SCOTTISH BORDERS
MEETING GOD THROUGH HOSPITALITY
A refuge to meet with God and receive refreshment and restoration
WELCOME
Come and enjoy the beautiful, tranquil setting here at Whitchester; take some time out, let us feed you with our home-cooking, rest in our new beds, relax in the new conservatory, or by the fire in the lounge in winter, enjoy the sunshine on your face on the arbour seat in the walled garden, be edified by our library of books - old and new, get creative in the art room, and/or take a stroll around the prayer/mindful garden.
Whitchester Christian Centre is an ecumenical retreat centre, ideally situated in a secluded oasis in the Upper Teviotdale Valley, just 2 miles away from the Borders town of Hawick, known for its production of top-quality cashmere. Whitchester is unique in many ways: it is an independent centre, governed by a board of directors, one of whom owns the property and makes it available to the charity as a residential Christian retreat centre. Whitchester is the perfect size for groups, and many return to us - church retreats, hobby, wellbeing, reading groups and family gatherings. We run some events ourselves, and some in collaboration with others - see below for upcoming events. We are also available for short breaks/holidays, and personal retreats.
We look forward to welcoming you!


Ministers/Clergy Retreat
10-14 November 2026


Advent Retreat
27 - 29 November 2026

Discovering the Gifts of Sacred Wandering
19 - 21 March 2027

CS Lewis and Prayer
20 - 22 November 2026

Christmas Houseparty
24 - 27 December 2026
NEWS & UPDATES
20 - 22 November 2026
CS Lewis and Prayer
The next in our CS Lewis Series

In Letters to Malcolm, in his other apologetic and devotional writings, and in his letters, Lewis reflected widely on what prayer does, and how to do it. Together, we will explore Lewis’ theology and practice of prayer, and think about our own.
£195 for the weekend, to include two nights' accommodation, + full board from Friday evening, concluding with lunch on Sunday.


27 - 29 November 2026
Advent Retreat
Pause at the start of Advent

A weekend to pause and embrace the mystery and anticipation of Advent. We will creatively explore where we are on our faith journeys, what our next step might be, and whether there is something we are waiting for? Includes input from Sheena Hogg in the form of prayerful crafting options on the Saturday.
£215 for the weekend, to include two nights' accommodation, + full board from Friday evening, concluding with lunch on Sunday. Also inlcudes crafts.


19 - 21 March 2027
Discovering the Gifts of Sacred Wandering
A practice which can open us to deeper encounter with the Divine through the sacred Book of Nature

As we celebrate the turning of Winter into Spring, Julia invites us to come together to discover the riches of the practice of 'sacred wandering' - a practice which can open us to deeper encounter with the Divine through the sacred Book of Nature.
We will learn about and explore the practice out in the beautiful grounds of Whitchester Retreat centre surrounded by the sheltering hills of the Scottish Borders. As the weekend unfolds, we will enjoy time to reflect, creatively respond and share our experience through times of spiritual conversation. All alongside celebrating together with good food, and evenings gathered around the warmth of fire and under canopy of the stars.
Julia Ling-MacDonald is a spiritual director, facilitator and retreat leader with particular interest in the interplay between Ignatian spirituality, cosmology, ecology, creativity and embodied practice.
The cost of the weekend will be £230 per person including full board and accommodation.


Click here to view our latest newsletter
WORKING PARTY MARCH 2026
Solar PV Panel Update

Sign up for our Quarterly (ish!) Newsletter
REVIEWS & TESTIMONIALS

"Exactly what we needed ... warm welcome, spacious rooms, great facilities for us and our 2 dogs!
Perfect location geographically but also the setting and grounds. Breakfast was lovely with a good choice of options, all cooked and presented beautifully."
Senga, GB

"Huge thanks from us for our recent stay. We were travelling with our two young children (ages 2 & 1) plus dog (!) and I really can't fault it. The set up of the family room is the best I've come across. We look forward to seeing you again next year!"
Charlotte, GB
BOOKING
You can book –
Online - Check availability
by e-mail at enquiries@whitchester.org.uk
by telephone on 01450 377477 (use code +44 for international calls)































