Young Adults Retreat at Belmont Abbey

Wednesday 28 October – Friday 30 October 2026

For young adults aged approximately 18–45

Join us for a contemplative retreat at the beautiful Belmont Abbey, a place of prayer, hospitality and quiet reflection. This retreat offers an opportunity to step away from the busyness of everyday life, explore Christian meditation, and deepen your contemplative practice alongside other young adults.

The Abbey Community

The community of around 30 monks at Belmont Abbey are grounded in the same spiritual tradition as the WCCM. Following the 6th-century Rule of St Benedict and under the guidance of Abbot Brendan, they seek to live the ancient wisdom of the monastic life in a contemporary way. The rhythm of each day is shaped by the liturgy of prayer and praise.

During the retreat, we will follow our own programme while also having the opportunity to join the Abbey community for some of their liturgies.

You can find out more about Belmont Abbey and its Benedictine community here: https://www.belmontabbey.org.uk/

The Retreat Programme

This retreat is open to young adults (approximately ages 18–45) from all, or no, faith backgrounds. It is suitable for those who are new to meditation as well as those wishing to deepen an existing practice.

It will be held from Wednesday afternoon with arrival from 2.00pm, ending after lunch on Friday.

The retreat will include an introduction to Christian meditation as taught by John Main, alongside opportunities to explore the wider wisdom of contemplative traditions. There will be guidance, periods of silence, personal reflection, and space to deepen your meditation practice.

The programme will include:

• Daily meditation and contemplative practice
• Times of silence and personal reflection
• Chanting, Qigong movement and breathwork
• Opportunities for walks and reflection in the Abbey grounds and surrounding countryside
• Opportunities for personal spiritual direction in designated spaces
• Time for questions, discussion and sharing at the end of each day

Accommodation and Meals

Accommodation is provided in newly renovated ensuite rooms within the Abbey’s guest accommodation, offering a peaceful and comfortable environment for retreat guests. The accommodation combines modern facilities with the tranquillity of the monastic setting, allowing guests to experience the hospitality and quiet of Belmont Abbey.

For more information about accommodation at Belmont Abbey, please visit: https://www.belmontabbey.org.uk/accomodation

Additional accommodation information can also be found here:

• Chapter House Belmont – Porters Gate: https://www.chapterhousebelmont.co.uk/porters-gate
• Chapter House Belmont – Abbot’s Lodge: https://www.chapterhousebelmont.co.uk/abbot-s-lodge

All meals are included and are prepared by the Abbey’s in-house catering team.

Costs

Residential (full board):

• Single room: £175
• Double room (single occupancy): £260
• Double room (shared occupancy): £130 per person

Off-site (no accommodation included):

• £35 which includes breakfast, lunch and evening meal.

We hope you will join us for this special time of meditation, community and renewal in the beautiful surroundings of Belmont Abbey.

Enquiries and Bursaries
For any enquiries or bursary information, please contact: uk@wccm.org