General Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions, in alphabetical order by subject. If you need further clarification, or have an additional question, please contact us.

RETREAT QUESTIONS

  • What is a retreat?

    1. A retreat is an opportunity to have quiet time so that you can get away from the ordinary demands of life.
    2. A retreat provides freedom and a time out so as to gain a better perspective on the deeper meaning of your life.
    3. A retreat offers more of what you are searching for, that is a place and a way to come to know God better in a unique and personal relationship.
    4. A retreat is a gift you give yourself and allow the Lord to bless the gift. It is a time for you to be good to yourself.

  • Why make a retreat?

    We are all searching as we journey through life. Retreats are offered based on the conviction that each person is unique and unrepeatable, and each individual is called by God to a personal vocation. We all face personal struggles and issues, yet these look a lot alike and we can all confide in Jesus Christ who shares them with us.


  • What types of retreats or events does Wistaston Hall offer?

    We offer 5 different types of retreats or events. Underpinning each of these is our wish to provide a space for people discover their deepest desires so that they might discover the path God is showing them. 


    Themed Retreats or events: 


    These events are most often organized around a specific theme such as recovery retreats or a particular time of year such as Advent or Lent. 


    Directed Retreats: 


    A directed retreat is an individual prayer experience.  Your prayer is enriched and guided by a spiritual guide with whom you will meet each day. Prayerful reflection with sacred scripture is the usual setting for this process. There is no preset pattern for directed retreat.

     

    Private Retreats: 


    The call from God is very gentle. These retreats are open to individuals who simply need some private time out. To facilitate this experience we have dedicated the new Grange building to provide an appropriate space to come away and rest awhile.


    Quiet Days: 


    A quiet day is a gentle introduction for newcomers to retreats. Quiet days are usually from around 10 to 4pm. You will usually be given a programme at the start of the day by the quiet day leader.

     

    Hosted events: 


    During the year we make the centre and its grounds available to outside groups for their prayerful use. These events are often closed to the public and are not listed on our public schedule. For more information please visit the Groups section of the website. 


  • Do I need to be a Catholic to attend a retreat or an event?

    No — While the centre comes from the Catholic tradition we believe that God calls in any culture, chronological moment, faith or circumstance. There are no expectations on anyone coming to Wistaston Hall and you don't need to be a churchgoer. To make a retreat all you need is an open and generous heart. All are welcome. 


  • Is there a cost?

    To help cover some of the running costs of the centre there is a recommended donation per person per day. This donation covers the cost of your accommodation, meals and participation during your time at the centre. If you have any difficulty with the suggested donation please do not hesitate to contact us. If you are a UK taxpayer we invite you to gift aid your donation to the centre by completing the relevant section on the website.

  • What to bring with you on Retreat:

    What to bring with you on Retreat:


    • Comfortable, clothes and walking shoes appropriate to the time of year. 
    • A small alarm clock
    • Medicines and toiletries
    • If you have an exercise routine, bring your gear or switch to exercise walking
    • A journal or special notebook
    • Bring a desire for peace and quiet with an open heart toward our loving God.
    • Some individuals find it helpful to bring a covered drinking container, such as a tumbler or thermos, to have beverages outside the dining hall.

MORE GENERAL QUESTIONS

  • Meeting Rooms

    We have a number of meeting rooms which serve different requirements and are suited for both small and large groups.

  • Mobile Phones - Do you have a signal?

    The signal for your mobile phones will be dependent upon your mobile phone service provider. Some signals are more responsive than others. For providers with poorer signals, connections may be intermittent

  • Parking

    We have parking facilities to cater for most types of vehicles; including electric charge stations for those who may need these. (Installations are due for completion in 2022)



  • Payment

    We are able to accept payment by:

    •  Most charge, debit, and credit cards. 
    • Cheques
    • Bank Transfers
    • Cash
  • Public Transport

    You can travel to the Retreat Centre by using most main bus routes, and we are ideally situated near to the local train station - Crewe Train Station.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

  • Cancellation Policy - Suppose I change my mind about coming?

    It is our intention to ensure the financial sustainability of the retreats and programmes we provide at Wistaston Hall. Cancellations & refunds are managed on an individual basis. Cancellations represent an expense to the Centre and a lost opportunity for others to participate in the retreats and programs. If an individual booking is cancelled more than 14 days before the event, then there will be a refund of the total paid less the standard deposit. If the centre must cancel an event, then there will be a full refund.

  • Check-In & Check-Out - What are the times?

    Our events start with the evening meal at 6pm on the first day and end with breakfast on the last day. Weekend events end with lunch. Bedrooms are available from 4pm on your arrival day, and we ask you to please vacate your room by 10am on the day of your departure. We are happy to store your luggage if you wish to stay longer to enjoy the grounds.

  • Making your booking

    All bookings must be confirmed with a deposit and a completed booking form. For individual retreats, we suggest a deposit of £50.00. 

    Register Here - Booking Form

  • Diets - Do you cater for vegetarians and special diets?

    General Dietary Information:

    Working together with our catering team we are committed to providing all our retreatants with delicious food. We can cater for vegetarians (please let us know if you eat fish) and vegans. It is not possible for us to meet the personal preferences of individual guests who choose not to eat certain foods. All dietary needs should be raised when booking. 


    It is not possible for us to meet special dietary needs that are only made known to us on arrival.


    Please provide details of dietary needs two weeks before you are due to arrive at the Centre.


    Allergens and Intolerances: 

    Our catering team needs to be informed of any allergies or intolerances every time a group books with us. We can meet some of the catering needs of guests with medically diagnosed allergies and special diets. These include gluten free, dairy free, allergies to nuts or shellfish and other such allergies. Whilst we take every precaution to minimise cross contamination, we cannot one hundred percent guarantee this at any time. All our ingredients come with a may contain warning. We are very happy to help with any queries regarding our ingredients and processes. If an allergy is very severe we may recommend that the person doesn’t eat with us, this is to protect them.


  • En Suite - Do all bedrooms have their own bathroom?

    All bedrooms are en suite with the exception of two twin rooms on the second floor. In each case, the shared bathroom is across the landing.



  • Exclusive Use - Can we book the whole house?

    Yes – exclusive use of the house is available to residential bookings. If you require exclusive use for a day conference, that is also possible, but please discuss your needs with the Centre.

  • Internet - Do you have internet access?

    Yes – Wireless internet is available, but please note that the signal strength will vary throughout the building.



  • Limited Mobility

    We make every effort to meet the needs of all our guests however our building and facilities do have certain limitations. The Centre offers disabled car parking spaces. There are three ground floor rooms with wet rooms designed for disabled access and a lift to the bedrooms on the New Wing. There is good access to all ground floor rooms. If you have difficulty with stairs, please tell us at the time of booking. We are unable to offer care ourselves, so we ask that you bring your own carer if you will need this attention.

  • Meal Times

    Breakfast is usually 08:30am; Lunch 1:00pm; Supper 6:00pm. Tea and coffee times are available on request. If you are a group booking and wish to eat at different times, please let us know prior to your arrival. Conference and large groups will all be seated together, and we invite individual guests to sit together around tables with other guests.

Share by: