Group Retreats
Shepherds Dene is the perfect setting to get away with your people.
Whether a team retreat or a large reunion., we have plenty of space to
accomadate all of your needs.
Events
Maybe you’re organising an annual gathering, a monthly class, a birthday celebration, a wedding or a one off event. We have the facilities you need to bring your plans to life in an idyllic setting.
We will work closely with you to create a bespoke space for you to use.
Spiritual Rest
Ancient Celtic Christians used the term, ‘thin space’ to describe somewhere
where the veil between Heaven & Earth seemed to be paper thin. Shepherds
Dene has a rich history of being a place to drown out the noise and connect
with the divine.
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion?
Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.
I’ll show you how to take a real rest.
Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it.
Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.”
Matthew 11:28
Our Programme
Nestled away in Northumberland...
Built in 1906, Shepherds Dene has stood boldly in the stunning countryside,
not far outside of the grand city of Newcastle Upon Tyne.
In 1946, the doors were opened to Shepherds Dene Retreat House.
Gifted to the Diocese of Newcastle by founders Geoffrey and Ethel Newell, the vision for this space has
always been to serve as a source of refreshment and restoration to all who step foot onto the grounds.
Today, we continue to operate in the same spirit; hosting retreats and weary travellers alike.
In all we do, serving as a house of healing and place of peace.
Allow us to host you
Personal Space
In a noisy and anxious world, some silence and solitude can be a tonic to the
soul. Book a room for yourself or with a dear friend to relax, refresh, walk the
grounds and take in the country air.
We are working on our programme for the new year and will be
introducing some new innovative and creative parts for you to come and
enjoy. We are hoping to create space for rest, worship, recharge and
inspiration. We also want to provide some Christian based, faith focused
and holy spirit inspired training events that will encourage and equip you
in your journey.
The Grounds
In the main house, we are able to accommodate up to 18 guests with single occupancy
or 30 guests sharing twin rooms.
8 of the rooms posses an en suite, one of which is adapted for guests with limited
mobility. There are however an array of available bathroom facilities located on both the
first and second floor. We also have elevator access from ground to first floor.
Additionally, we have our stunning Edwardian cottage available. Quaintly tucked behind
the main house, it contains 2 further bedrooms; one twin room and one single room.
Guests can enjoy use of our beautiful dining hall where locally selected food is served as
well as tea & coffee. We also have a lounge with an honesty bar and plenty of seating
situated around a stunning fireplace to relax & unwind. The chapel is also available to all
guests for prayer and reflection.
We are pleased to offer entirely exclusive use of Shepherds Dene to residential groups of
18, making our retreat house the idyllic setting for a memorable private event.
The House
Shepherds Dene is located on 20 majestic acres of grounds to
explore from formal lawns to a quiet woodland stream, where
deer can often be seen roaming.
Not far out into the grounds, we have a labyrinth that can be
walked for quiet meditation or just for fun. There are plenty of
spots for quiet reflection, including a hermit hut as well as a
croquet lawn and volleyball court for recreation.
As night draws in, you may wish to cosy up around our outdoor
fire pit, ideal for enjoying conversation deep into the evening.
a haven from
the hurry
Getting to us
Shepherds Dene is around 30 minutes drive from Newcastle.
We’ll have the kettle on ready for your arrival.
Parking is no issue as we have up to 30 parking places around the house in the grounds.
Additional spaces are available for functions and special events if required.
There are good public transport links to Riding Mill Station and we can help to arrange
a local taxi to the retreat house (local rates apply.)
Larger groups may require a minibus, which we can also help you arrange.
Contact us
We can’t wait to hear about what you are planning.
Please reach out to us to enquire about availability and pricing and let’s begin planning your retreat.
Phone us between on 9:30am - 4pm on: 01434 682212
Email us on - info@shepherdsdene.org
Shepherds Dene has had a special place in the hearts and lives of people for over 60 years.
We are supported by a growing group of Friends including those from different denominations,
backgrounds and beliefs.
The Friends support Shepherds Dene in different ways according to their circumstances; including:
• Praying regularly for the life and work of Shepherds Dene - especially for our guests.
• Promoting Shepherds Dene in parishes and networks.
• Making financial contributions to Friends appeals from time to time.
• Organising fundraising events.
• Supporting events at Shepherds Dene.
• Volunteering
Friends commit to an annual subscription of £12 for an individual, £20 for a family or £25 for a church,
group or organisation.
We’ll keep you updated with regular news about activities at Shepherds Dene and your subscription
includes an invitation to the annual Friends Weekend.
To join the Friends of Shepherds Dene or make a one off financial gift, just hit the button below.
Friends of
Shepherds Dene
Alternatively, We offer up space to book afternoon teas for special occasions
If you would love to spend time in our beautiful retreat house with your family and friends or for a special
occasion this is the perfect place for you.
We create a unique space for you to enjoy our delicious freshly made products.
Having afternoon tea at shepherds dene is a luxurious experience.
If you would like to book please email your enquiry to info@shepherdsdene.org or call the office on
01434 682212
The cost is £25.00pp or if you would like to add a glass of prosecco £32pp and there is a minimum booking
requirement of 10 people or more.
10th of March
Lent focused, reflection on your journey of faith. Including opportunities
to express your response using paint and other creative materials.
Leader - Liz Jones: retired Anglican Minister
7th April
Lent focused, journey of prayer - lead by Phil and Ingrid Horne
15th April
Lent focused, Journey to the cross lead by Liz Jones, Phil and Ingrid
Horne
The full cost of £32 per head is payable upon booking
which includes a light lunch and refreshments
throughout the day.
Events at
Shepherds Dene
Diary dates for prayer and reflection days 2025:
“ Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”
Mark 6:31 NKJV
10th March
7th April
15th April
Afternoon Tea’s
18th and 19th June
£25 £32pp with glass of prosecco
It is so wonderful to be writing my first blog as director at Shepherds Dene. I have been here almost a year now and it has been an interesting and amazing journey so far. I thought it may be helpful to give you some background about myself. I am a deeply committed Christian with a heart and passion to see people thrive and grow in their faith.
About 20 years ago my husband and I felt a real call from God to move to Weardale and help the church there. There was a strong call regarding preparing a place to run a retreat, but we were not sure how this would pan out.
We continued to work within the local church and prayerfully took a step at a time where God lead.
The day of my interview, I walked through the threshold of the front entrance of Shepherds Dene and immediately sensed the peace that is so evident there. Immediately the holy spirit spoke to my heart and told me to be at ease and that this is the place I would be coming to work.
I look forward to meeting you all here soon.
- Shepherds Dene can be used for an individual or group retreat.
- It is a perfect venue for special celebrations and occasions.
- Self catering retreats are unavailable.
- We have two, in house trained, chefs on site for all catering requirements.
- We can negotiate with you and your group to provide a bespoke stay which caters for all types of dietary requirements.
- We can offer individual retreat bed and breakfast subject to more than one staying in the property at any one time.
- We have special rates offered through some of our quieter months - see special offer dates or speak to our team for more details.
- Shepherds Dene is a church of England, faith based organisation and our program will come in line with the ethos of the christian faith.
- There are opportunities to volunteer at Shepherds Dene in our garden and housekeeping teams. For more info email info@shepherdsdene.org
- Careers - There are opportunities to join the team from time to time. If you are interested in working with us please keep an eye on our careers page.
Feedback from some of our guests:
“I have got to say that it was just the perfect venue and your hospitality and welcome were so utterly tangible - it felt like a home from home only better because I didn't have to do the washing up! You have such a warm and welcoming venue and we really did want for nothing. I only wish we'd had longer to take advantage of the grounds - it felt very close to God (and the weather only added to that!). The food was amazing and I was so touched that you catered for my dietary needs so patiently and lovingly. Thank you so much.”
“ We are so pleased we arranged to come with our PHD writing group to Shepherds Dene. From beginning to end the students were so very well looked after. The house and space were a perfect place to allow one to ones and quiet study for our students. The chefs were amazing in juggling such a varied and complicated dietary menu. The beautiful home cooked food was delightful. All the staff were very attentive to the requests from our group, and looked after us with care and consideration. What a special place. We are looking forward to our next visit.”
“ I attended a lent reflection day and have to say this was one of the most thoughtful and inspirational, spiritual days, I have ever been on. Thank you for making the day so enjoyable from start to finish and providing such a beautiful space for encouragement and encountering the presence of God .”
Useful Info
Duty Manager - Casual Hours available
House keeper - No vacancies
Administrator - No Vacancies
Chef - No Vacancies
Pantry Staff - Vacancies
If you are interested in any of the above vacancies as
they arise, please email info@shepherdsdene.org
Career Vacancies
© Shepherds Dene 2024