"I touched a profound bliss within that I had never experienced before and it stayed with me long after the retreat was over. In essence, it was life-changing."
Sally Brockway, Author - Retreat: Sanctuary and Self-Care for Every Day
2 Night Silent Retreat in the Surrey Hills ~
Experience the Transformational Power of Silence on our All Inclusive Retreat
2.30pm Tuesday 8th April –
2.30pm Thursday 10th April 2025
with Marion, Martin & Jan
Do you long to have a break from daily life and have time to focus on your own spiritual journey?
How would it feel to disconnect from technology and deepen your connection with stillness?
Would it be bliss to surrender into the silence and experience some deep inner peace?
Stop… Take a Breath… Be Still
Everyone benefits from stepping back from the world from time to time, to find the peace that resides deep within.
There is a long spiritual tradition of ‘entering the silence’ as a means of connecting with the energy that created you. Here it is possible to access a life changing power, higher and purer than anything else – ‘the peace that passes all understanding’.
Please note: To experience the profound benefits of silence, we have found that it’s essential to completely step away from the outside world for this short time. We will therefore ask that you switch off your phone while you’re on retreat and keep it in a sealed envelope (there is a 24hr contact number to give to your friends and family to use in case of an emergency). Social media, news, email and the rest will prevent you from slowing down and becoming still, so please do not attend this retreat unless you are willing to commit to this request.
Mini Test
Mini Test dscription
Welcome to Wychcroft retreat centre
Silent retreat centre in the Surrey Hills
Wychcroft entrance hall
One of the comfortable sitting rooms
A specially laid labyrinth for the retreat
Views over the Surrey Hills
Let us guide you ‘into the silence’
We will have exclusive use of this retreat venue in the Surrey Hills, with a variety of quiet downstairs rooms, in its own grounds and surrounded by green fields. It’s an ideal venue for being in silence.
Everyone has their own bedroom, with numbers being limited to just 20 participants with 3 facilitators to ensure maximum benefit.
What’s on Offer…
- Our exclusive use of a dedicated retreat venue with a deep presence of stillness, with it’s own grounds in the Surrey Hills
- 3 facilitators with many years’ experience of group facilitation and individual support
- Guided group meditations each morning and evening
- Optional ‘self-enquiry’ circle with Marion and team
- Freshly home cooked vegetarian food with vegan options
- A specially laid labyrinth on the lawn
So you will be able to…
- Deepen your stillness practice with morning and evening guided meditations
- Take time to reflect and relax in the different spaces within the house and gardens
- Explore the grounds, the ‘Woodland walk’ and local paths
- Rest, contemplate, journal, or use the drawing and craft materials for some mindful creativity
- Take a journey of introspection as you mindfully walk the labyrinth
- Help yourself to refreshments throughout the day
Previous Silent Retreat participants have said…
“It was a very nourishing, profound and challenging experience (once again!. The food was delicious, you and the team held the space so beautifully and I especially appreciated your wisdom and guidance.”
September 2024
“One of the best experiences and holiday you can gift yourself. There is such depth, silence and stillness from the moment we officially start the retreat.
Every need is catered for – the rooms have such comfortable beds for deep sleep. Plenty of washrooms for the shared facilities so you never have to wait!
Definitely worth investing in this silence retreat as you truly nourish your soul!”
September 2024
“Silence is a powerful healer, you feel ‘nothing’ is happening. Yet when I arrived, I felt so much of my life issues were ‘impossible’ to resolve, yet I left feeling that there is a way forward. The impossible became possible and this happens every time. It is as if the silence restores calms to the soul. I left feeling calm, grounded, silent, in a moment. Thank you SO much, a deeply nourishing and soulful experience.”
September 2024
“There were so many parts I loved about the retreat. I loved the silent meditations, just sitting there in a circle, meditating together – this was blissful. I loved being in companionable silence, knowing people were around but not talking was so relaxing. I loved the self enquiry circles – so deepening and moving. Just being there, the room, having your wisdom there, the grounds, the labyrinth. Just perfect.”
September 2024
“Marion, I cannot put into words how different life is since we first met. The retreat was the start of something really special for me, and I am feeling more motivated, passionate and happy than ever before. I really feel this is the beginning of an extraordinary life for me and my family.”
September 2023
“Your expertise at running retreats shines through everything you do.”
September 2023
“It is the greatest gift you can give to yourself, to come with Marion and her team into the depths of silence. There is healing, there is insight, wisdom and love, all arising from within. Marion and her team hold the space so beautifully. It is a profound life gift.”
October 2019
“My first time on a silent retreat! I am so glad my first experience was with Marion and her team. From the moment I arrived, I was enveloped in love and warmth by the trainers and participants.”
September 2023
“I did not realise how nourishing, refreshing and healing the power of silence is. I will definitely be back to savour more.”
September 2023
“The best retreat I have ever been on.”
September 2022
“It was such a fantastic retreat and I haven’t stopped raving about it to anyone who will listen! I didn’t know what to expect and I never would have thought this would be the outcome – it’s truly amazing. I am very keen to join future retreats.”
June 2021
“Thank you Marion and your incredible team. I can’t remember when I felt this relaxed and restored. It was bliss to be without my phone and switch off so completely. I loved the venue, the food, the art room and the meditations, everything, please sign me up for the next one.”
September 2022
“What a lovely retreat and team you have. Your energy and calmness are amazing.
September 2022
“I just cant stop saying thank you. Everything about the entire retreat experience has felt so valuable and rich. I feel very privileged to have experienced this and will cherish the memory. Priceless stuff.”
September 2022
“I have been telling everyone how amazing the experience was, they look at me like I’m crazy when I talk about the energy of the meditation sessions and how we were all connected without saying a word. I hope I can join you and your team again in the future as it is definitely a moment I will never forget.”
June 2021
“Everyone should experience a silent retreat. It’s the greatest act of self care amongst beauty and peace and people who know what can unfold.”
September 2022
Connect to your own inner wisdom
Your Soul is always attempting to guide your life along the highest path of your divine purpose, through intuition and synchronistic occurrences. These promptings are usually very subtle and quiet, yet we are often too busy to hear or respond to their inner guidance.
Entering the silence creates space for your Soul’s wisdom to shine through, giving you new and profound insights and perspectives. Here you can also come face to face with yourself, and in the willingness to just be with your own thoughts without the addition of other people’s opinions, an inner strength and peace can develop that gives freedom beyond words.
Unless you take the time out to reflect and review your life’s journey, years can go by without being conscious of what you are doing or what you are really wanting. We all need time to sit and think, to digest life’s experiences and to gain a bigger perspective so we can make new and more wholesome decisions.
Time to press pause…
Our silent retreats are designed to help you do just this, to stop and relax and to unwind. This takes time. Going on retreat and being in silence is a change of pace, a slowing down of everyday life. In our fast-paced society our brains are used to operating at higher frequencies, the gamma and beta wavelengths. As the mind begins to slow down, we move into a more meditative space, the theta wavelengths.
Here, as neuroscientist Dr Shanida Nataraja explains in her book ‘The Blissful Brain’:
“The ultimate shift of contemplative practices is from left brain to right brain function, and dissolution of the ‘self’ leading to an awareness that our everyday reality is only a small fraction of the awareness of which the brain is potentially capable. Our brains have been designed so that an appropriate key, such as provided by meditation, can unlock this hidden potential.”
~ Mary Oliver, A Thousand Mornings
Surrounded by nature
Lovely view from one of the lounges
Hidden gateway on the ‘Woodland Walk’
Colour a mandala, draw, or enjoy some mindful creativity
Silent retreat centre in the Surrey Hills
The silent retreat centre is surrounded by green fields and trees
Previous Silent Retreat participants have said…
“The retreat was blissful. I know how important it is to use the reset button, pause and recalibrate in the deep stillness.”
September 2022
“Silence and Stillness as a group, facilitated and led by Marion was a profound and nurturing experience.”
May 2018
“The retreat was the best gift I could ever have given myself. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought this experience would change my life but it really has. Marion you are an inspiration. Your words and your wisdom will stay with me for ever.”
March 2022
“The retreat was fantastic, I’ve been looking for a doorway to the path for a long time and I found it here.”
March 2022
“I am in awe at what happened on the retreat for me, I have found a depth of stillness in myself and a resilience I didn’t know was possible. Thank you Marion and your team for what you bring to this experience. I know my life has changed and I will never forget what happened here for me.”
March 2022
“Marion, I cannot thank-you enough. I can honestly say that your silent retreat was the most momentous four days of my life. Thanks to the beauty, love and nourishment you surrounded us with, I was able to touch my soul and it was exquisite. This morning I woke up realising that my spiritual practice is no longer a chore, it is a way to stay connected to the magic.”
September 2019
“I found the deep peace I had hoped for, and it was more healing than I could ever have imagined.”
May 2018
“I cannot thank you enough for this retreat. As a young 27 year old, this was amazing. I loved the food, enjoyed all the activities, everything was spectacular! I have left with so much knowledge, and love.”
March 2022
“I felt this retreat totally nourished me and I am so happy that I haven’t had to get on a plane to a remote part of the world to achieve this level of peace.”
October 2017
“Book me on all the retreats that are coming up” 🙂
March 2022
The main lounge and meeting room
Comfortable bedrooms
Comfortable bedrooms
Home cooked buffet meals
A chance for some tech-free time
To reap the full benefits of being in silence, it is essential that you disconnect from all technology, including your phone, for the duration of the retreat.
On arrival we will ask that you turn off your phone and place it in a sealed envelope, that you can either keep yourself or we can look after it for you. It will be available 24/7 if needed, and you can give your loved ones our 24-hour contact number if they need to contact you in n emergency. This has become our tried and tested policy and works extremely well.
You may be amazed how liberating and relaxing it feels to be without your phone – messages, emails, social media and the rest. Background anxiety melts away, and your very own ‘inner-net’ becomes a rich source of inspiration, insight and creativity.
IMPORTANT: Please do not attend this retreat unless you can commit to this request.
“Paying attention to outer silence creates inner silence ~ The mind becomes still.”
~ Eckharte Tolle
Silent retreat centre in the Surrey Hills
Comfortable bedrooms
Comfortable bedrooms
Tree avenue on the ‘Woodland Walk’
Previous Silent Retreat participants have said
“The silent retreat more than met my expectations! I thought it would be calm and soothing but wasn’t expecting to leave with such a deep sense of peace. I loved the group evening meditations – inspiring with a huge sense of community.”
July 2016
“The retreat was everything I dreamt of and more. Beautiful location, perfectly organised and totally peaceful. So much reflection and realisations in such a short period, thank you, thank you, thank you.”
March 2019
“The phrase ‘Silence is Golden’ truly came to life on the weekend retreat. I would recommend this to anyone.”
October 2017
“It was such a fantastic retreat and I haven’t stopped raving about it to anyone who will listen!”
June 2021
“A heart warming grounding, blissful experience. Watching people leave their worries behind was wonderful.”
May 2018
“The most amazing, liberating, eye opening thing I have ever done! spending time with yourself, your thoughts, appreciating nature & pausing from ‘life’ was definitely nourishment for the soul.”
March 2019
“It was very calming to have the time and space to go deep within and tap into my own inner wisdom.”
May 2018
“The retreat went beyond my expectations of deep peace, relaxation and personal development, it was an opportunity to go deep within, to nourish the body and soul and rest the mind.”
July 2016
“The tree of silence bears the fruit of peace.”
~ Arabian proverb
Your facilitators
Marion and her team; Martin Young & Jan Collis have facilitated many events as a team or individually, in some cases going back as far as the last twenty years. Together they bring a wealth of experience of facilitating and supporting meditation and self-awareness groups. Each with experience of being in silence for extended periods, and with many years of professional group facilitation practise, as a team they offer a safe and sacred space in which you can experience the many profound and transformational benefits of being in silence.
Marion Young
Marion often spends long periods of time in silence, including a number of nine night retreats, and this has been integral to the creation of her courses, programmes and retreats, to which she also brings her extensive experience of guiding her clients and groups into silence.
As an Accredited Brandon Bays Journey Practitioner and the European Journey Assessor, an NLP Practitioner, Meditation Teacher and Group Facilitator Trainer, Marion facilitates spiritual mentoring programmes, workshops and has an international private therapy practice, both in person and on line.
Martin Young
With a life-long interest in personal development, his own journey has included extensive reading and reflection, a counselling qualification, and attending a number of Journey events (including ‘Journey Man’), and exploring how men can support each other in a conscious way. He particularly enjoys working with labyrinths, and will be laying one in the grounds specially for this retreat.
Since 2007, Martin has combined his freelance web design business with supporting Marion on her retreats.
Jan Collis
Supporting others has been at the core of everything she does, and Jan continues her private therapy practice, personal development and training, deepening her connection to the silence and the wonder that can be found there.
With extensive experience in supporting others to access this presence in themselves, Jan is now an integral part of the team on many of Marion’s events.
Why is silence so powerful?
Traditionally it has been religious orders that have recognised the power of silence, believing it to be one of simplest paths to God. Silence was considered to be ‘golden’, with its own vibration, higher and purer than anything else that life has to offer an earthly being.
Entering the silence creates space for your Soul’s wisdom to shine through. Here you can also come face to face with yourself, which is not always a comfortable process. But in the willingness to just be with your own thoughts, without the addition of other people’s opinions, an inner strength and peace can arise that gives you freedom beyond words.
~ Charles Haanel
Travelling to Wychcroft
Wychcroft is a Victorian house located 22 miles south of London, set in the heart of the Surrey countryside near the town of Godstone and the village of Bletchingley. It is 3 miles from Junction 6 of the M25, and 5 miles from Redhill mainline station by taxi.
Being on a Silent Retreat - Frequently Asked Questions
Will I feel bored?
It’s very possible that boredom will arise, especially in the beginning, as you adjust to being without your usual sources of stimulation and information. However, these moments are a gift. Beneath the surface of boredom lies an entry point to something far more profound and fulfilling. Throughout this retreat, we offer optional activities to guide you through these moments – strolling through the grounds, discovering the ‘woodland walk,’ journeying inward in the labyrinth, journalling, engaging in mindful mandala colouring or drawing
As your brain slows down and you begin to align with the retreat’s tranquil energy, feelings of boredom tend to fade. Time starts to feel different. The world becomes more vibrant, and your senses sharpen. Suddenly, the smallest details come alive – the delicate patterns of a leaf, the graceful curve of a staircase, the way sunlight streams through a window, the scent of a rose, or the warmth of a cup of tea in your hands. When you tune into this deeper awareness, boredom naturally dissipates.
Sometimes, boredom masks a deeper sense of exhaustion. Upon arriving, many people realise how truly tired they are, often for the first time. The constant momentum of daily life can keep exhaustion hidden until you finally stop. This recognition is a blessing. A silent retreat offers you the opportunity to step away from the need to care for others or make decisions. Here, everything slows down, and you’re free to rest deeply, meditate, or simply gaze out the window – knowing that someone else is preparing your meals and all you need to do is unwind.
Can I read during the retreat?
We recommend not reading during the retreat, as this keeps your mind clear of external influences and allows you to hear your own inner guidance.
How does silence work, and what if I need to communicate with you?
During the retreat, regular spoken communication—like chatting or casual conversations—is paused. However, brief words such as “please” or “thank you” to kitchen staff or a simple request to facilitators, kept to a bare minimum, won’t disrupt the experience. Non-verbal communication is also an option. You might exchange a smile, make eye contact, or nod in acknowledgment when passing others. Alternatively, you can turn completely inward, avoiding all forms of interaction, even non-verbal. Your preferences will naturally be respected.
If you need to reach us, you can always leave a note in the glass bowl at the main reception area. We check it regularly, and you’re welcome to use it for anything – from practical requests like an extra pillow to reflections or questions about your experience. We’ll also let you know how to reach us at night in case of emergencies.
On the full day of the retreat, we offer an optional ‘self-enquiry circle’ held in the spirit of ‘satsang,’ a Sanskrit term meaning ‘in the company of truth.’ This is one of the uniqie aspects of Marion’s retreats, where she creates a confidential space for speaking within the energy of theraputic silence. This sacred space invites deep self-awareness and emotional sharing from anyone who wishes to speak and be witnessed. Participants often find that this circle is the highlight of their retreat experience as sharing in this way deepen’s everyone’s connection with the silence.
You may occasionally see the facilitators communicating with one another, this will be kept to an absolute minimum and within the same mindful energy of satsang.
Do I need to attend all sessions?
The only sessions we ask everyone to attend are the morning and evening group meditations. All other activities are optional. If you’re unable to join one of these meditations, please let a facilitator know in advance so we won’t come looking for you. These sessions are key, as they bring the group together while guiding each individual deeper into silence. It’s often surprising how connected you can feel to others while simultaneously embracing your own personal stillness.
Why can’t I use my phone or other technology?
In today’s fast-paced world, our brains are often operating at higher, faster frequencies, producing gamma and beta brainwaves. Silence helps lower these rhythms into more meditative alpha, theta, and delta states. Technology, much like conversation, stimulates the brain and disrupts this process, creating stress and separating us from our deeper selves.
This is why it’s important to honour the silence – not just for yourself but also for the collective energy of the group. Even a brief glance at your phone can break the sacred space you’ve created for yourself. To support you in this, we provide a 24-hour emergency contact number for your loved ones, ensuring peace of mind without needing direct communication.
What if silence stirs up old memories or difficult emotions?
As distractions fall away, old memories or buried emotions might come to the surface. This is a natural part of the process and a chance for healing. We’ll offer guidance on how to navigate these experiences, as well as the opportunity to join the self-enquiry circle for added support.
It’s also common for the mind to feel restless or overly active at the start of a retreat. If this happens, please be assured that it’s all part of the process. The key is to treat your mind with kindness, allowing thoughts to arise while staying present with what’s happening. Through meditation and stillness, the mind begins to quiet, leading you toward the deeper peace that lies within.
What happens at the end of the retreat?
All retreats follow a natural rhythm: we begin gently, move into a deeper phase, and then gradually transition back. On the final morning, you’ll be gently guided out of the silence, and we’ll share a meal together. Before parting, we’ll offer tips for sustaining the stillness and integrating it into daily life.
To ease back into the world, we recommend giving yourself a day or two at home to adjust before diving back into your usual routine. The benefits of the retreat can last well beyond your time with us, especially if you continue nurturing your stillness through regular meditation or conscious rest.
Even after you leave, we’re here to support you. You’re always welcome to reach out and reconnect with the energy of the retreat in whatever way feels right for you.
We can’t wait to welcome you and share this beautiful experience with you. We’re confident it will be something you’ll truly treasure!
All Inclusive Price
Book your place on the 2 Night Silent Retreat
Tuesday 8th – Thursday 10th April 2025
Price includes all meals, refreshments and activities.
You will have your own comfortably furnished bedroom with washbasin.
All bathroom facilities are shared.
First floor rooms are available for women.
Second floor rooms are available for men.
All with a maximum of 20 participants, looked after by a team of 3 facilitators.
Early Bird prices* if booked by March 1st
Small single £ 475* (£550 thereafter)
Large Twin £ 550* (£625 thereafter)
If you would like to book a place, or have any questions about the retreat, please get in touch:
Cancellation Policy
- Full payment is due at the time of booking.
- If you cancel your booking before March 1st 2015 you will receive a refund of the full amount less a £35 admin charge.
- If you cancel after this date, we will endeavour to resell your place, and if we can, you will receive a refund of the full amount less a £35 admin charge. However if we are unable to resell your place, no refund will be given. We therefore strongly recommend that you take out appropriate cancellation cover with an insurance provider.
- In the event that the venue or ourselves needs to cancel the retreat, your payment will be refunded in full.
Disclaimer
Marion Young Therapies offers retreats, courses and events intended for educational and personal development purposes. They are designed for seekers of self-awareness through self-enquiry and self-responsibility, and offer an invitation for personal reflection and connection to your inner wisdom.
You are fully responsible for how you filter and use the information presented during the event, and by taking part you agree that any decisions and choices you make you will be making of your own free will. Please do not disregard medical advice or discontinue medical treatment because of any information received during the event.
Marion Young Therapies is not liable for any decisions or actions participants take based on the content of the event.
