St Cuthman's Retreat Centre....
is set in extensive grounds, near Horsham, with views across the lake to the South Downs. It is full of character and offers peace and tranquillity in a wonderful setting. Run by the R.C. Diocese of Arundel and Brighton, St Cuthman's is open to people of all denominations and of none. Most guests are residential (min stay 2 nights; £75 per person, per night), either independently or with a group, but individuals and small groups are also welcome for a 'Quiet Day'
'The Garden Rooms' day meeting facility, located in our tranquil orchard, is available for gatherings of up to 18 people - ideal for parish 'away days', training sessions, clergy meetings, school INSET, etc. This is also the venue for our led Reflection Days and other events.
All who seek quiet...
space and time apart are welcome, whether it is to reflect, pray, read or simply rest and enjoy the surroundings. Most guests stay for just a few days, whilst others stay for longer. For thoughts on spending some or all of your time in selence, click here. For more views of St Cuthman's click here
To download our main brochure please click here (9.1kb)
The House ...
caters for individuals, couples and groups wishing to come for a retreat and running their own programme are welcome (see Residential use by Groups).
Each guest's time...
is his or her own - there is no programme. Late breakfasts are possible for those needing a relaxed start to the day. Mid-Morning coffee is available at 11.00 a.m. and Afternoon Tea at 4.00 p.m. The only other fixed points are Lunch and Supper. Guests wishing to eat in silence can do so in the Dining Room whilst others can eat together in the Conservatory area. When the weather is good, meals can be taken outside.
The Chapel ...
is a beautiful, simple space for prayer and reflection. All are welcome to join in the daily gatherings for Morning and Evening Prayer. Mass is celebrated on most days. The Blessed Sacrament is reserved.
For ideas on how to use your time on retreat download our leaflet 'Making the Most of a Quiet Day at St Cuthman's' here or see the Resources pages of the Retreat Association website. See also our 'Silence ... for beginners' webpage.
An experienced spiritual director ...
or retreat guide, or simply a listening ear, can usually be arranged for individuals with sufficient notice.
There are 8 single rooms and 8 twin rooms ...
all with a shower, WC and hand basin, desk and easy chairs. The House is centrally heated and all rooms have drink making facilities. There is a bathroom on each floor for general use.
Downstairs ...
there is a large Hall and comfortable Drawing Room, with log fires on many days during the winter season, a large Library reserved for silent reading, a Dining Room (silent option) and Conservatory (for non-silent meals). A further room offers small groups which are resident their own space in which to meet.
Our chefs ...
offer creative, wholesome home cooking using fresh ingredients, seasonal local produce and, wherever possible, fairly traded goods. Vegetarians and most essential medical dietary needs can be catered for if this is advised on booking (click here for details of catering provision at St Cuthman's). Packed lunches can also be arranged.
| National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme Under this scheme, introduced in 2011, we have achieved the maximum score of '5 - Very Good'. This demonstrates a 'very high standard of food safety management and compliance with food hygiene legislation'. |
The grounds ...
comprise of a five and a half acre lake and over 20 acres of formal gardens, shrubbery, woodland, orchards and fields. The site is rich in bird and plant life and is designated by West Sussex as being of Special Nature Conservation Importance. There are quiet places to sit in the grounds and some lovely walks. For details of our very successful lake conservation project in 2009, click here.
There are many places of interest nearby. The Downs and sea are within easy reach by car (for example, Steyning and Horsham are 10 miles distant, Worthing and Arundel are 15 miles).
The West Sussex Countryside Rangers, a group of volunteers who give their time to care for important local habitats such as our own, regularly help us with management of the less formal areas of our grounds.
For more on how the rangers help us please click here.
'Quiet Days' for individuals...
Not everyone can find the time to get away on a residential Retreat. Perhaps you could manage a day if you had somewhere to go. Why not come and spend a ‘Quiet Day’ at St. Cuthman’s ? (click here for details)
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St Cuthman's Gift Vouchers are a great way of marking a special occasion for a friend, relation, colleague or pastor (e.g. anniversary, birthday, wedding, jubilee, retirement or as a leaving gift) or of helping someone in need of a break or facing a difficult time. Voucher gift cards can be bespoked to incorporate the recipient's name, the occasion, etc. They can cover a full stay or be a part contribution, the cost of a 'Quiet Day' or even a 'St Cuthman's Reflection Day'.
are a separate facility for non-residential group meetings and away-days for up to 18* people (the maximum number being dependant on room layout). It is set apart in the grounds and offers a quiet and comfortable venue with catering options and ample parking. Enquiries from business and commercial users are also welcome.
* For smaller groups of up to 8 people we can sometimes provide a meeting room in the main house between 10am and 5pm, with Refreshments, Two-Course Lunch and Afternoon Tea provided. Ideally suited to the needs of smaller groups which are compatable with the quiet nature of the house - clergy, prayer groups , 'RCIA' and other faith-sharing groups, and school leadership teams. Please telephone us to discuss your needs.
For further information please contact:
St Cuthman's
Cowfold Road
Coolham
West Sussex RH13 8QL
Tel 01403 741220 (Mon - Fri 9.45am-6.00pm)
Email: stcuthmans@dabnet.org This page last updated 20th December 2011
The Arundel and Brighton Diocesan Trust is a Registered Charity No 252878
- a Fairtrade diocese since 2005 -
