Silent Retreat at Whalley Abbey  
May 28th -30th, 2027
Read Sunday Times article about our Silent Retreats 

Enjoy your en-suite room at Whalley Abbey. 
Shared rooms are available on request. 

Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of our Spring Silent Retreat at Whalley Abbey. Nestled in the heart of Lancashire, this serene sanctuary offers a beautiful opportunity to connect with your inner self, surrounded by the Abbey’s historic charm and calming grounds.

Designed for both beginners and seasoned practitioners, this retreat will guide you through the gentle practices of yoga and mindfulness, all while enveloped in the healing power of silence. Whether you’re new to silent retreats or returning to deepen your practice, you will be warmly welcomed and tenderly held throughout.

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What to Expect

Jilly will gently guide you through each session, creating a safe and nurturing space for you to slow down, turn inward, and simply be. The programme includes:

• Gentle yoga — accessible for all levels, designed to release held tension and bring you into the body

• Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep) — a deeply restorative practice that guides you into a state of conscious relaxation

• Mindfulness practices — grounding techniques drawn from evidence-based MBSR to quiet the mind and settle the nervous system

• Silent time — spacious periods of stillness to integrate, reflect, and restore

• Optional journalling — prompts and unstructured time are available for those who find writing a helpful way to process and deepen their inner experience; entirely your choice, no sharing required

This is not a performance retreat. There are no expectations, no outcomes to chase — just an invitation to rest, be present, and reconnect with yourself.

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About the Venue

Whalley Abbey sits peacefully in the beautiful Ribble Valley, Lancashire — a place steeped in history, surrounded by open grounds, mature gardens, and a profound sense of calm. It is the perfect setting for a silent retreat.

Accommodation is offered in comfortable en-suite rooms, with shared rooms available on request. All meals are provided, with dietary requirements catered for with advance notice.

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Dates & Practical Information

Dates: Friday 28th – Sunday 30th May 2027

Venue: Whalley Abbey, Whalley, Lancashire

Accommodation: En-suite rooms (shared rooms on request)

Meals: Full board — all meals included

Dietary needs: Please notify in advance

Transport: Students arrange their own travel to the venue

Deposit: £100 (non-refundable)

Balance due: 1 month prior to the retreat start date

Refunds: No refunds within 30 days of the start date

Travel insurance: Recommended

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Who Is This Retreat For?

This retreat is open to everyone — whether you are completely new to silence and mindfulness, or a seasoned meditator seeking time to reconnect. It is particularly well suited to:

• Those feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or exhausted

• Anyone craving a genuine pause from the pace of modern life

• People who want to deepen their yoga, mindfulness, or meditation practice

• Those curious about the restorative power of silence

No previous experience of yoga, mindfulness, or silent retreats is required.

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About Your Guide

Jilly Edmundson holds an MSc in Psychology and a BSc in Complementary Therapies and Health Sciences, and brings over a decade of practical experience in holistic therapies and mindfulness. Her gentle, trauma-informed approach creates a space that is safe, inclusive, and deeply supportive. Jilly is a mindfulness teacher  and experienced yoga practitioner and teacher, and she brings warmth and care to every retreat she leads.

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Testimonial

Clare's comment from our last retreat: ' It feels like... you know when your computer is not working, and you turn it off and reboot it, and everything comes back to normal working order.... I feel like that after this retreat- completely rebalanced' 

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Book Your Place

Early booking is recommended — this retreat is limited to a small group to preserve the quality of the experience.

Deposit: £100 (secures your place; non-refundable) Full Early Bird  price: £545- until December 31st 2026 ( then £585). Pay deposit via this link. 

FAQ

Q: Can I come if I’ve never done a silent retreat before?

A: Absolutely. Beginners are very welcome. Jilly creates a warm, gentle environment where you can ease in at your own pace.

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Q: What does ‘silent retreat’ actually mean?

A: You are invited into a period of noble silence — this means refraining from conversation with other participants outside of guided sessions.

Jilly will speak during the sessions to guide you, and there will be a brief welcome and close where conversation is welcomed.

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Q: Are dietary requirements catered for?

A: Yes — please let us know your needs when you book and the venue will do their best to accommodate you.

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Q: What should I bring?

A: Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for yoga and movement, a journal and pen if you’d like to take part in the optional journalling, an alarm clock ( not your phone!) and an open mind. Outdoor clothing. Towels and linens are provided.

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Q: Is travel insurance necessary?

A: It is strongly recommended, particularly given the non-refundable deposit and balance policy.

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​​​​Refund policy 

The remaining balance for your retreat is due one month before the retreat date. This allows us to finalise all details and ensure your experience is as seamless and relaxing as possible. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

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We understand that sometimes unforeseen circumstances may arise. However, due to the nature of retreat planning, we adhere to a strict refund policy. The initial deposit of £100 is non-refundable, as it secures your spot and helps us cover upfront costs. If you decide to cancel your booking, refunds for the remaining balance will only be issued if the cancellation is made more than 30 days before the retreat start date. Cancellations made within 30 days of the retreat will unfortunately not be eligible for any refund, as by this time, all arrangements and preparations will have been finalized. We highly recommend securing travel insurance to protect your investment in case unexpected situations occur. Thank you for your understanding.

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