Coronavirus Update

Coronavirus Update on 17th February 2025

Launde Abbey will remain closed for July, but we hope to be able to reopen in August.

The UK government is currently engaged in a phased relaxation of the cornoavirus lockdown. They had indicated in May that they hoped to allow hotels and similar venues to reopen from the beginning of July. Unfortunately, however, the measures announced by the government at the end of June relating to the hospitality industry still do not allow retreat houses like Launde to reopen at present. We are still hoping that continued easing of lockdown may allow for an August reopening and are planning ahead on that basis.

In preparation for reopening we have drawn up plans to ensure the entire site will be COVID-19 secure for all guests and staff, including a comprehensive risk assessment. In preparation for opening:

  • we held a meeting with all our department heads in June to ensure all safety measures can be properly implemented; and
  • from early July, we’re beginning to bring some staff back from furlough to prepare the Abbey for visitors and to ensure everyone understands the new ways we will be working together.

The safety of guests and staff is our foremost concern as we prepare to reopen. We will be doing everything in our power to ensure our visitors enjoy the wonderful hospitality and peace for which Launde is celebrated. Some of our usual facilities may, however, be reduced or unavailable, and we will be asking guests to follow the safety guidance and the direction of staff members. We’re confident that, in these challenging times, our visitors will be understanding and gracious to us and one another.

If you have a group or individual booking beginning before Friday 31st July:

You’ll understand that our extended closure during the lockdown is having a significant impact on our income. We’d like to invite you to prayerfully consider the following options regarding your booking:

  • Transfer your booking to a future date; or
  • Make a gift to Launde Abbey of all or part of the fees for your booking, as a way of supporting us through this difficult time; or
  • Receive a full refund.

If you need to contact Launde to discuss your upcoming booking, please email us on [email protected] (for individual bookings) or [email protected] (for group leaders). Due to the number of enquiries that we are receiving, we are sadly unable to assist with existing bookings over the telephone.

If you have a booking beginning after 31st July we would ask you not to contact us at this stage; we will continue to provide further information as government guidance develops, and as our capacity to welcome guests increases. If you feel you need to cancel your booking before you hear from us then our normal cancellation terms apply (including the loss of deposits and any liability for cancellation charges). Do contact us on the email addresses above if you want to do this, but we would strongly encourage you to wait until nearer the time of your visit before making a decision.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a coronavirus called SARS-Cov-2.

The government’s current advice is to stay at home for 14 days if you or someone you live with has:

  • a high temperature
  • a new, continuous cough
  • a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste

Check the NHS website if you have symptoms.

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you’re staying at home.

Read the NHS advice about staying at home.