to visit Father Christmas in his grotto. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Christmas at Wydale

2pm Thursday 24 – 10am Sunday 27 December

£336.00

We’d love you to come and stay for Christmas. There’ll be all the trimmings, a festive feel and good company to celebrate the coming of God Incarnate in a family atmosphere. Whether you come as an individual or with friends or relatives, the community will look forward to welcoming you here to spend Christmas with us.