Westwood Retreat Centre

Essential reading before your retreat...

Arriving to Westwood

We operate a self-check-in policy at the centre. Your reservation is for exclusive use of the Whole Centre – the hall will be open from 12 noon and the flats and meeting room will be ready from 15:00 onwards. To ensure we can undertake deep cleaning in-between guests and we can have everything ready for you please DO NOT enter the flats before this time

On arrival, please go directly to the Hall via the green main entrance door (right hand side of the church building) instead of ringing the doorbell / telephone etc. 

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:

ACCOMMODATION

Westwood’s has five beautiful self-contained flats, each with its own distinctive character and carefully considered architectural details. To find out which flat you’ll be staying in, please contact your group’s main contact liaison. 

In each flat you will find framed house rules – please make sure to read these once you arrive. To adjust heating temperature in the flats please use the handheld thermostats (Nave, Sanctuary & Clerestory) or the wall thermostats (Lookout & Eyrie).

All our flats are fully self-contained and self-catering. Each kitchen has an oven & hob, undercounter fridge with single freezer compartment, microwave, kettle, toaster, crockery, cafetiere, cutlery and pots and pans. Westwood provide some essential kitchen and bathroom items, for more information about individual flats and amenities, select a flat below to find out more.

Bathroom

We provide toilet rolls, hand-soap, hand towel and bathmat. You should also find a hairdryer in the main bedroom.

Kitchen

Well equipped kitchen with crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils provided. We also provide: instant coffee, teabags, sugar, rapeseed oil, cleaning cloth, tea-towel, washing-up liquid, cleaning spray and hand-soap

The Eyrie

Sleeps up to 5

The Sanctuary

Sleeps up to 3

The Nave

Sleeps up to 5

The Clerestory

Sleeps up to 6

The Lookout

Sleeps up to 3

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

The Hall

We hope you enjoy this special communal space together.

There are two bathrooms available for hall visitors to use, one adjacent to the kitchen in the hall and one in the entrance lobby.

Here are some essential things to bear in mind while using the Hall: 

Food / Shopping

Some guests like to have a supermarket food delivery arranged for when they arrive. Most of the supermarkets and local takeaways deliver to Westwood. Please ensure the shopping arrives when you are here to receive and organise.

Kitchen

The hall kitchen is fully self-contained and self-catering. It has 2 x 60cm wide ovens with induction hobs, which require induction pans and exact size to work on the hob (these are provided), large fridge, large fridge freezer, microwave, urn, toaster, crockery, cafetiere, cutlery and pots and pans. We also provide: cleaning cloths, tea-towels, washing-up liquids, cleaning spray and hand-soap

Bathrooms

There are two bathrooms (both with showers) that serve the hall. We provide: toilet rolls, hand-soap, hand towels and bathmats.

The Little Shop

There are a few items for sale in our little shop (bottom of the steps, main side) including the local infamous ‘Dark Woods’ filter coffee. Please leave any money for purchases in the money pot.

Getting Here

Whether you're arriving by car, train, bus or bicycle, Westwood is fairly easy to get to once you know how!

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:

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.

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.

farm shop cafe

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.

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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.

Golcar Lily

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.

farm shop cafe

The Little Bridge

A cosy cafe / wine bar on the canal in Slaithwaite. Great for lunch or an evening drink.

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Om Is Where The Heart Is

Brunch House, Neighbourhood Bar & Yoga Studio located in Slaithwaite, the Heart of the Colne Valley.

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Northern Sole Café

"Classic street food with a Northern Sole" Located in Slaithwaite along the towpath.

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Rumpus Burger

An Artisan Burger Restaurant in the heart of Slaithwaite.

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Acorn and Pip

A 'child friendly' cafe with an all day, vegetarian café menu and kids menu.

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Wild Café

A cafe with healthy and delicious food and drink using mostly plant based ingredients.

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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

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.

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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).

We look forward to hosting you - Nicola, Jonny & Hanna (Westwood Wardens)

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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