The Sanctuary Meeting Place
RETREAT | REST | RECHARGE
Arriving to Westwood
We operate a self-check-in policy at the centre. Your reservation is in the Sanctuary Meeting Place (SMP) which will be open and ready for you from 10:00 – 16:00. It is situated via the main entrance door (green door to the right hand- side of the church building), first door on the left and along the corridor on the left. You will find the key inside for use during your visit.
We have approximately 10 parking spaces which can be found either directly outside or down New Lane which runs directly below the centre. Please park within the marked bays ensuring wheels are not over the edge. Please DO NOT park in the turning circle at the end of the drive. Please DO NOT park on Westwood Edge Road at any time as this is reserved for residents only. Where possible please could families / groups arrange to car share / use public transport due to limited parking at the centre.
PLEASE NOTE: ALL VEHICLES PARKED AT THE CENTRE DO SO AT THEIR OWN RISK.
Contacting Us
The Westwood team is formed of two families who live and volunteer on site and share life together. We host the space for our guests to come retreat and enjoy the stillness and peace to recharge and refresh.
The volunteer wardens will be contactable by telephone via the main contact liaison during your stay. The on-duty warden mobile telephone is 07399 359480. . As this telephone is always monitored, please use this number to contact the wardens during your stay rather than the doorbell at the main entrance or the office telephone number. Please text for non-urgent queries or telephone in case of an emergency. Please be mindful that we are a team of volunteers with other responsibilities and therefore limited time.
Please note this mobile telephone number is strictly for guests whilst staying with us. For bookings or other queries outside of dates of stays the best way to contact us is via email info@westwood-centre.org.uk
Helpful Tips & Rules
Here are some helpful tips and things to be mindful of during your visit:
- If you would like to adjust the heating temperature, please use the controls on the side of the radiators.
- As a retreat we aim to facilitate a peaceful place, therefore please be mindful of noise levels throughout your visit and the quiet nature of Westwood with special consideration for guests staying in the flats that have come to seek peace and solitude.
- Westwood has a strict NO SMOKING policy inside the centre. Guests smoking anywhere inside will be asked to leave immediately due to the fire risk involved for other guests.
- Please be mindful and respectful of other guests (and wardens) during your stay.
- Pets are not allowed on the premises with the exception of guide dogs.
- Always be contactable. We understand for many of our guests coming to Westwood is an opportunity to switch off from the distractions of technology etc but we do request rather than switch off mobile phones if they can be put on silent somewhere in the flat that has connection and checked periodically in case we needed to contact you in-case of an emergency etc.
- Please do not access the wardens private areas (garden with rotary washing line) down the steps to the left of the church building.
Wi-Fi
"What's the Wi-Fi password?"... probably our most asked question - we understand, you don't want to fully disconnect from the outside world. There is Wi-Fi available, and the connection is usually stable, but because of our rural location and Westwood's old thick stone walls, we cannot guarantee stability at all times. We kindly ask that you do not turn the wi-fi disc off at the plug at any time during your stay as the discs are triangulated throughout the centre.
Wi-Fi - BTB-5KCGJR Password - westwoodwireless85
Getting Here
Whether you're arriving by car, train, bus or bicycle, Westwood is fairly easy to get to once you know how!
- There is a train station in Slaithwaite just above the main road though the village. Trains run direct to Huddersfield and Manchester Piccadilly. From Slaithwaite its a 20 minute (uphill) walk or 5 minute taxi to the centre.
- Bus numbers 303 and 304 from Huddersfield centre stop near the centre on Bolster Moor Road. It is just a few minutes walk from there down Drummer Lane and then down Westwood Edge Road where you will enjoy the stunning views of the Colne Valley as you walk down to the centre.
- Local Taxi numbers: A-Star (01484 599999), Royal Taxi’s (01484 847222) or Huddersfield city centre Taxi’s (01484 300030)
- Getting here by car is very simple - we recommend following Google maps. Be ready for a few winding and narrow roads - for those who are less confident drivers, it's recommended you arrive during daylight. We also have an electric car charger available to visitors - please book a slot, cost is £15.00 for up to 5 hours or £25.00 for an overnight charge.
- The valley is an extremely popular location for cycling. We are delighted to see guests who choose to cycle here.
Once you’re here there are many beautiful local walks around the area to explore around Bolster Moor. We are also only approximately 20 minutes’ drive to the lovely village of Holmfirth (Last of the summer wine country) and the Peak District.
Before Depature
We hope you have a wonderful visit, before you depart, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Please ensure that check-out is NO LATER than 16:00.
- Please leave your key in the same place it was on arrival
- Please leave the meeting room as you found it by putting all furniture / crockery back and wiping down any surfaces.
- Any refuse / recycling / compost can be transferred to the bins at the end of the drive before departing.
- Please let us know about any accidental spillages, breakages, damage etc or anything that you think might need fixing in preparation for the next guests.
We hope the above information has been helpful and that you have a wonderful time together at Westwood.
Keep scrolling for more information on things to do, see and eat during your trip to Westwood.
Food / Eating / Drinks
There are no kitchen facilities in the SMP but guests are welcome to bring their own packed lunch or visit one of the lovely places to eat listed above. We will also set up a ‘drinks station’ in the room so you have access to be able to make hot drinks (we provide tea, coffee and sugar) and also cold water. There is a bathroom to use in the main entrance lobby whilst you are visiting the meeting room.
Our little honesty shop (main entrance first door on left at the bottom of the steps) is selling a few items including the local infamous ‘Darkwoods’ filter coffee. Please note that we DO NOT sell milk.
There is a large farm shop within walking distance of the centre where you can buy fresh produce and has a large café. Please see link below for more details including opening times etc. If walking to the farm shop, you will see a dirt track opposite the driveway of the centre on the opposite side of the road. follow this until you get to the main road (Simon Green Road) and turn left. Turn left again at the next junction, then left again at Little Hoppers Day Nursery and you will see the farm shop on the left.
We overlook the village of Slaithwaite (or pronounced ‘Slawit’ by the locals!) which is a few minutes’ drive away from the centre. It can be walked to but there are no pathways on the main country road and is rather a steep hill coming back so most guests prefer to drive or order a taxi. It is a lovely, interesting village with a wide variety of shops, supermarket (Aldi & Co-op), cafes, restaurants, takeaways, pubs, chemist, post office, bank and cash machine etc.
There is also a canal that runs through ‘Slawit’ which many of our guests like to enjoy a stroll along. Please see the links below for further information about some of the recommended places to visit / eat.
Our Favourite Places to Eat
Please note, for most up-to-date opening days and times, it's best to check directly on their website.
Bolster Moor Farm Shop & Cafe
Within close walking distance, the farm shop offers a variety of fresh produce, groceries and ready meals. The cafe is open every day for breakfast and lunch, or a cheeky coffee and cake. Open daily.
The Handmade Bakery & Cafe
Situated in Slaithwaite by the canal, the bakery offers amazing sourdough bread, locally roasted coffee, pastries, breakfast and lunch. Open Tues - Sun.
The Golcar Lily
Our most local pub - it's within walking distance and is open for lunch and dinner. They offer a variety of dishes, including Sunday lunch. They also have a well stocked bar. Vegan pizzas available. Open Tues - Sun.
The Little Bridge
A cosy cafe / wine bar on the canal in Slaithwaite. Great for lunch or an evening drink.
Om Is Where The Heart Is
Brunch House, Neighbourhood Bar & Yoga Studio located in Slaithwaite, the Heart of the Colne Valley.
Northern Sole Café
"Classic street food with a Northern Sole" Located in Slaithwaite along the towpath.
Rumpus Burger
An Artisan Burger Restaurant in the heart of Slaithwaite.
Acorn and Pip
A 'child friendly' cafe with an all day, vegetarian café menu and kids menu.
Wild Café
A cafe with healthy and delicious food and drink using mostly plant based ingredients.
Anello Pizzeria
Down the hill from us in Slaithwaite, Anello is a pizzeria serving wood-fired Neapolitan pizza and seasonal small plates. Open for lunch / dinner, walk-ins available although booking is recommended.
The Scape House Inn
Another great nearby pub, Scape House Inn serve tasty classic pub meals and have a well stocked bar. 5 minutes away by car or a 20 minute walk from Westwood, but trust us, it's worth it.
Destination Indian Restaurant
Destination serve arguably the best Indian food in the valley. Situated in Slaithwaite (it's the place to be!) again, but it's worth the trip down the hill for tasty Indian food (with vegan options).
Contact Us
Call or Email us
Maps & Directions
Are you wondering how to get here?
FAQ
Answers to some common questions.
GET IN TOUCH
If you want to discuss your booking, please email the office or call us during office hours.
Contact us by Email
Email us: info@westwood-centre.org.uk, emails are responded to during office hours.
Contact us by Phone
You can call us on 01484 845042. Our office hours are 10:00-13:00 Wednesday, Thursday & Friday.
Visit us in person (Groups)
We understand some group leaders might like to come see the centre before booking their group retreat. You are very welcome to come visit and have a tour of Westwood, but we please ask you contact the office to officially book your visit. Unfortunately, unarranged visits are not possible.
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