What is a retreat?
A retreat is exactly what it sounds like — the chance to step aside from life for a while, to rest and just 'be' in a welcoming, peaceful place.

Who can stay at Marygate House?
Anybody can stay for religious, educational, or cultural reasons.

Can I have a holiday at Marygate?
Marygate is a retreat house, it is not a hotel or guest house, there are other more suitable places on Holy Island to stay if you are on holiday.

Do you have Wi-Fi?
Marygate is an oasis from the world, to encourage people to retreat Wi-Fi is not available in the retreat house.

What about car parking?
There is usually on street parking available immediately outside Marygate House.

How do I book?
You can enquire about availability by completing the online enquiry form on our website. (https://marygatehouse.org.uk/enquiries.html) or enquire by email or telephone to check on availability, then confirm the booking in writing.

All bookings must be confirmed in writing by return of a booking form.

How much does it cost to stay at Marygate?
Marygate House is a charity and as such there is no charge to stay. Note that we rely totally on donations from guests, our suggested donation for individuals is £65 per day.

Do I have to pay a deposit?
As a charity we do not charge, we rely on donations and do not take deposits?

Can I Giftaid my donation?
Yes, we encourage those who pay income tax in the UK to Giftaid any donations made.

How long can I stay?
You can stay up to one week in any one stay. Most visits are Monday to Friday, Monday to Sunday or Friday to Sunday. We limit people to no more than 14 days in a year.

How do I get there?
By car or train. Arriving by car, turn east off the A1 at Beal about ten mile south of Berwick upon Tweed. Only cross to the island at the safe crossing times. Marygate House is in the village at the west end of the main street. (Satnav LE12 2SD). By train to Berwick upon Tweed and then take a taxi to Marygate House on Holy Island.

Tell me about the tides?
The road on to the island is closed twice each day for about five hours when sea water crosses the road. It is quite safe to cross during the published safe crossing times. There is an added danger from other road users and pedestrians who can behave irrationally and without thought. It is advisable to drive with great caution if crossing in the dark. Likewise in the winter when there can be standing water on the road, which can still be crossed with care.

Do you provide meals?
Yes, all meals are provided.

What time are meals?
Breakfast is in Marygate Dining Room at 8:45am.
Lunch for all guests is at 1:00pm
Dinner for all guests is at 6:15pm

I know you have set menus, but what about my medical diet?
We are pleased to prepare meals for people with medical diets, vegetarians, and vegans, but we are not able to cater for all likes and dislikes. We need to know about dietary needs well before your visit.

How can I donate?
You can leave a cash donation during your visit, or cheque from a UK Bank, or online via PayPal or in person by card.

Is there a cash point on Holy Island?
No there is no cash point service on the island, but dependant on whom you bank with you may be able to get cash from the post office.

How long can I stay, how often can I visit?
You can stay up to one week in any one stay. Most visits are Monday to Friday, Monday to Sunday or Friday to Sunday. We limit people to no more than 14 days in a year.

What time can I arrive?
We ask that you arrive after 2pm on the day of arrival. Your first meal will be served at Marygate at 6:15pm and we would ask you to plan your journey making allowances for the tides to arrive before that meal. Our staff go off duty at 7:30pm and we are not able to receive guests after 7:30pm. If your plans go wrong, please telephone us and inform us of your expected arrival time.

When should I vacate my room?
We ask that you vacate your bedroom by 10am on the day of your departure. If you are waiting for transport or a safe crossing time you are welcome to leave luggage in the library.

What should I bring with me?
Any clothes you need for your stay, towels, toiletries, and any medications you might need. Remember you are coming to an island in a remote location with limited access to shops.

Can I have visitors whilst on retreat?
We are sorry guests are not allowed to bring visitors into the Retreat House. This is in line with our safeguarding policy. We would encourage you to entertain visitors somewhere else (in a hotel, tearoom, or public house perhaps).

Can a group have a visiting guest speaker?
Yes. We welcome guest speakers, but in line with our safeguarding policy they must hold a current DBS Certificate and gain permission from the Warden(s). Without which they will be unable to visit Marygate.

Can non residence eat at Marygate?
Marygate generally provides meals to resident guests only, there are other places on the island which do provide meals to visitors to Holy Island.

Do I have to share a room?
People on individual private retreat will have their own room. Those coming in a group or party will often share. Sharing is part of the Marygate experience.

How do I travel to Holy Island?
By car is the easiest. By train to Berwick upon Tweed and by Taxi is quite convenient. There is a bus to the island, but the service is infrequent and can be unreliable.

Can I walk the pilgrim’s way (the poles) on to the island?
Yes, but you must take precautions. NEVER cross by the poles in the dark. You ought never to cross alone, and it is advisable to cross with somebody who has done it before. You would be well advised to start to cross about two hours after the published road safe crossing time for the causeway. It takes up to two hours to cross. You must wear suitable clothes and footwear remembering you will be walking on wet sand and mud.

Can I bring a dog or other pets?
Unfortunately we cannot accommodate any pets in our guest accommodation.

Can children stay?
Children are welcome as part of an organised group staying in Marygate House, but a quiet retreat house, is not a suitable place for children or young people.

Can I play a musical instrument?
To maintain a quiet atmosphere, we ask people not to play musical instruments, accept as part of a group. We also ask that people wear headphones when listening to the radio, music etc.

Do you have Wi-Fi?
Marygate is an oasis from the world, to encourage retreatants to retreat Wi-Fi is not available in the retreat house.

What is the mobile phone signal like on the island?
Generally the mobile signal on the island is very poor.

Do I have to attend prayers?
We would like guests to attend prayers, but it is not obligatory.

Is there a set programme?
No guests and groups are free to arrange their own time around our set meal times.

Can a non-Christian stay at Marygate?
Yes, everyone is welcome.