Rest, reflect and renew

Ministry is deeply rewarding, but it can sometimes also be physically, emotionally, and spiritually demanding.

Whether you need quiet space to focus on study, time to recover, or simply a peaceful place to rest, Sarum College invite those in ministry to step away from daily routine and find sanctuary.

Sarum offers Bed & Breakfast stays designed to give you the space and quiet you need. Bursaries of up to 100% are available for eligible lay or ordained ministers who would otherwise be unable to afford a break. Ordinands may also apply.

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The exterior of Sarum College, a Victorian red-bricked building, with a garden of daffodils in the foreground.

Staying at the college

  • Historic Grounds: Set within the tranquil, 80-acre Salisbury Cathedral Close, Sarum College offers a unique blend of warm hospitality, peaceful surroundings, and historic charm.
  • Comfortable Accommodations: Enjoy a peaceful stay in their guest bedrooms (many en-suite), offering tea and coffee-making facilities and views of the medieval Cathedral or the rooftops of the Close.
  • Freshly Prepared Breakfast: A hot breakfast, cooked fresh each morning, is included with your stay.
  • Space for Study & Reflection: Guests enjoy access to Sarum’s specialist theological library and quiet reading rooms, perfect for dedicated study or sabbatical planning.
  • Peace & Quiet: With no televisions in guest rooms and the medieval gates locked to the public at night, you can enjoy absolute peace, quiet, and security. However, they are not a retreat house, so you can also chat over breakfast to those staying with them from all over the world, who may just be visiting Salisbury as tourists.
  • Ideal Location: Take walks around the Close, pray in the Cathedral or College Chapel, or explore Salisbury’s vibrant city centre, located just a five-minute walk away.

Bursaries and Eligibility

Sarum College believe that financial constraints should never stand in the way of essential rest and renewal. Bursaries covering up to 100% of the cost of a 1 to 3-night stay are available.

To qualify for bursary funding, you must meet both of the following criteria.

1. You are experiencing at least one of the following circumstances:

  • Experiencing burnout or fatigue
  • Facing a pivotal life change
  • Recently bereaved
  • Needing space to explore the path ahead
  • Needing space to have focused study time
  • Recovering from illness or relationship breakdown

2. Financial Need:

You are currently unable to fund a wellness or study break yourself. They do not means test, but rely on the honesty of the applicant to say that this can only happen with a bursary. All applications for bursary funding are handled with strict confidentiality and care.

Spiritual Accompaniment

For those seeking extra spiritual support during their stay, Optional Spiritual Accompaniment is available on request for a small charge.

How to apply

If you would like to inquire about booking a wellness or study break, or if you wish to apply for bursary support, please get in touch with Sarum College's helpful team.

Email: Louisa Mason at lmason@sarum.ac.uk
Telephone: 01722 424812