QUIET DAY programme

We run day retreats, away days and quiet days. A quiet day (also known as a day retreat) at Tinhay Retreats includes use of the ground floor of our house, the garden and all eight acres of the grounds. There are also footpaths nearby. Lunch is included in the price below. The maximum group size that we can accommodate for a day retreat is around twelve. Everyone is invited to join us for prayer times, these are always optional.

Costs for 2024 :

a) a day retreat £30 (hot and cold drinks throughout the day, lunch of homemade soup and rolls plus fruit)

b) a self-directed retreat £27.50 (hot and cold drinks throughout the day, lunch of homemade soup and rolls plus fruit)

Please note that we have a Bursary Fund to support anyone who cannot afford to pay the full price.

Plans for 2024 Quiet Days:

Thursday 18 January 2024 - Day Retreat: Reducing, reusing and recycling A day retreat from 10am until 3.30pm begins with a short time of worship on the theme of the three Rs. There will be time for quiet reflection and time for the production of artwork using recycled materials.

Friday 19 January 2024 - Day Retreat: Catalyst Youth workers A day for quiet reflection for the Tavistock team of youth workers.

Saturday 3 February 2024 - Snowdrop Planting Day An opportunity to plant snowdrops in memory of a loved one or simply to enhance biodiversity. (£100 raised for the conservation charity A Rocha)

Thursday 7 March 2024 - Day Retreat: Rewilding reflections Come and explore the issue of Rewilding. Share your understandings of this approach to conservation, we’ll consider the benefits and the challenges. There will be time for prayer and quiet reflection plus the opportunity to see some rewilding approaches in action in our grounds.

Thursday 18 April 2024 - Day Retreat: TACT representatives A day for quiet reflection and fellowship for leaders and representatives of Tavistock Area Christians Together.

Saturday 1 June 2024 - Day Retreat: Elders’ Away Day for Heavitree & Pinhoe United Reformed Church and Southernhay United Reformed Church.

Thursday 10 October 2024 - Day Retreat: Eco spirituality A day retreat from 10am until 3.30pm exploring eco spirituality. Prayers and meditations on the theme, plus the usual opportunity to enjoy the quiet, inside or outside enjoying the beauty of creation. Opportunity to bring and share resources that you have found helpful.

Thursday 7 November 2024 - Day Retreat: Caring for Creation A day retreat from 10am until 3.30pm exploring eco issues, including some hands on activities. Prayers and meditations on the theme, plus the usual opportunity to enjoy the quiet, inside or outside enjoying the beauty of creation. Opportunity for some outdoor exploration and work for biodiversity.

Thursday 5 December 2024 -  Day Retreat: Creative journalling A day retreat from 10am until 3.30pm begins with a short time of worship on the theme of using a prayer journal. Whether you have been journalling for many years and are looking to enliven your journals, or just starting out, this day is for you. Lots of new ideas and resources for you to explore.

Some of the Quiet Days we can offer….

Walk and talk A day retreat from 10am until 3pm begins with a short time of worship on the theme of journeys. Walk in the morning followed by lunch and then opportunity for a second walk or remain at the retreat centre to relax. 

Ignatian Retreat - A day retreat from 10am until 3pm exploring Ignatian spirituality . Time of reflection on the theme plus opportunity to use the eight acres of grounds or sit inside and paint or write or relax in quiet. This retreat was led in 2018 by Hazel Butland, who shares in the leadership of a regular Ignatian Prayer group meeting in Tavistock. 

Make and Create Family Day - A day for all ages, drop in any time from 10am until 3pm. Range of craft and art activities for all ages to try. Opportunity to explore the eight acres of grounds, especially the wild flower meadow, or relax in the garden or indoors. Small charge for materials.

Renew, Refresh, Relax - A day retreat from 10am until 3pm begins with a short time of worship on the theme of 'taking time out' and then opportunity to wander round eight acres of grounds, sit inside or outside and read or relax in quiet.

Drawing Deeply - A day retreat from 10am until 3pm on the theme of sustaining faith in the difficult times. Time of reflection on the theme which includes the story of a woman at a well, plus opportunity to wander round eight acres of grounds, sit inside or outside and pray, read or relax in quiet. 

Advent Craft - A day retreat from 10am until 3pm for anyone who would like to have a go at some craft activity (such as an Advent wreath). Time of reflection on the advent theme, optional craft activities, plus the usual opportunity to enjoy the quiet.

Hope of Easter - A day retreat from 10am until 3pm on the theme of the hope found in Christ. Time of reflection on the theme, plus opportunity to wander round eight acres of grounds, sit inside or outside and pray, read or relax in quiet. 

Water of life: a reflection on life-giving water, using the story of the woman at the well and the foot washing of the disciples. Time of reflection on the theme, plus opportunity to wander round eight acres of grounds, sit inside or outside and pray, read or relax in quiet. 

Make or Create Retreat - A day retreat from 10am until 3pm for any budding artists or writers. Time of reflection on the theme of creativity plus opportunity to use the eight acres of grounds or sit inside and paint or write or read or pray or relax in quiet. Please note that participants need to bring their own art/writing materials.

Lent Retreat - A day retreat from 10am until 3pm during the time of Lent. Time of reflection on the theme, plus opportunity to wander round eight acres of grounds, sit inside or outside and pray, read or relax in quiet.

Advent Adventure - A day retreat from 10am until 3pm exploring Advent, the time of preparation for Christmas. Prayers and meditations on the theme, plus the usual opportunity to enjoy the quiet, inside or outside.