Facilities & Hire

A description of the facilities available to those attending and hiring Whirlow Spirituality Centre

Facilities & Hire

Set in attractive, tranquil gardens, Whirlow's Chapel and adjacent rooms are an ideal location for quiet days, retreats or events. The main buildings are fully accessible and for hire on a sessional basis (morning, afternoon or evening.) To discuss whether we are a good match for you, please get in touch.

Smaller spaces at Whirlow Spirituality Centre are also bookable for personal prayer and reflection, and our gardens are always available to visitors.

We do not offer overnight accommodation or provide catering, other than ample supplies of tea and fresh coffee(!), but we are happy to advise on local catering services and we have a small, well equipped kitchen which you are welcome to use.

Chapel of the Holy Spirit

With large south-facing windows overlooking a garden, the chapel seats 40 comfortably and can accommodate 60. The lovely acoustic is boosted by a high quality sound system, including a hearing loop. There is underfloor heating, an electric piano, large plasma screen, WiFi and many resources available to create a contemplative atmosphere. 

Feel free to use our art materials, fabrics, candles, icons, posters and more to assist the creation of a prayerful space - let us know if there are particular requirements. Our materials are also available to visitors for short-term loan.

Garden and walks

Our well-tended garden invites reflection and relaxation - we are a member of the Quiet Garden Movement. Our location, on the edge of Sheffield close to the Peak District, also means visitors can enjoy many easy-to-access walks in local woods and farmlands. 

Lounge

With comfortable seating and an adjoining kitchen, the lounge looks out onto our patio garden. It houses the library, which visitors are welcome to use. There are more than 1,500 books on spirituality and related subjects available to borrow for up to 3 months. It is open for browsing in person Mon-Weds between 9.30am and 12.30pm.

The lounge is a resource for anyone on site. Its use is included with the hire of the chapel.

Poustinias (Summer Houses)

We have two smaller spaces available for hire on a donation basis:

The Garden Poustinia in the patio garden is ideal for solitude (poustinia is Russian for ‘desert’ or ‘prayer hermitage’) but can seat 2 to 3 people.

Our larger Chapel Poustinia on the front lawn accommodates 3 or 4 or can be used by an individual.

These spaces are designed for solo use, a one-to-one meeting, triad or small group. Use them as a hermitage, should you want to take time out alone, with God or to meet a spiritual accompanier. 

Users have access to the lounge and kitchen, although they may need to share those with other visitors!

Kitchen

Our kitchen is fully equipped with multi-function oven, induction hob, fridge, microwave, filter coffee machine, hot water boiler and kettle, as well as a commercial dishwasher. Fresh coffee, a variety of teas and sugar are available for all visitors.

Booking the Facilities

If you would like more details or to discuss whether our facilities are suitable for the activity you have in mind, please contact us.