An Advent Week with the Launde Abbey Community: A Season Of Longing And Waiting
Sunday 29th November @ 3:00 pm – Sunday 6th December @ 4:00 pm
During the first Week of Advent, the Launde Abbey Community welcomes guests to join in the expectation of the coming of Christ at Christmas through a pattern of common life. This is not a structured retreat; your time is your own and you can choose to use it in the way most beneficial to you. You are invited to join us for a single day, several days, staying overnight, or even for the whole week. You can come as a resident or day guest and shape the retreat as suits you.
Those journeying together for any part of this week will be provided with simple daily themes to guide personal reflection built around Advent readings for this season of longing and waiting. Each day will include an adapted pattern of prayer and worship led by the Launde Abbey Community.
On selected days, there are additional bookable offerings, including our ‘Waiting for the Light’ Music and Readings for Advent, a guided Wreath-making workshop, a Saturday Quiet Day and more! Options are detailed below and these can be joined to an overnight stay or attended as a day guest.
Overnight accommodation is available throughout the week and can be booked directly via our website (press ‘Book Now’ and select the Advent dates to view prices and availability).
We invite you to come at your own pace, and to shape your time here around what you most need: quiet, prayer, rest, or gentle engagement with the themes of Advent. Chaplaincy will also be available by arrangement during the day (there may be an extra cost depending on how much you want to access this) and you have access to simple craft materials and suggested Christmassy projects.
An Advent Journey of Peace
Biblical Peace speaks of wholeness, restoration & reconciliation. It goes beyond the absence of noise or conflict but reflects a calm heart and an awareness of the presence of God even in the midst of challenging times.
During Advent Week in the Abbey there will be Prayer Stations to encourage us to reflect on peace encouraging us to pause and look at where we need stillness, restoration, and harmony as we pray for peace for ourselves, for those we care for, our communities and our world.
**A detailed schedule for the week will be released very soon to help you plan your stay.** Please note: this is not a guided retreat.
Leaders: The Launde Abbey Community (clergy and chaplains)
Sunday (29 November)
Bookable offering:
Amidst the warm glow of candlelight, join us at Launde Abbey for an afternoon of Music and Readings to prepare for the season. We will be immersed in the beauty of scripture and song, and you can stay afterwards for mulled wine and mince pies.
Monday (30 November)
Bookable offering:
The Revd Chris Duffett is an artist and loves to teach others to pray and listen to God through the medium of art. He will lead a workshop exploring how we might express with paint what we hear from God as we watch and wait for the Living Word in Advent. No prior experience or artistic talent necessary. All materials will be provided.
Tuesday (1 December)
Bookable offering:
Take a couple of hours at the beginning of this Advent season, put on your coat and boots to explore and experience God’s creation. This is an opportunity to stop, look and listen. Using all your senses to know and understand more about our Everlasting Father and Creator God.
Wednesday (2 December)
Bookable offering:
Get some early inspiration ahead of the festive season and join us for a Christmas wreath-making workshop as part of Advent Week with the Launde Abbey Community — the perfect way to begin your Christmas celebrations. Led by Lizzie Lonsdale.
Thursday (3 December)
Bookable offering:
Step back from the December rush of shopping, planning, and endless to-do lists to hear afresh the message of the Angels in the quiet, ordinary spaces of life, offering unexpected messages of hope, peace, and direction.
Friday (4 December)
Saturday (5 December)
Bookable offering:
This Advent retreat offers an invitation to draw aside, rest and reflect. Using the season of Advent as a time of preparation, Revd Andrew Hall explores what it means to welcome God’s love more deeply into our lives and to reimagine the rhythms of daily life with God.
Sunday (6 December)
Morning Eucharist of Second Advent Sunday
HOW TO BOOK
To book a residential stay:
Overnight stays are available throughout Advent. Prices start at £109.10 for single occupancy dinner, bed & breakfast per night, and you may wish to opt for our comprehensive full board rate if extending your stay for two nights or more. You are warmly invited to stay for as long as you are able.
*Please note that our daily offerings, such as our ‘Waiting for the Light’ Music and Readings for Advent and Wreath-making workshop etc., will need to be booked separately.*
To book as a day guest:
(10:00 am – 4:00 pm, daily, Monday to Saturday)
Please complete the form below to reserve your spot for a day retreat at Launde Abbey during Advent. We will confirm your booking as soon as possible.
Price per day: £37.00 — access to the communal spaces in the Main House as well as the gardens and grounds, morning coffee with a homemade cookie, 2-course buffet lunch, and afternoon tea with homemade cake. Hot and cold drinks are available throughout the day.
If you are attending the Quiet Day on Saturday 5 December, you do not need to make this additional day booking — your Quiet Day reservation already covers your day visit.