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COME AND STAY AT IONA ABBEY IN 2026

The Iona Community warmly invites you to stay in Iona Abbey as our guest. Whether you are on pilgrimage to Iona, looking for a few days retreat or an engaging week-long programme, come and join us in community life and in the work and worship that frames our day.

Life in community

During your stay at Iona Abbey, you’ll meet other guests inspired by  justice and peace and the concerns of the Iona Community. We explore faith, take part in creative activities, and create community sharing meals together.

Guest, volunteers and staff share the practical tasks of communal living, including helping with cooking, cleaning and hosting. You’ll have time and space to relax outdoors, explore the beautiful island with its white sandy beaches and inspiring wildlife, or simply be in the peace of the Abbey church. Every week, ‘The Pilgrimage’ visits key Iona landmarks, pausing for moments of reflection. Boat trips to Staffa are also very popular.

Good to know

Don’t forget to have a read through our essential booking information before making a booking. If you are thinking about bringing a group of 8 or more people to Iona, please contact us by email to let us know a few more details at [email protected].

We want your stay with us to be as seamless as possible! While we always hope for smooth travels, we know that sometimes life—and the weather—can be unpredictable. To give you peace of mind, we highly recommend having adequate travel insurance to cover any unexpected changes. Please note that, in the event of a cancellation, you would be responsible for any associated costs. We appreciate your understanding in this matter and look forward to welcoming you here!

 

ESSENTIAL BOOKING INFORMATION
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Events

Today

  • Spring Work Week (FULLY BOOKED)

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Come and help us get Iona Abbey Centre ready for the 2026 season. This week is for energetic people who don’t mind getting their hands dirty. This week is available at a discounted rate.

  • Time and space with torquoise water blurred in the background and marram grass in the foreground

    Time and Space

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Do you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.

  • Two people in the garden at Iona Abbey for Gardening Sustainably Week

    Gardening Sustainably

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    This hands-on week offers practical skills, inspiration, and ways to care for the earth through gardening and daily living. Spaces are limited. Note this programme runs alongside the Time and Space Week.

  • Writing the Island (fully booked)

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Join Kenneth Steven for a week of walking and writing and discovering the Celtic Christian stories and places of Iona. Single room occupancy is available at no extra cost for this week.

  • Time and Space – 3 nights (limited availability)

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Do you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey for a three night stay. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.

  • Experience Easter on Iona (limited availability)

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Join us for an unforgettable Holy Week and Easter journey on Iona in 2026. Experience a blend of solemn reflection and joyous celebration.

  • Time and Space – 3 nights (limited availability)

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Do you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey for a three night stay. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.

  • Man standing looking at the view of Columba's Bay. For the rewilding your spirituality week

    Rewilding your spirituality

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Do you sometimes feel as if your spirituality has been “tamed”? Join Arnd Corts for some spiritual rewilding on Iona!

  • Time and Space graphic with boats and sea and Iona Abbey in background

    Time and Space

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Do you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.

  • Canada geese flying towards New Members Week

    New Members Week or Time and Space

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    A week for Iona Community New Members to gather on the Isle of Iona. For anyone who is not a New Member, come join us for a Time and Space week, share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.

  • Time and Space (fully booked)

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Do you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.

  • John Bell – Weathering the Storm (Fully booked)

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Explore how we can draw on our faith resources to navigate the unique personal and political challenges of the 2020s. With John Bell.

  • Time and Space (1 place available)

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Do you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.

  • Time and Space (fully booked)

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Do you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.

  • Columba Week (fully booked)

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Join us as we celebrate St Columba. We’ll follow in his footsteps on Iona, discovering how his remarkable story resonates within us.

  • Practising Hope

    Practising Hope (fully booked)

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    An exploration and experience of hope from different dimensions - theology, spiritual, relational, community, worship.

  • Wild Goose Resource Group Week 1 (FULLY BOOKED)

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    An interactive week exploring creative, participative and playful ways to worship, led by the Wild Goose Resource Group, Jo Love, Iain McLarty and Jane Bentley.

  • Seagul flying with cloud and sky in background. Time and Space on Iona.

    Time and Space

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Do you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.

  • Torquise water and rocky outcrops by a sandy beach scene

    Time and Space

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Do you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life and enjoy the rugged beauty of Iona.

  • Time and Space (limited availability)

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Do you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.

  • Community Week 2026 (limited availability)

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    A special week for Members of the Iona Community to gather together on the Isle of Iona. Note this week is only open to Members.

  • Youth Fest

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Explore faith, justice, and community through creativity, conversation, and connection at Iona Abbey. (YouthFest is for groups of 14 - 17 year olds).

  • People including children with kites. Family Week.

    Family Week

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    We warmly welcome families of all shapes and sizes to gather at Iona Abbey for a week of fun, creativity, and adventure on our beautiful island.

  • Time and Space

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Do you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.

  • Time and Space

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Do you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.

  • Sound and Vision – Creativity Week (limited availability)

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Join us for a week of late summer invention and creation. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy readings, workshops, music, poetry, art and storytelling. Come to celebrate, learn, and explore, surrounded by Iona’s stunning natural beauty.

  • Time and Space (fully booked)

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Do you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.

  • Time and Space (FULLY BOOKED)

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Do you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.

  • John Bell – Weathering the Storm (FULLY BOOKED)

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Explore how we can draw on our faith resources to navigate the unique personal and political challenges of the 2020s. With John Bell.

  • A fountain pen writing. Festival of writing and storytelling.

    Festival of writing and storytelling

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Join our Festival of Writing and Storytelling. Explore various creative processes, develop your literary skills, and enjoy fireside readings and storytelling. For writers and story enthusiasts of all ages.

  • person carrying a banner that says 'we are better than this as part of the Politics, Power and Protest week

    Politics, Power and Protest

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    In an era of political polarisation and growing extremism, this week will be an opportunity to explore how we can engage well with politics in pursuit of justice and peace.

  • A glorious sunset of pinks, oranges and purples.

    Contemplation in Community – with Stephen Wright

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Curious about contemplation? Experienced in the practice? We invite you to join us for this special week of contemplation in community with experienced facilitator, Stephen Wright.

  • Winter Work Week, two people in overalls and painting walls in the Abbey.

    Winter Work Week

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Come and help us prepare Iona Abbey Centre for a rest, at the end of the 2026 season. This week is for energetic people who don’t mind getting their hands dirty. This week is available at a discounted rate.

  • Stillness in Community (Mon-Fri, 4 nights, FULLY BOOKED)

    Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    Join Quaker, and Iona Community Leader Ruth Harvey, for some days of gentle, stilling contemplative practices in the beauty of an Iona winter.