A quiet place to be

From time to time we all need a place to be quiet and to reflect on the deeper things of life. A time of quiet reflection can be the route to discoveries about who we really are in the depths of our being, and it can be a time of inner healing and transformation.

St Ethelwold’s House offers a supportive place of quiet which you can use for a day or more, an hour or two, or even just for a few short minutes in the middle of a busy day.

We have a beautiful meditation room, two small retreat rooms on the banks of the River Thames which can be used for private quiet time.

Space to talk

If you would like to talk to someone about any issues that you feel it would be helpful to share in confidence, do contact Laura Hodges on 07738886793 to arrange a time to meet in the peace and tranquility of St Ethelwold’s House. Laura says, “In 2005 I was ordained as a Church of England priest, but my own spiritual journey led me to reject religious doctrine and I eventually resigned my orders. I am not a trained counsellor but am happy to offer a listening ear. I no longer hold any faith and regard myself as a humanist.” There is no fee charged, but if you are able to make a donation towards the running costs of St Ethelwold’s that would be much appreciated.

The  River Rooms

The garden, overlooking the River Thames, is a place to relax and enjoy the spaciousness of nature, whatever the time of year.  There are plenty of benches and seats and the little River Room is always open and can be a warm sanctuary when it is raining.

The larger River Room also nestles at the bottom of the garden on the banks of the river.  It is comfortably furnished with an easy chair and a writing desk, and there is heating for the colder weather.  A small ‘patio’ on the river side, is a private space for meditation, reading or just watching the river go by.

The larger River Room can be booked for a day and costs £10 and there is a small additional charge for heating in the winter.

The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary is a non-denominational meditation room which can be used for individual meditation or by meditation groups.  It is also used for yoga, Tai Chi and other meditation practices. Individual use of the Sanctuary is possible when there are no groups booked. You may enjoy some of the regular events we hold in the Sanctuary, such as meditation groups, book groups, and more.

Group Retreats

St Ethelwold’s House has all the facilities needed for groups who want retreats, quiet days or organisational development days.