Last updated 17th November 2025

Whalley Abbey

Whalley Abbey is a retreat centre, place of welcome, hospitality and prayer and the Diocese of Blackburn's Centre for Christian Discipleship and Prayer.

Book onto one of the retreats, quiet days or supper clubs, stay overnight in one of our beautiful 17 en-suite bedrooms, stay in the cottage by the river, book the Abbey for your meetings, your own parish or group retreats, or just come and join in with our daily cycle of prayer and spend time here to allow for that encounter with God that He is calling you to.

For more information, including upcoming events and retreats, please visit the dedicated Whalley Abbey Website

Welcome from Rev. Anna Walker

Rev. Anna Walker is the Director of Whalley Abbey. 

Anna, pictured, has been ordained for many years and following her move from Finland to the UK, currently serves as Curate in the Parishes of St Aidan’s Bamber Bridge and St Leonard’s Walton-le-Dale. 

She is also a trained spiritual director and is experienced in leading quiet days and individually guided retreats. 

"Whalley Abbey is a wonderful place of prayer, encounter, learning and challenge.

We are growing the community and creating different ways of belonging; developing the programme we offer and building more links with parishes. 

"We're blessed that the Abbey has become such a fantastic facility in our diocese and I look forward to witnessing everything God has in store for those who visit.

The retreat and quiet day programme is available online at www.whalleyabbey.org or on Facebook. 

If you would like to discuss booking the Abbey for an event for your parish, or to arrange to come for your own personal reading day or retreat email bookings@whalleyabbey.org. 

Volunteers needed!

Are you looking to be part of something new, based on something very old?

If so, a range of volunteers is always being sought to support the ongoing work at Whalley Abbey.

The Abbey needs people for physical working parties; to be Abbey guides and visitor volunteers; volunteer cleaners and bed makers; meeters and greeters and to help in the Abbey garden.

To find out more email bookings@whalleyabbey.org to arrange an informal chat or to arrange to come down and meet in person.

The rebirth of Whalley Abbey - video by Archdeacon Mark

A video from Archdeacon Mark on 'The Rebirth of Whalley Abbey' ....

Explore the Abbey and join in with prayer

The House is set in the stunning grounds and ruins of the 14th Century medieval Cistercian Abbey.

Tranquillity is key ... and yet you are within 15 minutes drive of the motorway network; while Whalley village also has a rail station with mainline connections to Preston and onwards to all parts of the country, including Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham and London. 

The grounds are still open and you are welcome to come and enjoy them - while complying with government guidance at this time about where you live, in relation to exercise and travelling of course.

In the same vein you are also welcome to join in with prayer at the following times ...

• morning prayer 8:30am, midday prayer at 12.00, Mondays in the chapel 
• midday prayer at noon on Tuesdays in the grounds (also streamed live on Facebook)
• ... and for Eucharist, 9:30am Fridays in the chapel

Page last updated May 2025