Coming 2024: New Visitor Experience and updated accommodation
Alban Roe House is a prominent building on our site that was first built in 1916 and has since provided accommodation to a variety of retreat guests and school students.
The building is currently under major renovation and will reopen in 2024 with our new Visitor Experience, Tea Room, and Abbey Shop on the ground floor, and updated accommodation for our retreat guests and school visits occupying the upper floors.
The Visitor Experience
The centre will include ‘story’ and ‘activity’ areas themed around our history and the monastic life. From here, visitors can purchase our produce and a selection of gifts in the Abbey Shop, or take some quiet time to read in the cosy book room.
The Tea Room will be open throughout the day selling delicious food and drinks to enjoy whilst admiring the beautiful view of the valley. The Chapel at the far end of the building, which has been retained, will also be open to everyone for prayer and reflection.
Accommodation
Bedrooms will be modernised with 7 dorms able to accommodate 56 people, as well as 8 (both double and single) ensuite rooms for group leaders and retreat guests. The recreation and activity spaces are also perfect for a variety of group interactions.
The site will be fully accessible, with a lift to each floor and 2 accessible bedrooms.
View the architectural walkthrough below to see what our Visitor Experience will look like once it is open to the public.
Please note, during this time the Tea Room and Abbey Shop are closed, but the Abbey Church and grounds remain open for you to explore.
Recent Updates
The Consultant Architect working on the project, Keith Hardcastle, recently took the time in a short video to provide an update on the refurbishment. This update was filmed in September and things have already moved on at pace, but we hope it will give you an idea of the extent of the work completed so far, and the fantastic new facilities to come.