Families Week 2027
31 July 2027 @ 3:00 pm - 6 August 2027 @ 9:00 am
Where is the Spirit moving today? Join the Wild Goose Resource Group for a week of exploration, creativity and discovery as we experiment with fresh approaches to worship and spiritual life. Through music, storytelling, conversation and shared experience, we’ll explore creative worship and participatory worship that invites everyone to take part. Together, we’ll question assumptions, try new ideas and discover how worship can be playful, inclusive and life-giving. Whether you’re involved in leading worship or simply curious about new ways of engaging with faith, this worship retreat offers space to learn, participate and be inspired.
Costs: 6 Nights: £960 or £480 concession.
Where: The Iona Abbey
When: 31.07.2027 – 06.08.2027
Led by: Families Week facilitation team (details to be confirmed)
About the programme
Families Week is an opportunity for families of all shapes and sizes to spend quality time together in the unique setting of Iona Abbey. Away from the routines and distractions of everyday life, the week creates space to reconnect, have fun and enjoy shared experiences as part of a welcoming community.
Designed as a Christian family retreat, the programme offers a blend of adventure, creativity, worship and relaxation. Families can explore the island together, enjoy time on the beach, take part in creative activities and join in the life of the Abbey community. Alongside organised activities, there is also plenty of time for families to set their own pace and enjoy simply being together.
This family programme is designed to be inclusive and welcoming, whether you’re visiting Iona for the first time or returning as part of a long-standing connection with the island. Families are encouraged to participate in ways that work for them, creating a flexible and supportive environment where everyone can feel at home.
For many families, the value of the week lies not only in the activities themselves but in the opportunity to slow down, strengthen relationships and create lasting memories together. Set against the backdrop of Iona’s beautiful landscape and community life, this family retreat offers space to reconnect with one another and discover something new along the way.
Meet the Programme Leader(s)
Programme facilitators will be announced soon.
Families Week is facilitated by an experienced team of staff and volunteers who are passionate about creating opportunities for families to connect, have fun and experience community together. Full facilitator details will be published soon.
What to expect
Each day offers a balance of organised activities, community life and free time, allowing families to participate in ways that work for them. The programme is designed to create opportunities for shared experiences while leaving plenty of space to enjoy the island and spend time together as a family.
Throughout the week, families can take part in creative activities, outdoor adventures, community events and worship, alongside opportunities to explore Iona’s beaches, coastline and natural beauty. There will be chances to meet other families, build new friendships and enjoy the unique rhythm of life at the Abbey.
As part of the Abbey community, families will share meals, join in worship and participate in the wider life of the island. Some activities will bring everyone together, while others will allow families to choose how they spend their time, creating a flexible and welcoming experience for all ages.
The tone of the week is relaxed, inclusive and family-friendly. Whether you’re looking for adventure, rest, connection or simply the opportunity to spend uninterrupted time together, this family retreat offers space to create lasting memories and enjoy a meaningful week on Iona.
Key Information
Before booking, it’s helpful to know that Families Week is designed to be flexible, welcoming and suitable for families of all shapes and sizes. The programme combines organised activities, community life, worship and free time, allowing each family to participate in ways that work for them.
Whether you’re travelling with young children, teenagers or a wider family group, you’ll find opportunities to explore, relax and enjoy time together while becoming part of the Abbey community for the week.
Booking Information
What's included
Your stay at Iona Abbey includes everything you need to fully take part in the experience:
+ Accommodation in the Abbey
+ Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
+ All programme sessions
+ Music, art and craft opportunities
+ Guided walks
Pricing & discounts
Prices vary depending on the type of week and length of stay.
- Standard week (6 nights): from £960 (adult)
- Reduced rates available from £480
- Children aged 5–15: £480
- Children under 5: free (contact [email protected])
A 20% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking.
We offer a 50% reduced rate for eligible UK residents, including:
+ Students
+ Those on state benefits or pension
+ Those earning below the real living wage
+ Refugees, asylum seekers, or those experiencing homelessness
A 15% family discount is automatically applied for groups of four or more (where adults pay full price).
We also have an Access Fund to support those who would not otherwise be able to attend.
Food & dietary
All meals are provided, with a focus on:
+ Healthy, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients
+ Primarily vegetarian meals (with one optional meat meal per week)
We can cater for most dietary requirements (including vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free), but please let us know in advance.
Accommodation
+ 21 guest rooms (single, twin, triple and family rooms)
+ Some rooms are accessible, with lift access available to certain areas
+ Guests may be asked to share a room, particularly if travelling alone
+ Families of up to four can usually be accommodated in one room
If you have specific requirements (e.g. accessibility or room type), please let us know when booking.
For full room details and accessibility information, see our Accommodation FAQs.
Support our Access Fund
While you are making your own booking, please consider making a donation towards the Access Fund if you are able to, which allows financially disadvantaged people to stay at Iona Abbey. Thank you.
Your gift would help to pay towards:
| £1,000 | A week for a family on Iona |
| £300 | A week for a person on Iona |
| £200 | A week for a child on Iona |
| £100 | A week for a person at Camas |
| £50 | A night on Iona |
| £25 | A night at Camas |
Planning your stay
Getting to Iona
Travelling to Iona is part of the experience and involves:
+ Ferry from Oban to Mull
+ Bus across Mull
+ Ferry from Fionnphort to Iona
We recommend planning your journey in advance and allowing plenty of time.
Arrival and Stay
+ Arrival day is typically Saturday from 3pm onwards
+ You’ll be welcomed at the jetty or Abbey on arrival
+ Guests are invited to take part in daily community life, including optional worship and light shared tasks
Important to know
- Full balance must be paid 6 weeks before arrival
- Cancellations within 6 weeks are non-refundable
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended
- The Abbey is an alcohol-free environment
- WiFi is available but may be limited
Need help?
If you have any questions before booking, you can contact the team at [email protected]
USA North East