About our Retreat Centres

The Kenelm Youth Trust has two amazing retreat centres that offer retreat experiences for young people and young adults from across Birmingham Archdiocese (and beyond). Thousands of young people visit our centres every year, and our Mission Team visit many schools for outreach and mission programmes. Whatever retreat experience you are interested in, we have something for you! Check out what our centres have to offer.

Alton Castle

​Alton Castle is a 19th century castle. It was designed by the architect Augustus Pugin and is situated in the Churnet Valley, Staffordshire. Over the years it has had many different uses and purposes - since the late 20th century it has been owned by Birmingham Archdiocese and has been welcoming school and youth groups for retreats. The residential retreats at Alton Castle are offered for school and youth groups, for young people aged 9-14 (from Year 5 up to Year 9). The Castle also offers day retreat experiences for young people making their First Holy Communion and Confirmation (accommodating young people aged 7 and up), and team building day retreats for all ages. Our retreat programmes combine teaching young people more about their faith, spending time in prayer, meditation and reflections, with outdoor adventurous activities. Ride out into the valley on one of our mountain bikes, trek out into the countryside, or scale our climbing wall, all whilst exploring and deepening your faith.

"Mass was beautiful...Fr Paul was great and made the mass accessible for all children. All activities were well run - the team knew what they were doing and made all of the children feel part of it...A great retreat, loved every minute - will be booking again on Monday."

"Alton Castle has helped me grown spiritually and physically throughout my time there. The activities are great. You can enjoy time with your friends and learn about God at the same time."

"The leaders' health and safety was outstanding. The team led the children very well. Thank you for a beautiful spiritual retreat. Our children will treasure this memory."

- Staff from St Francis, Walsall 

- Retreatant aged 11

- Staff from St Gabriel's, Tamworth

Soli

​Soli Centre for Youth Ministry is situated in the village of Alton in Staffordshire. Our retreat experiences at Soli are for young people aged 14 and up, and young adults. At Soli, young people visiting us have the opportunity to think more deeply about their relationship with Jesus, to ask questions about their faith, and to grow closer to God. Small group sessions provide times of prayer, reflection and discussion, challenging young people in their faith journey. The beautiful location where Soli is situated also provides opportunities for young people to explore God's wonderful creation whilst they draw closer to God.

"Thanks again to all the team at Soli for creating such an unforgettable experience - the team couldn't have been more attentive and engaging. Witnessing God move through the building is a truly priceless experience, which I'm looking forward to unpacking further back at school. See you next year."

- Lay Chaplain, Stoke

​"Soli is such a special place where I learnt to develop my faith and trust those around me. It's an atmosphere where you can be yourself and make friends with other people that share your beliefs."

- Retreatant aged 14

​"Soli is a wonderful place where young people can explore and experience their faith. The activities challenge them both physically and spiritually helping to mould them into strong, confident young Christians."

- Parish leader, Worcestershire

Staff Retreats & Inset Days

We also offer retreat experiences or inset days for school staff. Follow the link below to find out more.

Outreach

If you can't visit us, then we can come and visit you! Book our Mission Team for an outreach programme where we can deliver sessions in your school/organisation. Follow the links below to find out more about the programmes we have on offer.

Find out more...