YouthFest
17 July 2027 @ 4:00 pm - 23 July 2027 @ 9:00 am
YouthFest is a week-long Christian youth retreat for young people aged 14–17, offering the opportunity to step away from everyday life and experience community, adventure and reflection in the unique setting of Iona Abbey.
Throughout the week, participants will explore the island, make new friendships, take part in creative activities and engage in conversations about life, faith and the world around them. From beach adventures and workshops to shared meals and a traditional Scottish ceilidh, this youth programme combines fun, belonging and personal growth in a supportive and welcoming environment where every young person is valued and encouraged to be themselves.
Age: 14-17 Years Old
Where: The Iona Abbey
When: 17.07.2027 – 23.07.2027
Booking Information:
Contact [email protected] to find out more and for booking.
About the programme
YouthFest is a week-long Christian youth retreat for young people aged 14–17 who are looking for adventure, friendship and an opportunity to explore life, faith and the world around them in a welcoming and supportive community.
Set in the unique environment of Iona Abbey, participants will spend a week living alongside other young people from a variety of backgrounds, sharing meals, exploring the island, taking part in creative activities and discovering what it means to belong to a community. Along the way, there will be opportunities to ask big questions, build confidence, develop new friendships and experience life from a different perspective.
This youth programme is designed to be inclusive, engaging and accessible, whether participants are confident in their faith, exploring spirituality for the first time or simply looking for a meaningful summer experience. Everyone is encouraged to take part, be themselves and contribute to the life of the group.
For many young people, YouthFest becomes much more than a week away. It is an opportunity to grow in confidence, deepen friendships, experience community and create memories that stay with them long after they leave Iona.
What to expect
Each day will bring a mix of adventure, creativity, community and reflection. Together, participants will explore the island, take part in workshops and activities, enjoy time outdoors and share in the rhythm of life at Iona Abbey.
Throughout the week, there will be opportunities to make new friends, try new things and explore some of life’s bigger questions in a supportive and welcoming environment. Activities may include creative workshops, group discussions, beach adventures, games, community activities and a traditional Scottish ceilidh, alongside plenty of opportunities for laughter and fun.
As part of the Abbey community, participants will share meals, join in daily worship and contribute to community life. There will also be time to relax, enjoy the island and connect with others away from the distractions and pressures of everyday life.
The tone of the week is friendly, inclusive and encouraging. This Christian youth retreat is designed to help young people build confidence, form meaningful friendships and experience a sense of belonging while enjoying a memorable week on Iona.
Key Information
Before booking, it’s helpful to know that YouthFest is a residential programme for young people aged 14–17, based at Iona Abbey on the Isle of Iona. Participants will spend the week living in community, taking part in a range of activities, sharing meals and exploring the island together.
YouthFest is designed to be welcoming, inclusive and supportive. No prior connection to the Iona Community is required, and young people from a range of backgrounds and experiences are warmly invited to attend.
Booking Information:
Contact [email protected] to find out more and for booking.
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