Christian centres offer a warm welcome to guests 

Christian conference, activity, holiday and retreat centres across Norfolk and North Suffolk are welcoming guests who are looking for something a little different.

The Horstead Centre activity centre, near Coltishall, is a well-established residential outdoor activity centre  and retreat, with a strong affiliation to the Diocese of Norwich. 

The centre offers affordable retreats, family stays, tailored activity days and residential adventurous breaks. 

“If you’re planning a break for your family, church, or youth group in 2024, we would love for you consider a visit to us here at the Horstead Centre,” said centre manager Will Mills.

“The Horstead Centre takes full advantage of its wonderful setting. The house and gardens nestle amongst woodland which stretches down to our new staithe on the River Bure. Just like Ratty and Mole you can spend some quality time together on the water, with laugh-out-loud enjoyment as you delight in building rafts, canoeing, or paddle-boarding.

“There are on-site activities too, including archery and caving, rock climbing and the zipline. Or you could try some of our new activities: orienteering, geocaching, and the Trebuchet Challenge. 

“We believe that adventure with friends and family should be accessible and so the centre has kept prices as low as possible for families and groups. A stay here may be more affordable than you think. Please contact us to book or to explore options, “ said Will.

www.horsteadcentre.org.uk

All Hallows Guesthouse (pictured top) is tucked away in the centre of Norwich, next to and in partnership with St Julian’s Church at the Shrine of Julian of Norwich. It offers guests a unique opportunity to find rest and refreshment where Lady Julian lived and wrote her Revelations of Divine Love over 650 years ago. 

Equipped with seven comfortable bedrooms, spotlessly clean shared shower and toilet facilities and a state-of-the-art self-catering kitchen, this recently refurbished former convent is the ideal place for a quiet retreat in the heart of the historic city of Norwich.

Guests are welcome to find a quiet spot in the house or chapel, make use of the restful study library space, or enjoy the cosy sitting room (with log fire in the winter months). 

There is also a delightful garden and patio with private access to the walled churchyard next door. 

Ideal for self-guided retreats, All Hallows is a haven of restful hospitality, managed with a passionately eco-friendly ethos. 

Next door, St Julian’s offers up to four daily services including morning and evening prayer and a daily Mass.

www.allhallowsnorwich.co.uk

The Pleasaunce Christian Endeavour Holiday Centre, on the North Norfolk coast at Overstrand, just two miles from Cromer, provides quality accommodation and programmes including a range of activities, evening entertainment and times of prayer and worship.

Scenic surroundings and a warm welcome await holidaymakers at The Pleasaunce which is a unique, Grade Two* listed mansion designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens for Lord and Lady Battersea between 1888 and 1902. 

Visitors have included Queen  Alexandra, her sister the Dowager Empress of Russia, Princess Louise and several British Prime Ministers.

Standing in six acres of grounds, The Pleasaunce can accommodate up to 80 visitors, making it perfect for large parties. Guests can relax in the tranquil rose or sunken gardens and enjoy the cloisters and clock tower.

Offering fun and recreation for people of all ages, the Pleasaunce is a mere 100 metres from the cliffs, which overlook a popular sandy beach. Holidaymakers can choose to relax in the sea air, play a range of sports or take a walk along the coastal path.

 The centre is in an ideal location for all holidaymakers, conferences, groups, school parties and retreats. 

Facilities on site include a children’s adventure playground, tennis court, croquet and a putting green, table tennis, pool and bowls. There is also free wi-fi.

To find out more, visit: www.cehc.org.uk

Located on the Norfolk/Suffolk border on the edge of Bungay, Quiet Waters is a Christian retreat house providing a friendly guest house experience for tired and weary Christians seeking a time of spiritual refreshment, those seeking God's direction or those simply wanting to spend time in His presence.
 
Chair of trustees, Paul Dunning, said: “We provide an opportunity for Christians to seek God in a quiet, peaceful and safe environment that allows freedom and space to experience God's love.” 
 
Quiet Waters is a large Georgian house nestled in two acres of grounds with its gardens going down to the River Waveney. There is comfortable accommodation for up to 14 guests in 8 bedrooms with two spacious living rooms,  dining room (serving delicious home-cooked meals) and a Chapel. The accommodation includes two ground floor bedrooms (with shared wet room) providing easy access. 

Recent developments include a separate Creative Space, the ‘log cabin’ in the woods, equipped with resources for guests to use. It is ideal for individuals or small groups to explore various forms of creativity such as writing, composing, painting, worship and more. 

“The mature gardens are a guest favourite consisting of varied landscapes, including a woodland walk, walled garden and natural meadow overlooking the river and open fields beyond. There is also a summerhouse from where our resident Kingfisher is occasionally spotted. You will discover ample space to find peace and simply be. 

“Our guests cherish the fellowship of chatting over meal times and the kitchen enjoys a five star food hygiene rating. From full-board to day visitor our guests are well fed with generous continental breakfasts, delicious home-cooked lunches and picnic suppers. 

“The house is run by a team who live on site and are available to support guests through prayer, worship or simply by listening. We have daily times of reflection and worship to which guests are warmly welcome. As well as offering peace and quiet for the individual we are also ideal for day groups of up to 20 people; perfect for those in church leadership seeking His direction,” said Paul.   

For more details, please explore the Quiet Waters website: www.quietwaters.org.uk

Christian Conference Centre Letton Hall, located near Shipdam in mid-Norfolk, is fully open to groups, churches and families. 

The centre has 73 beds in the main house, and nine in the Norfolk Wing. The nearby Stables has 54 beds, including two ten-bed dormitories and several three- or four-bed rooms. 

Find out more on their website www.lettonhall.org