Broughton Sanctuary, Yorkshire, UK

Abiding in Truth

Easter Devotional Retreat with John Butler,
supported by Mark Vernon.

2 – 6 April 2026
BOOK NOW
Broughton Sanctuary,
Yorkshire, UK

Abiding in Truth

Easter Devotional Retreat with John Butler, supported by Mark Vernon.
2 – 6 April 2026
BOOK NOW
Abiding in Truth is a five-day devotional retreat set within the tranquil and inspirational landscape of Broughton Sanctuary. This retreat invites you into a grounded encounter with presence, stillness and truth — both personal and universal.
Across the Easter period, as the natural world awakens in spring, we explore what it means to be present — noticing what is, attending to what we have lost sight of, and returning again and again to attentive awareness.

"“There are no words that fully describe the gifts and gratitude received in connecting with each one of you on the magnificent Land of Broughton Sanctuary. It is deeply felt.”

MANDY, PREVIOUS ATTENDEE

"“There are no words that fully describe the gifts and gratitude received in connecting with each one of you on the magnificent Land of Broughton Sanctuary.
It is deeply felt.”

MANDY, PREVIOUS ATTENDEE

About the retreat

Abiding in Truth is a five-day Easter devotional retreat led by John Butler, with the thoughtful support of Mark Vernon. Set within the quiet beauty of Broughton Sanctuary, this retreat offers space to slow down, become attentive, and rediscover what it means to be truly present — in body, mind and heart.
At the centre of the retreat is a simple yet profound inquiry: What is Truth? John describes it as the ever-present “One that is” — not something to be achieved, but realised by learning to be present ourselves. As much of life is lived in absence: busy, distracted, lost in thought, Abiding in Truth gently invites participants back into awareness - with love which rises naturally from it.
The rhythm of each day is contemplative and spacious. Mornings begin with meditation, followed by a main teaching from John. Mark supports the process through dialogue and reflective inquiry woven naturally into the life of the retreat. Afternoons offer quiet, attentive walks through the Sanctuary’s landscape, where nature becomes a teacher — encouraging participants to look, listen and absorb the seasonal lessons of Easter and spring. Evenings close with meditation and shared stillness in the library, offering time to settle and integrate.
Arriving on Maundy Thursday, the retreat unfolds alongside the sacred narrative of Easter: crucifixion, waiting and renewal. Time is given to contemplation in the chapel, reflection on righteousness, sin and salvation, and participation in the devotional rhythm of the Sanctuary and local church.
Rather than filling the days with activity, this retreat values simplicity, presence and ordinary life as the true school. It is suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike, and for anyone wishing to meet Easter with ever deeper understanding of abiding truth.
What to expect
ABIDING IN TRUTH

This retreat is structured around contemplative practice, reflective inquiry and time in nature. The rhythm of the week includes:

Morning meditation to begin each day with calm presence.

Daily reflections and teachings from John Butler

Dialogue and exploration with Mark Vernon woven through shared inquiry
Quiet, attentive walks in the Sanctuary grounds
Evening meditation and reflective time in community
Space to rest, reflect and absorb what arises
What to expect
ABIDING IN TRUTH

This retreat is structured around contemplative practice, reflective inquiry and time in nature. The rhythm of the week includes:

Morning meditation to begin each day with calm presence.

Daily reflections and teachings from John Butler

Dialogue and exploration with Mark Vernon woven through shared inquiry
Quiet, attentive walks in the Sanctuary grounds
Evening meditation and reflective time in community
Space to rest, reflect and absorb what arises
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"This retreat is structured around contemplative practice, reflective inquiry and time in nature."

"This retreat is structured around contemplative practice, reflective inquiry and time in nature."

John Butler and Mark Vernon

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John Butler of Spiritual Unfoldment is known for his simple, natural, heart-felt approach - from Earth to Heaven, sharing his longing for total love. His extraordinarily interesting life, including insight, farming and meditation (recorded in 10 books), invites us back to what he now calls “THIS” - the ultimate calling, essence of all - beyond conceptual, mortal ‘me’.
Modest and reluctant to enter into the world of media, John has unexpectedly become a YouTube sensation, with a keen, loyal global audience. On this retreat, being fully present with John will be an extremely special experience for all.
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Mark Vernon is a writer, philosopher and guide in the art of reflective living. He weaves together spirituality, psychology and philosophy to help people explore life with curiosity, honesty and depth. Mark’s work is known for its accessibility and intelligence, opening space for thoughtful dialogue without losing touch with lived experience.
On this retreat, he supports John’s teaching through inquiry, conversation and shared reflection, helping participants stay attentive to what is unfolding within and around them. His presence encourages gentle questioning, meaningful connection and a grounded, human approach to contemplative practice.

John Butler and Mark Vernon

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John Butler of Spiritual Unfoldment is known for his simple, natural, heart-felt approach - from Earth to Heaven, sharing his longing for total love. His extraordinarily interesting life, including insight, farming and meditation (recorded in 10 books), invites us back to what he now calls “THIS” - the ultimate calling, essence of all - beyond conceptual, mortal ‘me’.
Modest and reluctant to enter into the world of media, John has unexpectedly become a YouTube sensation, with a keen, loyal global audience. On this retreat, being fully present with John will be an extremely special experience for all.
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Mark Vernon is a writer, philosopher and guide in the art of reflective living. He weaves together spirituality, psychology and philosophy to help people explore life with curiosity, honesty and depth. Mark’s work is known for its accessibility and intelligence, opening space for thoughtful dialogue without losing touch with lived experience.
On this retreat, he supports John’s teaching through inquiry, conversation and shared reflection, helping participants stay attentive to what is unfolding within and around them. His presence encourages gentle questioning, meaningful connection and a grounded, human approach to contemplative practice.
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Avalon Wellbeing Centre
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Welcome to Broughton Sanctuary

The retreat will be held here at the 2,500-acre Broughton Sanctuary, just outside Skipton, at the foothills of The Yorkshire Dales, one of the most picturesque parts of the country. Established in 1097, Broughton Hall is a house of transformation, home to the Tempest family for over 900 years, and enjoys a rich history stretching back over the millennium.

The Sanctuary is also home to one of Britain’s most exciting nature recovery projects, a heartfelt commitment to address one of our deepest contemporary crises, based upon an extensive tree-planting and rewilding programme. This year in 2025, we welcome beavers to the Sanctuary alongside our native cattle and Iron Age pigs. Subscribe to our Rewilding Broughton Youtube channel to learn more.

Avalon, our state-of-the-art wellbeing retreat centre is the beating heart of the Sanctuary. With extensive indoor and outdoor resources the building exists to serve the inner voyage of mind, body, spirit. During your stay you may unwind in the state-of-the-art biophilic designed Pool Suite; including a clear 20-metre pool, steam room and sauna, plus hydromassage pool. Beyond the building itself, the Sanctuary grounds offer a chance to return to source, from meditation labyrinths, wild swimming reservoirs, a cosmic garden and much more.

We have a large variety of rooms available, whether in Broughton Hall itself, or throughout our eclectic collection of 20 stunning Retreat Houses, including converted barns, former coachhouses and gatehouses.

Broughton Sanctuary is easily accessible by plane, car and public transport. View location.

  • 3 miles from Skipton Railway Station
  • 24 miles from Leeds Bradford Airport
  • 55 miles from Manchester Airport
Rooming

Tickets range from £1,200 to £2,500 across our collection of Retreat Houses and our stunning historic home, Broughton Hall.

Please note: the images below are examples of the type of room you will be booking, all rooms are subject to availability.

Rooms in Broughton Hall
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Broughton Hall, our Historic Home.

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Broughton Hall Premium, Ensuite.

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Broughton Hall Standard, Shared Bathroom.

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Broughton Hall Deluxe, Ensuite.

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Broughton Hall Premium, Ensuite.

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Broughton Hall Standard, Double Shared Bathroom.

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Broughton Hall Standard, Single Room.

Rooms in Retreat Houses
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The Manse, Retreat House Deluxe.

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The Manse, Retreat House Deluxe, Ensuite.

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The Manse, Retreat House Deluxe, Ensuite.

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The Manse, Retreat House Deluxe, Shared Bathroom.

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Top Lodge, Retreat House Superior.

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Top Lodge, Retreat House Superior, Private Shower/Bathroom.

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Eden, Retreat House Superior.

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Eden, Retreat House Superior, Shared Bathroom.

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Eden, Retreat House Superior, Single Bedroom.

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Stage Cottage, Retreat House Standard.

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Stable Cottage, Retreat House Standard, Shared Bathroom.

Booking

2 - 6 April 2026
Broughton Sanctuary, Skipton, Yorkshire
BD23 3AE

Please select your room and book your place below using the embedded form. For information regarding daily activities, rooming and pricing, and for any other questions you may have, please email our team or call our us on +44(0)1756 799608.

National Location
Road and Rail