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.
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 or even a one off event. We have the facilities you need to bring your plans to life in an idyllic setting.
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
The House
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 Grounds
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.
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.
a haven from
the hurry
Contact us
We can’t wait to hear about what you ‘re 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
Friends of
Shepherds Dene
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.
Events at Shepherds Dene
Event
Date
Info
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