John Bell: Adventures in Eden
10 April 2027 @ 4:00 pm - 16 April 2027 @ 9:00 am
What do these stories in common: a woman who talks to snakes, a fruit tree which ruins the taste buds, a landlover who builds a floating zoo, a world-beating political project which ruins the nation, a god who prefers market gardening to shepherding? If you look in the first chapters of the book of Genesis, you will find all these. But what have they to do with the earth’s ecosystem, the rise of new empires, the role of women and international relations?
John Bell believes these ancient stories have profound truths which speak into the age we live in and the faith we share.
Costs: 6 Nights: £960 or £480 concession.
Where: The Iona Abbey
When: 10.04.2027 – 16.04.2027
Led by: John Bell
Bookings for this week are currently on hold; please keep a look out on the website for updates
About the programme
Adventures in Eden, a week led by John Bell, is a faith-based learning experience combines worship, teaching, and reflective pilgrimage-style reflection time, helping participants engage deeply with Scripture and contemporary life.
Meet the Programme Leader(s)
John Bell is an ordained minister, a member of the Iona Community and a writer and occasional broadcaster. He is a much-loved contributor at Greenbelt Festival. He teaches and lectures worldwide on issues of faith, social justice, music and liturgy.
What to expect
Each day follows a gentle rhythm of work, rest and worship.
You will have the opportunity to take part in guided reflections, small group conversations and the weekly pilgrimage on Iona. There is also plenty of time to walk, rest, pray or simply be.
This is a reflective pilgrimage experience with community, so you will share meals in the refectory and take part in simple shared tasks alongside other guests. These small rhythms help shape the life of the community during your stay.
Worship in the Abbey Church is at the heart of each day, and you are warmly invited to take part. For those seeking a reflective experience or a Christian pilgrimage experience in the UK, Time and Space offers a gentle pattern of belonging, rest and renewal.
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