SCOTTISH BORDERS
MEETING GOD THROUGH HOSPITALITY
A refuge to meet with God and receive refreshment and restoration
WELCOME
Come and enjoy the beautiful, tranquil setting here at Whitchester; take some time out, let us feed you with our home-cooking, rest in our new beds, relax in the new conservatory, or by the fire in the lounge in winter, enjoy the sunshine on your face on the arbour seat in the walled garden, be edified by our library of books - old and new, get creative in the art room, and/or take a stroll around the prayer/mindful garden.
Whitchester Christian Centre is an ecumenical retreat centre, ideally situated in a secluded oasis in the Upper Teviotdale Valley, just 2 miles away from the Borders town of Hawick, known for its production of top-quality cashmere. Whitchester is unique in many ways: it is an independent centre, governed by a board of directors, one of whom owns the property and makes it available to the charity as a residential Christian retreat centre. Whitchester is the perfect size for groups, and many return to us - church retreats, hobby, wellbeing, reading groups and family gatherings. We run some events ourselves, and some in collaboration with others - see below for upcoming events. We are also available for short breaks/holidays, and personal retreats.
We look forward to welcoming you!
NEWS & UPDATES
Quiet Day
Saturday 5 April 2025
10am-4pm
An opportunity to spend some time prayerfully pondering the events which unfolded in the week leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion.
Facilitated by Sheena Hogg, the day will involve listening to some ‘found poetry’ (words and phrases collated from everyday life) before making your own creative prayer - materials and suggestions provided. You do not need to be ‘good at’ poetry, art or prayer. This is as much about the process as any finished product you may produce.
£55 for the day, including lunch and refreshments.
For further information, or to book your place, please click here
A Weekend Retreat
25-27 April
Joy in CS Lewis
An exploration of the theme of joy - and its shadow side of grief and pain - in the works of CS Lewis
Facilitated by Drs Chris and Ros Brett
Chris and Ros are Directors/Trustees of Whitchester Christian Centre, Lay Readers in the Scottish Episcopal Church, retired university lecturers (but not in English Literature or Philosophy!) - and great lovers of CS Lewis' writings.
They look forward to exploring, along with other lovers of CS Lewis' work, the theme of joy (and grief) in Lewis' diverse writings.
Those new or relatively new to Lewis' writings are of course equally welcome!
£195 for the weekend, to include two nights' accommodation, + full board from Friday evening, concluding with lunch on Sunday.
Arrivals from 4pm with introductory session after dinner. Sessions on Saturday, and sharing time on the Sunday.
For more information, and to book your place, please click here.
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REVIEWS & TESTIMONIALS
"Exactly what we needed ... warm welcome, spacious rooms, great facilities for us and our 2 dogs!
Perfect location geographically but also the setting and grounds. Breakfast was lovely with a good choice of options, all cooked and presented beautifully."
Senga, GB
"Huge thanks from us for our recent stay. We were travelling with our two young children (ages 2 & 1) plus dog (!) and I really can't fault it. The set up of the family room is the best I've come across. We look forward to seeing you again next year!"
Charlotte, GB
BOOKING
You can book –
Online - Check availability
by e-mail at enquiries@whitchester.org.uk
by telephone on 01450 377477 (use code +44 for international calls)