our history

A Neo-Gothic Marvel
The castle itself is a remarkable Grade II listed neo-Gothic building designed by A.W. Pugin and constructed in 1847. It stands within the evocative ruins of a medieval castle dating back to approximately 1176, now designated as a Grade I listed scheduled ancient monument.
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A Legacy of Care for Children
​The Alton Castle site has a longstanding tradition of caring for children. In 1840, Reverend Henry Winter, responsible for the local schools and hospital, made an earnest appeal to the Sisters of Mercy at the Cheadle convent to take charge of Alton School and tend to the sick. The Sisters arrived in 1855. The school continued to thrive within the Catholic Church, eventually opening a Preparatory School for boys in 1896. However, the school's doors closed in 1989, and the Castle and its grounds fell into disrepair.

A Vision Realized
In 1995, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham purchased Alton Castle with a vision of transforming it into a residential center for young people. Extensive renovations breathed new life into the Castle and its surroundings, and on September 9, 1996, it opened its doors to the world. In its inaugural year, it was fully booked, marking the beginning of a successful journey.

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Alton castle now

A Center for Youth Ministry
Alton Castle now hosts over 8,000 children annually, providing retreat experiences that hold great significance for young people and supporting staff alike. These retreats are essential in nurturing personal, social, and spiritual growth, all under the guidance of a dedicated team of young Mission Team Volunteers, who commit a year of their lives to this meaningful cause. 

​What we offer
Whether you are looking for a one-day experience or an overnight retreat, our programs are adaptable to meet the specific needs of your group. Our primary goal is to encourage young people to encounter Christ, enhance their awareness of their role in the world, and most importantly, have a fun and meaningful time during their retreat at Alton Castle. ​
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We provide a range of retreat experiences at Alton Castle to cater to different age groups and needs:

• Residential (2-Night) Retreats (Ages 9-14): These retreats are designed for young people in Year 5 to Year 9, offering a two-night stay at Alton Castle. The programs are crafted to inspire personal growth, teamwork, and spiritual development.

 

• Team Building Day Retreats (All Ages): These day retreats are suitable for participants of all ages. They focus on team building, fostering connections, and building strong relationships.​

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• Day Retreats for First Holy Communion and Confirmation (Ages 7 and Up): Our day retreat experiences are tailored to prepare young people aged 7 and above for the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation. These programs aim to deepen their faith and understanding of these significant milestones in their spiritual journey.

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