Christian centres offer a warm welcome
Christian conference, activity, holiday and retreat centres across Norfolk and North Suffolk are welcoming guests who are looking for something a little different.
The Horstead Centre activity centre, near Coltishall, is a well-established residential outdoor activity centre and retreat, with a strong affiliation to the Diocese of Norwich.
Centre manager Will Mills said: “Our charitable mission is to “provide children and young people with the best possible opportunities for educational, personal, social, and spiritual development, through an exciting programme of residential stays or activity days.”
“2022 was a thoroughly enjoyable year at the Centre; our first full season back since Covid. The team have been both thankful and excited to experience a strong revitalisation of demand for the experiences we offer. It’s fantastic to hear the Centre full of laughter and energy again.
“Despite this, the impact of Covid, and other social, environmental and economic factors, on children and young people’s wellbeing is a longer-term concern. We feel that high-quality residential stays and outdoor experiences are now (even more than ever) perfect opportunities for supporting the recovery of emotional resilience and spirituality and for the development of confidence and interpersonal skills.
“The Horstead Centre is an ideal venue for youth groups, church retreats and school visits. In 2023 we’re keen to work with more teenage groups than ever before, and to explore partnerships which can help us to support young people’s physical and mental wellbeing.”
www.horsteadcentre.org.uk
Ringsfield Hall provides children and young people with outdoor residential opportunities for church youth group and school trips. Activities relate to nature, care for the planet and very special care and respect for the physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of each child.
Ringsfield Hall offers both residential stays and activity days to schools and church groups particularly.
The 14 acres of grounds include a games field with football posts, a badminton court, two fire pits with canopies, woodland areas, meadow, garden, pasture with animals and wild areas for exploration, discovery and fun.
Centre director David Townend said: “As a Christian centre our core aim is to create a holistic, welcoming space to encourage the reconnection of both children and adults, to themselves, to one another, to the earth and to the spiritual within, that is to foster the spirit of the child.
“To do this we offer our lovely hall, magical grounds, the freedom to explore discover, create and ‘be’, and our particular ethos which aims to offer respect, empathy, acceptance and unconditional positive regard. We also offer our commitment to enable children to experience the natural world, to learn about it and to learn to love and care for it and all its life.”
For enquiries contact bookings@ringsfield-hall.co.uk or tel 01502 713020. Ringsfield Hall, Hall Road, Beccles, Suffolk NR34 8JR
Learn more at www.ringsfield-hall.co.uk
All Hallows Guesthouse in Norwich offers a unique urban retreat experience in the heart of the city. Now part of the Julian of Norwich Shrine, this former convent contains eight beautifully refurbished bedrooms including four garden-view rooms which overlook St Julian’s Church, the Julian of Norwich Cell, and the secret churchyard garden.
Guests have access to a wide range of common areas, including a private chapel, the Julian of Norwich Reference Library and study space, a cosy sitting room with an open fire, and a brand new state-of-the-art self-catering kitchen.
Resident steward, Josiah English, said: “We are located only a short walk from Norwich train station, and only ten minutes’ walk from the cathedral and outdoor market, it is an ideal place to explore the city while still able to offer a peaceful retreat experience. All guests are welcome to join in with the rhythm of prayer of the house, either at services in our own chapel or next door at one of St Julian’s daily services. All bookings come with free continental breakfast, which focus on homemade, local and organic ingredients.
“You are warmly invited to visit us at All Hallows, this year of all years as we celebrate 650 years of Julian of Norwich’s Revelations of Divine Love.”
Rooms are available from £40; discounts for midweek and longer stays.
www.allhallowsnorwich.co.uk
Quiet Waters is a Norfolk/Suffolk Christian retreat house providing a friendly guest house experience for tired and weary Christians seeking a time of spiritual refreshment, those seeking God's direction or those simply wanting to spend time in His presence.
Quiet Waters is a large Georgian house offering comfortable accommodation for up to 14 guests in 8 bedrooms with two spacious living rooms, dining room (serving delicious home-cooked meals) and its very own Chapel.
www.quietwaters.org.uk
Christian Conference Centre Letton Hall, located near Shipdam in mid-Norfolk, is fully open to groups, churches and families, who have been enjoying the venue ever since Peter Carroll bought the Grade II listed building in 1979 to become a retreat centre.
The Norfolk Wing of the centre has also been refurbished and is available to hire out separately as an Airbnb. When larger groups are in, it is used as an overflow from the main building.
The centre has 73 beds in the main house, and nine in the Norfolk Wing. Apart from a couple of large family rooms, most rooms are one or two bed. The nearby Stables has 54 beds, including two ten-bed dormitories and several three- or four-bed rooms.
You can find out more about Letton Hall on their website www.lettonhall.org
The Pleasaunce Christian Endeavour Holiday Centre on the North Norfolk coast near Cromer provides quality accommodation and programmes including a range of activities, evening entertainment and times of prayer and worship.
The Pleasaunce is a unique, Grade Two* listed mansion standing in six acres of grounds which can accommodate up to 80 visitors, making it perfect for large parties. Guests can relax in the tranquil rose or sunken gardens and enjoy the cloisters and clock tower.
www.cehc.org.uk