The Abbey is nearly 800 years old, the oldest section of the Abbey was built in the 13th century by the great Benedictine Abbey of Abingdon. By 1900 the Abbey passed into private ownership and in 1958 had become a refugee children's home. Here the Dalai Lama visited and received his Tibetan refugee people in the Great Hall. In 1980 The Abbey was bought by Fred Blum who established a community, 'The Abbey Sutton Courtenay', with and Bishop Stephen Verney. Rooted in the Christian tradition yet open to the wisdom of other Faiths, it continues to provide a setting for the exploration of deep spiritual truths and values, and the mystery of life.

The small community that runs the Abbey are wonderful people who will welcome you. There is a resident potter on the land and her work is fabulous. The feel of this place is unique; it is certainly no run of the mill conference centre or impersonal hotel. It has an atmosphere of stillness and receptivity which offers a containing and safe space for our Yoga. There are over 4 acres of grounds to explore, a cottage garden, a walled orchard and a meditation walk through the woods. We are only a stones throw away from the River Thames.

The Great Hall: This is where the Yoga will take place. It has a timbered vaulted ceiling, wooden floor, French windows opening onto the garden and a grand piano. The atmosphere is lovely. The sitting rooms have particular character and lookout on to a tranquil courtyard or informal gardens. This is one of the countries most beautiful Abbeys, where stillness, happiness, calm and space reward your deepest need for space, healing and joy.

The accommodation is within the purpose built Guest House incorporating passive solar design. It has a paved courtyard at its front, catching the morning sun and overlooking a traditional walled organic vegetable garden to the west. The Guest House has 9 bed rooms, some with showers, (4 single and 5 twin, accommodating 14) and 2 bathrooms. Room are also available in the main house of the Abbey where there are up to 6 rooms (4 single and 2 twin), each with a special atmosphere which makes it wonderful and relaxing to be in. Meals are strictly vegetarian, and most dietary requirements can be catered for. This is a wonderful place where you find space and happiness. A space where people have walked through the centuries in search of deeper meaning in life and love.



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