Upcoming Events
Events List Navigation
Knitting and Crochet Retreat
Come along for chat and crafting, times of quiet and worship. There will be a swap-shop, rummage bin and informal skills-sharing. Early booking advised. Revd Elizabeth Brown serves as an NSM priest in the United Benefice of Bedlington, Cambois & Sleekburn in Newcastle Diocese. She is an experienced workshop and retreat leader and this will be her fourth crafting retreat at Shepherds Dene.
Find out more »Eucharist
Eucharist in the chapel at Shepherds Dene and is followed by coffee and biscuits. All are welcome to attend.
Find out more »Look at the Birds
This retreat is unusual in combining quiet Christian worship, biblical reflections about birds and gently paced guided walks around Shepherd's Dene. It is ideal for complete beginners and will be a great opportunity to enjoy and identify song birds. Mark has been watching birds in Northumberland for more than 30 years, with over 20 years local experience as a bird guide and 15 years running birdwatching retreats. He is currently writing a book about birds in the Bible.
Find out more »Quiet Day in June – Discover the Invitation
We live in a world which attaches great value to achievement. But those who love us, including God, love us for who we are, not what we do. This quiet day provides time to be with the One who loves us and brought us to life. It might be a time to do absolutely nothing. Or to sleep. Or to play. Perhaps it could be a time to discover the invitation? Come and see! 1:1 discussion time with Jonathan will…
Find out more »Silent Retreat for Clergy Spouses
A chance for spouses of clergy to rest, reflect, worship and pray together on this silent retreat.
Find out more »Cross Stitch Week
The 23rd year for this popular creative cross stitch course. Suitable for both beginners and the more experienced, this is a great opportunity to develop your cross stitch skills in a supportive and relaxing atmosphere. Barbara is a long-established cross stitch designer and teacher based in Riding Mill. For bookings, e-mail barbatwoodlands@hotmail.com
Find out more »Art & Photography week
Another opportunity to relax, with time to explore drawing, painting and photography at any level. Expert help available should you need it. Paul is a retired Anglican priest, accomplished artist and photographer. Mary is a retired vicar and will be chaplain for the week.
Find out more »A Week in the Country
‘Castles in the Kingdom’: this year, the focus of our week will be castles across the ancient kingdom of Northumbria. We will visit Carlisle, Alnwick, Lindisfarne and Bamburgh and, closer to home, Aydon Castle at Corbridge. Sue is a theological educator and retired priest. Jane is Warden of Shepherds Dene.
Find out more »Friends’ Volunteer Weekend
A chance for friends to stay for the weekend in return for help in the house and grounds. A popular and sociable weekend!
Find out more »Individually Guided Retreat
Experienced spiritual directors, Stephen and Bridget, will accompany you on a silent, guided retreat, meeting with you daily in a one-to-one session. There will be plenty time for quiet reflection in the peaceful surroundings. The retreat finishes after lunch on Friday 24th. Revd Stephen Herbert is Vicar of Byker, Newcastle and Coordinator of Mission Initiative Newcastle East (MINE). Bridget Hewitt has an interest in Christian Meditation and the contemplative tradition within Christianity.
Find out more »Rest and Relax
Following last year’s success, we are holding another Rest and Relax weekend. Enjoy a variety of activities designed to help you relax and unwind in beautiful surroundings. Why not extend your stay until Monday afternoon for a total cost of £300? You’re worth it! Individual treatments also available at extra cost. Barbara is an experienced practitioner in health and wellbeing treatments; Fiona is a well-regarded practitioner in colour therapy.
Find out more »Northern Saints Pilgrimage
Have you ever wanted to explore the fascinating Christian heritage of the Northern Saints? Why not join experienced guide, writer and theologian, Revd. John McManners, and discover Oswald, Aidan, Cuthbert and Bede for yourself? Visit the beautiful holy island of Lindisfarne, Durham Cathedral, Oswald’s castle and Aidan’s shrine at Bamburgh and stay in the peaceful surroundings of Shepherds Dene, in the Northumbrian countryside, near Hexham. Transport will be provided for visits and there will be some quiet time to relax and refl ect at Shepherds Dene. Places are…
Find out more »Autumn Ramble
A chance to ramble through country lanes and vales surrounding Shepherds Dene. Usually a 6 – 8 mile ramble, we start the day with a bacon butty, and stop for a short Eucharist before our packed lunch. Prayerful reflections along the way. Sturdy footwear is advisable! Jeremy Chadd is Vicar of St Chad’s, Sunderland.
Find out more »Knitting and Crochet Retreat
Come along for chat and crafting, times of quiet and worship. There will be a swap-shop, rummage bin and informal skills-sharing. Early booking advised. Revd Elizabeth Brown serves as an NSM priest in the United Benefice of Bedlington, Cambois & Sleekburn in Newcastle Diocese. She is an experienced workshop and retreat leader and this will be her fourth crafting retreat at Shepherds Dene.
Find out more »The Birth and Death of the Holy One
In this retreat we’ll explore the power and the vulnerability of the incarnation and the cross. We will consider how we live them out in our own faith through the Bible, spiritual reflection, art, poetry, music, story and prayer, to be renewed in our appreciation of the 'wideness of God's mercy'. Some periods of silence. John is a well-known author, formerly Bishop of Jarrow and Bishop of Oxford. He is now retired and is Assistant Bishop of Durham.
Find out more »Advent Preparation Time
A chance to spend time at Shepherds Dene for personal reflection and study at your own pace. This week is aimed at working and retired clergy.
Find out more »Our Events Programme can be downloaded here but you can also request a brochure and we will send it to you by post.