When does the Retreat start?
Registration in the Main Hall is from 3pm on Holy Thursday. We kindly ask that you arrive no later than 22.30.
When does the Retreat end?
Guests depart by 3pm after lunch on Easter Sunday.
Where will people stay?
Accommodation is provided in the boarding houses on site which in term-time are used by Ampleforth College, as well as our retreat guest accommodation.
You will be given an access code to the boarding house but individual rooms are not locked.
The guest room allocation will be given to you during registration. To comply with health and safety and fire regulations it is extremely important that visitors do not swap rooms.
Do I need to bring towels or bedding?
Bedding will be provided but please bring your own towels and toiletries.
Is the retreat suitable for children?
Children are very welcome, and we host a dedicated children and teenagers programme run by dedicated volunteers. Children will be divided into groups; Reception-Y3, Y4-Y6, Y7-10 and Y11-13.
All children under the age of 18 are the sole responsibility of their parent or guardian for the duration of the retreat.
For very young children, please could we advise that you bring your own travel cots and highchairs.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are not allowed in any accommodation and should not be left in cars during the weekend. Assistance dogs are permitted.
Will meals be provided?
Delicious hearty meals are included within the retreat on a full-board basis, along with morning and afternoon refreshements. Meals will be served on the ground floor of the Refectory Dining Room and refreshments are usually served in Main Hall. You'll be prompted to let us know at the time of booking of any dietary requirements which we might accommodate.
Can I smoke?
Smoking is strictly prohibited anywhere on campus apart from the designated smoking areas marked on the map.
Where will we park?
There will be designated large car parks on site. If possible, please drop families and luggage at the House you are occupying and then follow signs to the designated car parks.
Will the Abbey Shop be open?
The Abbey Shop will be open every day except Good Friday.
How can I get to the Abbey if I don't drive?
Coach transport to Ampleforth Abbey will be available from the Memorial Gardens opposite York Railway Station. If you require a place on the coach either or both ways, please add a ticket for this to your booking on the TryBooking site. The cost per person is £7.50 each way.
On your return, the coach will collect you from the Ampleforth Abbey at 14.15 and drop you off at the Memorial Gardens.
What is the cost of the retreat?
This year, Easter Triduum guests are asked to pay a fee which will cover the costs of the event. In previous years, donations unfortunately fell short of meeting expenses, so this change has been introduced to ensure the sustainability of this precious and sacred occasion.
Fees have been carefully structured to reflect accommodation options while prioritising affordability. We’ll be providing some subsidised places for young people who otherwise would be unable to join us. We remain enormously grateful to those Easter guests and visitors who support the work of the Abbey throughout the year through donations.
Prices per room type are available to view on the TryBooking website linked on the previous page, through which you can make your booking for the retreat.
Will the services and talks be live streamed?
We will be offering audio and video live streaming of services in the Abbey Church in order to share our prayer with those unable to join us in person. During the Easter Retreat, video live streaming will also cover the main conference talks, making them available to watch on our YouTube channel live and on playback.
Signage will be clearly displayed whenever livestreaming will be taking place.
Is it easy to get around?
Ampleforth’s beautiful campus is widespread and built on the side of a hill. The site features steps and inclines, and there is a fair distance to cover between church, dining room and retreat conferences and talks. While the main conference talks are held in a room accessed by steps, they are accessible via livestream to your personal device. Accessibility information is available for each accommodation building on the booking pages, but if you have any further questions prior to booking, please contact our team.
