Welcome to Othona West Dorset
Welcome to Othona West Dorset
Othona is an open and inclusive Christian community, drawing on a wealth of other inspirations too
About Othona West Dorset
The Othona Community has two centres, one here in Dorset and one on the equally quiet coast of Essex. We aim to offer welcome and acceptance for all, with simple accommodation and good food at affordable rates.
Throughout the year youāll find a diverse range of retreats, courses, family holidays and activity times. But underlying all these events is an experience of community ā where values and daily life come together.
With grounds managed for biodiversity and buildings increasingly powered by renewable energy, the beauty of the natural world is all around. From a host of wild orchids to a starlit night sky. We overlook the beach, a short walk away through woods and National Trust meadows.
Your Stay With Us
Is there a retreat centre anywhere on the south coast of England with such an unspoilt setting? Most of our 14 bedrooms have views over the wide sweep of Lyme Bay and the Jurassic Coast. The beach is a short walk away. For generations of visitors our seven acres have served as a green haven of friendship and spirituality.
Please donāt expect luxury or the latest hotel facilities. Othona is not like that! But you should find reasonable comfort, even in an old house that has no ensuite rooms.
What so many people speak of is a sense that they are coming into a āhome from homeā. Where meals are lovingly home-cooked, to be eaten with staff and visitors all together around shared tables. Where you are invited to take part in the life of community, from helping with a household chore to joining us for reflective times each day in the beautiful house chapel. Where peace can be found.
The Othona West Dorset Programme
Across the year of our programmed events youāll find everything from contemplative spiritual retreats to active working weeks. From vibrant family holiday times to courses exploring different aspects of this adventure of being human. Most events are residential, between two and six nights long, with some day and part-day opportunities too. We are also open to group bookings on occasion, student groups and asylum seekers being among our recent visitors.
We ask you to make a booking application online, but itās not a fully automated process. One of our team will deal with your enquiry personally and get back to you. The numbers for particular events can range from 10 to 36 visitors, depending on room sharing and the nature of the activity. (You wonāt be asked to share a room unless you want to!)
Our charges cover accommodation and all meals. You will have a choice of charge rates, so as to suit your circumstances; in an unequal society this helps keep Othona affordable to more people.
Upcoming Events
As the sun sets on the horizon of the present moment, we find ourselves on the cusp of a wondrous journey into the realm of upcoming events.
New Year in Community
Roll Up Your Sleeves - fruit & veg garden special
Winter Warmer
Poetry and ...
All sorts of happenings
Capturing just some of the love and fun that grows at Othona West Dorsetā¦
Latest News from Othona
News and stories all worth readingā¦
