Ashburnham Place

‘Encounter Day'
2026-10-14 09:30 - 16:00 (Europe/London) | Ashburnham Place, Kitchenham Road, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 9NF, United Kingdom
Led by the Prayer Ministry Team at Ashburnham Place, this is a day to Encounter God and to be encouraged to ‘facilitate encounters’

‘Encounter Day’
Wednesday 14th October – 9.30am – 4pm
“Led by the Prayer Ministry Team Leaders at Ashburnham Place, Hannah Latty, Helen Malabar and Duncan Pratt, this is a day set aside to Encounter God and to be encouraged to ‘facilitate encounters’ for your own discipleship journey and those in your church community.”
Join us for a brand new day retreat created for those who are hungry for more of God — a deeper walk with the Father, a fresh encounter with Jesus who restores and makes whole, and a renewed life in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.
This day is an invitation to slow down, make space, and encounter God in worship, prayer and attentive listening.
The day will include:

Extended times of worship and soaking in God’s presence: Space to rest, reflect, meditate, listen and receive
Spirit-led Biblical reflections
Encouragement and practical experiences of how to ‘facilitate encounters’ for your own or your church community; in corporate worship or small group gatherings.
An opportunity to experience flowing with the Holy Spirit using creative gifts such as music, art, spoken word or reading scripture.
Times of corporate worship, prayer and healing encounters.

This retreat is designed to create an atmosphere of expectation, safety and openness, where the Holy Spirit is welcomed to minister deeply and personally.
Please note that one-to-one prayer ministry will not be offered during the day, but can be arranged separately by appointment.
Practical details:
• Held in the Prayer Centre at Ashburnham
• Drinks, tasty treats and lunch included
• There is an optional overnight stay, allowing you to linger in the peace and beauty of the grounds and facilities. Overnight accommodation can be booked separately through the Booking Office.
Come expecting to be refreshed, renewed and re-aligned as we seek God together.
£45 per person – including Lunch and refreshments
TO BOOK – Call our Bookings Team on 01424 894201 or Click the link to book online

'Well Rested'
2026-10-13 16:00 - 2026-10-16 10:00
Come and restore your energy for life through the art of intentional and effective rest

‘Well Rested’ (ACT883)
Tues 13th October 4pm – Fri 16th October 10am
Led By Kerry McLeish
This retreat will help you discover the sort of rest you might need right now; physical, mental, emotional, social or spiritual. We will consider all of the work that you do in life and the areas in which all this work drains you and reflect on what you already know is restful for you and expand upon those ideas.You will have the chance to explore what a healthy rhythm of work and rest might look like for you and also what might be stopping you stopping, what it is that keeps you working when you really need to pause and rest and what might make rest easier for you.
There will also be an opportunity to seek God’s heart for rest for his people and be encouraged to listen for what God’s personal invitation to you to rest might be not just now but in the weeks and months to come
Our time together will include a mixture of teaching, reflection, conversation, and time to experience and experiment with resting. Don’t worry if you can’t remember how, no previous experience is required!
Bio: Kerry McLeish is a Rest Coach and Spiritual Director with a background in Nursing and Education (www.restforlife.org)
TO BOOK please call our Bookings Team on 01424 894201 or click on the link to book online
Single Occupancy £354.00 per person
Shared Occupancy £306.00 per person

TIME OUT
2026-10-13 12:00 - 2026-10-16 10:00
An opportunity to relax, refresh & renew.

TIME OUT (ACT860)
Tuesday 13th October 2026 12 Noon – Friday 16th OCtober 2026 10.00am
Time Out – an opportunity to relax, refresh & renew. This event will be hosted by Eve & Steve Wood & others from the Ashburnham Place family.
Relax, Refresh, Renew. Autumn at Ashburnham Place can be stunning. During our Time Out Break you can enjoy walks in our extensive woodlands to enjoy the changing colours. There will also be morning & evening devotional times, opportunities to join in a guided prayer walk, and individual prayer, various talks, crafts, a quiz or two, & plenty of time to rest & relax!
TO BOOK please call our Bookings Team on 01424 894201 or click on the link to book online.
Single Occupancy £375.00 per person
Shared Occupancy £315.00 per person

Dine at the Orangery Autumn 2026
2026-09-24 19:00 - 22:00
An exclusive fine dining experience set within the elegant surroundings of The Orangery at Ashburnham Place.

Following the success of our previous fine dining events, we are delighted to announce four seasonal dining dates for the year ahead, beginning in spring. Each evening will offer an intimate dining experience, thoughtfully curated using the finest seasonal ingredients and served by candlelight, accompanied by live music.

Spring: April 16thSummer: June 25thAutumn: September 24thWinter: November 12th

With a limited number of seats available, early booking is recommended.

About the Chef
James Kirby – Chef Director
James Kirby is Chef Director, where he oversees the food and beverage team and menu development with a focus on seasonal, sustainable cooking.
He was formerly Development Chef at Charlie Bigham’s, helping to drive product innovation and quality across the brand’s range of premium ready meals.
James was the owner of Cotto in Olympia, a Bib Gourmand–awarded restaurant. His background includes time in several of the UK’s top Michelin-starred kitchens, including Bibendum, The Greenhouse, Chez Nico, Alain Ducasse, and Pied à Terre.
With experience across both fine dining and food development, James brings a practical, ingredient-led approach to modern British cuisine.

Creative Writing: ‘Things Witnessed’
2026-09-22 12:00 - 2026-09-25 10:00
What have you witnessed in the course of your life? What has been important, even life-changing, for you? Lets explore & write about them.

Creative Writing: ‘Things Witnessed’ (ACT 867)
Tues 22nd 12 noon – Fri 25th 10.30am September 2026
Led by Chris Leonard
What have you witnessed in the course of your life? What has been important, even life-changing, for you? Jesus told his first followers to go and tell what they had seen of him. Much of the Bible (and of Chris’ own published writing) tells honest faith-stories from imperfect, ordinary witnesses. Structured in much the same way as Chris’ regular creative writing events at Ashburnham ‘Things Witnessed’ will focus on recalling and expressing what you’ve witnessed of Jesus day by day and help you gain confidence in relating stories of what really matters in your life and faith
It’s not competitive. However insignificant they might seem, your lived experiences are unique. Difficult struggles often speak with more relevance and credibility than spectacular triumphs and each will illuminate different aspects of Jesus for different kinds of people. Your faith and spirituality may be hesitant, embryonic and weak or mature and strong – all will have ‘God with us’ stories to encourage others. Writing, then listening to each other’s stories at Ashburnham will inspire us all to explore new ways of sharing God’s grace, hope and love.

TO BOOK please call our Bookings Team on 01424 894201 or click on the link to book online.
Single Occupancy £375.00 per person
Shared Occupancy £315.00 per person

'AN OVERCOMER'S HEART'
2026-09-08 04:30 - 2026-09-11 11:00
Learn to live from a place of victory and freedom, as you learn how to activate your Kingdom authority and walk in your divine identity.

‘AN OVERCOMER’S HEART’ – Living from a place of Victory & Freedom (ACT866)
Tues 8th 4.30pm – Fri 11th 11am September 2026
Led By: Dr Angela Walker

‘Come along to this new retreat to learn how to develop an overcomer’s heart. During this week, Dr Angela Walker will reveal how to live from a place of victory and freedom, as you learn how to activate your Kingdom authority and walk in your divine identity. Discover how the various fruit of the Spirit (peace, joy, love, humility, unity, truth, etc) can be your divine armour and weapons. Learn how to grow in spiritual discernment and overcome the battles of the mind, as you pursue a heart relationship with God.’
TO BOOK – Call our Bookings Team on 01424 894201 or e-mail annie.mackenzie@ashburnham.org.uk or Click the link to book online
Single Occupancy £354.00 per person
Shared Occupancy £306.00 per person

Re-Align Renewal Worship Retreat
2026-07-01 11:00 - 2026-07-03 14:00
Join Noel Robinson and the Renewal Worship gatherings for a real powerful moment of encounter .

Re-Align Renewal Woship Retreat (ACT843)
Wed 1st July 11am – Fri 3rd July 2pm
Led by Noel Robinson and Team

Retreats are places of Rest, Respite and Restoration the 3 ‘R’s and the 2026 Renewal worship gathering is the place where we will encounter the presence of God – it is the place of the 3R’s for you to come and join us for 3 days where you will experience the presence of God at the beautiful Ashburnham Place!
TO BOOK – Call our Bookings Team on 01424 894201 or Annie Mackenzie on 01424 894206 or e-mail annie.mackenzie@ashburnham.org.uk (if you wish to pay in two instalments) or Click the link to book online
Single En-suite room £314.00
Shared En-suite room £254.00
Standard Single room £281.00
Standard Shared room £221.00
Day /Wed No meals £63.00
Day /Thurs + Evening Meal £89.00
Day /Fri No meals £63.00
Single Standard 1 night £120.00
Shared Standard 1 night £105.00

Dine at the Orangery Summer 2026
2026-06-25 19:00 - 22:00
An exclusive fine dining experience set within the elegant surroundings of The Orangery at Ashburnham Place.

Following the success of our previous fine dining events, we are delighted to announce four seasonal dining dates for the year ahead, beginning in spring. Each evening will offer an intimate dining experience, thoughtfully curated using the finest seasonal ingredients and served by candlelight, accompanied by live music.

Summer: June 25th
Autumn: September 24th
Winter: November 12th

With a limited number of seats available, early booking is recommended.

About the Chef
James Kirby – Chef Director
James Kirby is Chef Director, where he oversees the food and beverage team and menu development with a focus on seasonal, sustainable cooking.
He was formerly Development Chef at Charlie Bigham’s, helping to drive product innovation and quality across the brand’s range of premium ready meals.
James was the owner of Cotto in Olympia, a Bib Gourmand–awarded restaurant. His background includes time in several of the UK’s top Michelin-starred kitchens, including Bibendum, The Greenhouse, Chez Nico, Alain Ducasse, and Pied à Terre.
With experience across both fine dining and food development, James brings a practical, ingredient-led approach to modern British cuisine.

Time Out
2026-06-23 12:00 - 2026-06-26 10:00
An opportunity to relax, refresh & renew.

TIME OUT (ACT819)
Tuesday 23rd June 2026 12 Noon – Friday 26th June 2026 10.30am
Time Out – an opportunity to relax, refresh & renew. This event will be hosted by Eve & Steve Wood & others from the Ashburnham Place family.
Relax, Refresh, Renew. Warmer weather & longer evenings invite us to enjoy sitting in the gardens or strolling along the woodland walks & lakeside pathways of Ashburnham Place. Our full & varied programme offers many ways to spend your time, including opportunities to join in a guided prayer walk, and individual prayer, morning & evening devotional times, craft & interesting talks.
TO BOOK please call our Bookings Team on 01424 894201 or click on the link to book online.
Single Occupancy £366.00 per person
Shared Occupancy £309.00 per person

Gentle revolution, creating a sustainable lifestyle
2026-05-26 16:00 - 2026-05-29 10:30
A Gentle revolution, without inducing shame and guilt, sets out a roadmap for change, start small, create space & think differently.

Gentle revolution, creating a sustainable lifestyle (ACT848)
Tues 26th – Fri 29th May 2026
Led By – Patrick Regan OBE and team

Our bodies, emotions and minds are crying out for change, yet we carry on with what we are familiar with. We need a revolution based on the values of kindness, belonging and wellbeing – an identity based on who we are, not what we achieve. A Gentle revolution, without inducing shame and guilt, sets out a roadmap for change : start small, create space, and think differently.
Patrick Regan OBE Director of Brighter Days www.brighterdays.life

O BOOK – Call our Bookings Team on 01424 894201 or Click the link to book online
Single Occupancy £348.00 per person
Shared Occupancy £300.00 per person
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Healing Hearts
2026-05-26 04:30 - 2026-05-29 11:00
Discover how to walk in freedom as you overcome fears and forgive from the heart.

Healing Hearts (ACT854)
Led by Dr Angela Walker
Tues 26th May 4.30pm – Fri 29th May 11am
Join Dr Angela Walker on this retreat to encounter inner healing and find your true identity in the heart of Father God. Discover how to walk in freedom as you overcome fears and forgive from the heart. There will be an opportunity to release grief and emotional pain as you encounter the heart of Jesus. Come with an open heart to hear God’s Spirit as He ministers to your heart, releasing healing and freedom.
TO BOOK please call our Bookings Team on 01424 894201 or click on the link to book online
Single Occupancy £348.00 per person
Shared Occupancy £300.00 per person

Dialogue for Peaceful Change - 4.5 Days Immersive Training
2026-05-11 11:00 - 2026-05-15 14:00
Designed to enhance our ability to navigate conflict and change in times of increasing hostility. “…it has given me hope.” (2025 feedback)

Dialogue for Peaceful Change (DpC) is a comprehensive training programme designed to enhance personal and collective capacity to navigate conflict and change. Developed over decades of living the gritty reality of ‘The Troubles’ in Northern Ireland and the subsequent complexity of daily life following a peace agreement, it has been integrated into local governments, international aid organisations, universities, faith groups and charities, and proved an effective resource for those living and working in community across the globe. It has been adopted by practitioners in Ghana, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Israel, Palestine, Sweden, Germany, Lithuania, Australia, Korea, the Philippines, the U.K., and the U.S.A. In recent years, somatic and ecological elements have been intentionally incorporated into the training, alongside acknowledgement that we live in unprecedented times of global polycrisis.
During the 4.5 days we will establish ways of learning together and draw on the diversity of collective wisdom amongst participants; it will be a truly supportive and collaborative experience.
Participants will receive a certificate upon completion and are invited to join the DpC Global Community of Practice.
https://www.dpcglobal.org/
WE RECOMMEND COMING WITH A COLLEAGUE/FRIEND WITH WHOM YOU CAN TAKE THIS LEARNING FORWARD.
KEY ELEMENTS
Introduction to peacebuilding – deepening our understanding of the nuances of language, cultural perceptions, and potentiality of difference/disagreement/change.
The Neurobiology of Conflict – gaining insights into the influence of the sympathetic system and polyvagal theory and practice in escalating/deescalating conflict.
Conflict Styles – reflecting on our personal responses to conflict and enhancing ability to choose.
The F.E.A.R.S. Model – reflecting on factors that drive conflict.
Mimesis and Scapegoating – reflecting further on factors that drive conflict.
The S.A.F.E.R Model – learning a framework to mitigate harmful conflict and live well with difference.
Mapping + Pillars – acquiring visual tools to analyse and diffuse conflict.
The Iceberg Model – gaining practical insights into protracted and recurring conflicts.
Ways of Resolving Conflict – gaining an overview of conflict resolution options.
Principles of Mediative Communication Skills – introduction and practice of key mediative communication skills.
6 Stage DpC Mediative Process – fully immersive deep-dive into mediation skills (in pairs) within a clear mediation framework and coaching.
2025 TESTIMONIALS
“What I’ve learned feels very relevant to my future because these skills apply to almost any situation whether it’s supporting others, working in teams, or handling difficult conversations. I can see myself using these tools to create safer, more respectful spaces and to help people move through misunderstandings in a healthier way.”
“The learning and particularly the mediation training are helpful in situations where I am trying to hold space and enable others to hear differing points of view.”
“I really appreciate how Laura mentored us throughout the training , her calm presence creating a safe space . She helps me understand conflicts in a new different way . I learned a lot from you and how you modelled DpC value in each sessions. You didn’t just trained us but you embodied it .Because of your support i feel more confident and more aware and more equipped to hold space for others. Thank you for your patience and for your kindness . And the way you believed in me throughout the training truly made a difference .”
“…You gave us the opportunity to get into the thick of it and really try and fail and try again and explore and learn – all this while held in a safe space – learning together. I found it helpful to experience all 3 roles of mediator, person in a conflict and observer, because I benefited from all three of them and could feel it in my body – the changes in the different steps.”
“It was truly a great course. I loved every class, activity, and game. Each class was very dynamic and interesting.”
“I came to learn that peace building doesn’t always look like diplomacy or conflict resolution but rather like sharing a meal or setting a boundary, or having the hard conversation i have avoided.”

SETTING
Ashburnham Place is a retreat centre nestled in 220 acres of ancient woodland, meadows, lakes and gardens offering invitation to embodied reflection on our relationship to land and nature, and the signficance of this in both conflict, and in peacebuilding. In the mornings and evenings participants are encouraged to wander amongst the trees (and hopefully bluebells!), watch for wildlife (numerous birds and resident deer), learn about the ecological initiatives on-site (designed to help reweave all ages back into a caring relationship with the land) and even enjoy wild swimming in the lake. https://www.ashburnham.org.uk/grounds-gardens/land-engagement/
All bedrooms are en-suite, with a selection of single, twin, and wheelchair accessible options available. Bed Linen, hairdryers and towels are provided. Please bring an extra towel if you want to book a wild swim.

TRAINING TEAM
Colin Craig MBE is the founder of the DpC methodology and a Co-director and Coach within DpC Global. Born and based in Northern Ireland, Colin has been working in the field of peace and reconciliation for over 50 years and has delivered DpC training in 22 countries. His ongoing passion is in working on how, together, we can face the complexity and challenge of moving beyond the personal and cultural narratives that continue to fracture our social and ecological worlds.

Shaunagh Craig is a Co-Director of DpC Global. As a former elite athlete Shaunagh focusses on somatic (mind-body) awareness, flexibility, and courage to enable systemic change, helping teams and communities thrive in rapidly evolving environments. Passionately driven by her concerns about the climate crisis, she more recently pivoted to the ecological sector, designing outdoor health interventions, green career programmes, and regenerative woodland management. She is deeply committed to the work of addressing ecological breakdown, food and resource insecurity, and human disconnection from nature and sees this as a root cause to the growing fractures and conflicts of our time.

Laura Steven is an educator, holistic psychotherapist, leader and facilitator. She designs and delivers training in mental health & wellbeing, conflict transformation, and emotionally intelligent leadership. Laura is committed to facilitating self-reflexivity in herself and others. Professionally and personally she is pursuing the invitation to hospice embedded, unsustainable beliefs and behaviours, and towards midwifing the yet unknown.

INVESTMENT
We are taking a shared economy approach to this training, spreading the contributions between participants in as equitable a way as possible, with those coming from well-resourced situations offering more so that those who may need support to access the training are able to. Please select which of the four options below best applies to you. If you need to pay in instalments, email annie.mackenzie@ashburnham.org.uk

PAY IT FORWARD Ticket – £1350 (minus £50 p/p if sharing a twin room with a colleague/friend) = 4.5 Days training + full board accommodation
STANDARD Ticket – £1035 (minus £50 p/p if sharing a twin room with a colleague/friend) = 4.5 Days training + full board accommodation
LIMITED INCOME (Less than £25k) Ticket – £800 (minus £50 p/p if sharing a twin room with a colleague/friend) = 4.5 Days training + full board accommodation.

Is there further support?
Yes! Join DpC Global Community of Practice to actively engage in learning, share experiences, forge connections, and enhance your skills in applying the DpC Methodology.

The 'Space'
2026-04-21 16:00 - 2026-04-24 10:00
The Space is a Creative Retreat with Epiphany for those who would enjoy space to wonder and create

The Space (ACT851)
TUESDAY 21st April 4pm – FRIDAY 24th April 10am 2026
We look forward to welcoming you to a creative retreat with Epiphany’s musicians.
Epiphany’s skilled team will gently guide our time together. The gatherings each morning and evening will include relaxing improvised music and reflective thoughts for each day. The rest of the time will give you opportunity to enjoy and be inspired by the beautiful surroundings of Ashburnham, have a Sound Portrait with Epiphany’s musicians, or to engage in photography, art and nature explorations. Bring your musical instruments, cameras or art materials and enjoy stretching your creativity!

What people say.
‘What a special few days wallowing in wonder, mystery, creativity and contemplation amidst community, beauty and heavenly music!’
‘To be on Epiphany’s retreat is to be in safe hands of higher peace and creative energy.’
‘The past few days have felt like a very big intake of breath, jumping deep into creativity and taking new risks with new friends. I’ll be unpacking this for a long, long while.’
‘I had a truly amazing experience at The Space, and would definitely hope to return for another retreat in the future.’
TO BOOK please call our Bookings Team on 01424 894201 or click on the link to book online
Single Occupancy £348.00 per person
Shared Occupancy £300.00 per person

Time Out
2026-04-14 12:00 - 2026-04-17 10:00
An opportunity to relax, refresh & renew.

TIME OUT (ACT818)
Tuesday 14th April 2026 12 Noon – Friday 17th April 2026 10.30am
Time Out – an opportunity to relax, refresh & renew. This event will be hosted by Eve & Steve Wood & others from the Ashburnham Place family.
Relax, Refresh, Renew. With winter having made way to spring, come & relax in our peaceful surroundings, enjoying a few days away from it all. A not too early (!) bird walk is on our programme on this break. As well as offering space & time to explore the beautiful grounds of Ashburnham Place, our full & varied programme includes our morning & evening devotional times. There will be opportunities to join in a guided prayer walk, and individual prayer.
TO BOOK please call our Bookings Team on 01424 894201 or click on the link to book online.
Single Occupancy £366.00 per person
Shared Occupancy £309.00 per person
