'A Northumbrian Heritage' themed break

The Fine Detail ...

This ‘Northumbrian Heritage’ themed weekend at St Cuthbert’s House offers something very special.

This is a weekend where every aspect of the fine detail has been attended to – leaving you free to enjoy a superb weekend of excellent hospitality and accommodation, and stimulating and refreshing ‘exploration’ of the stories. The group enjoys exclusive use of our lovely house, and you’ll love your beautiful bedroom, complete with its own luxurious bathroom, LCD digital television, hairdryer, and drinks-making facilities. The Cuthbert Room affords us a spectacular dining room and meeting space for our evening presentations. Look at the About the House pages to learn more.

What Can I Expect From The Themed Weekend?
We set out to learn about the stories of some of the Celtic Saints – like Aidan, Oswald and Cuthbert – who first came to this part of the world in the sixth and seventh centuries. We’ll do this in several ways:

* By visiting some of the key places in the stories, like Melrose Abbey, Holy Island, Bamburgh, the Farne Islands, and the Kyloe Hills;

* By hearing visiting speakers and musicians ‘tell’ the stories, from both an historical and spiritual perspective;

* Making use of various ‘reflective’ writings and texts which will be made available over the weekend.

There will be opportunity to undertake some reasonably strenuous walks over rough terrain (perhaps 3 miles in length) although these are optional…there will always be a coffee-shop alternative!

We will recognise the significance of the spirituality which these men and women embraced and brought to Northumbria, and whilst it certainly isn’t necessary to bring a vibrant Christian faith, you will get most from the weekend if you come prepared to explore what their spirituality might have to offer to our modern world…

What Does A Typical Day Consist Of?
All of the component parts of our days are optional, of course, and you can ‘dip in and out’ as much as you’d like.

Our gathering begins with Dinner on Thursday evening, followed by a slide presentation to get us oriented with the ‘big picture’ we’ll be looking at.

Somewhere near the beginning of each day we’ll begin with a quiet, spoken ‘Morning Office’ from the Northumbria Community.

We’ll enjoy one of Jill’s legendary breakfasts, before setting out for a full day’s visit to some of the significant sites.

Perhaps we’ll be taken by coach to Melrose to see the Abbey ruins, and the Kyloe Hills. Or we’ll drive to Holy Island to spend some time exploring the Priory, using some reflective writing to settle ourselves in for the day… or if the weather’s kind, we’ll take a boat trip to the Farne Islands, to land on Inner Farne and visit Cuthbert’s chapel. Or perhaps we’ll spend the day exploring Bamburgh, and its majestic castle and beach.

Lunch can be taken in a pub or restaurant whilst we’re out, or we’ll take a packed lunch out with us.

We’ll enjoy dinner and a glass of wine each evening, before settling down into the comfortable sofas in the Cuthbert Room to hear a visiting speaker, or musicians, or to watch a film on our large cinema-like screen.

We’ll ‘put the day to bed’ with a Northumbria Community Compline.

We’ll depart for home after a day out on Sunday – which will conclude by 3.30pm.

What Gear Will I Need?
The weather in Northumberland can be unpredictable at any time of year, so come prepared for almost any weather!

There will be opportunity for some (short) strenuous walks over rough terrain, so bring walking boots or stout shoes, and good waterproofs and a day-sack, if you fancy that. We’ll also be walking outdoors, in ruined castles and priories, on a beach or an island.

This part of Britain’s coastline is probably its most majestic and beautiful, so do remember to bring your camera. Much of our time will be spent in the Nature Reserve, or the AONB, so bring binoculars too - you never know what we'll spot!

Perhaps the most important thing to bring is an open mind, and an inquisitive attitude…
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How Can I Find Out More?
If you would like more information about the weekend before making your booking, do feel free to phone Jeff or Jill for a chat on (01665) 720456.

Dates Prices and Availability

The Overview