Preparing your retreat.
Almost everything a group leader needs to book and bring a retreat to Castlerigg — timings, key documents and the steps from first enquiry to arrival.
Before you begin
We'll walk every step with you.
This guide is for groups coming on a retreat that our team designs and leads. If you'd rather book in to use our facilities and run your own programme, that's very welcome too — just get in touch and we'll talk it through.
Whatever you're planning, our office is only ever a phone call or an Email away.
Arrivals & departures
When to come & go.
Standard timings below — we can often flex these by arrangement, so do ask.
Arriving
Groups usually arrive at 4pm. By arrangement we can often bring this forward to 2pm. Please note there's no lunch served on your arrival day.
Leaving
Four-night retreats finish at 11am. Two-night retreats finish at 2pm after lunch — and a packed lunch can be arranged in advance for the journey home.
Key documents & links
Everything in one place.
Pictures, sample timetables and the forms you'll send us ahead of your visit.
“Come away by yourselves to a quiet place and rest a while.”
— Mark 6:31The process
Seven steps to your retreat.
From the first phone call to waving you off home — here's exactly how it works.
Get the date in
Book a retreat
Talk to the office and agree a date. We'll send you an electronic contract to sign and an invoice for the £250 deposit that secures your booking.
Plan the practicalities
Work out the details
Sort your transport and staff costs before you price the trip for students. Your EVC or bursar can help, and a residential may need governor approval, insurance certificates and risk assessments.
Fill the places
Advertise the trip
Market the retreat to your group, recruit your staff and keep students excited. Filling the places is your responsibility, but we're glad to help with marketing materials or even an assembly visit.
About two months before
Pay the interim payment
We'll invoice you for roughly half of the estimated total. Prompt payment is hugely appreciated — and free staff places are only offered if the interim payment is received before your retreat.
A few weeks ahead
Send us your group info
Download the forms above and email us your room list, small-group list, meal choices and any specific requirements. Small last-minute changes are no problem at all.
The bit you've been waiting for
Come to Castlerigg
Arrive, settle in and let our team take it from there. Get engaged, share meals, pray and play — and watch your young people come alive.
Once you're home
After your retreat
Three quick things: settle the final bill, share your feedback so we can keep improving, and — we hope — start a conversation about booking again next year.
Ready to start?
Let's do this.
Call or email the office and we'll begin shaping a retreat your group will never forget.