November, 2025

As the festive season approaches, The Retreat invites you to step away from the hustle and bustle to enjoy a few peaceful hours of creativity at our Christmas Wreath Making Workshop, held in the Recreation Hall at The Retreat, York (YO10 5BN) on Saturday 29th November.

To accommodate more guests, we’ll be hosting two sessions – one in the morning at 10:00am and another in the afternoon at 1:30pm – allowing you to choose a time that best suits your day.

This relaxed, hands-on workshop offers the opportunity to craft your own bespoke wreath under the guidance of an experienced instructor. Suitable for all abilities, each session provides step-by-step instruction so every participant leaves with a design to be proud of.

In keeping with our commitment to accessibility and sustainability, the workshop will use a considered selection of long-lasting materials rather than fresh greenery. Guests will work with textural elements such as tinsel, pinecones, baubles, ribbons and decorative trims, creating a wreath that is both personal and enduring – something to enjoy this season and for many years to come.

The setting will be calm and welcoming, with gentle music, light refreshments, and the chance to share inspiration in good company. All tools and materials are provided, allowing you to simply arrive and immerse yourself in the creative process.

November, 2025

There are few places in York where history, nature, and community meet as gracefully as they do at The Retreat York. On Sunday 2nd November, the gardens came alive in the soft glow of autumn as we welcomed members of the Yorkshire Philosophical Society for a heritage walk celebrating the site’s remarkable past.

Hosted by Chris Webb, Chair and Trustee of the Yorkshire Gardens Trust, and Dr Laura Potts, one of The Retreat’s dedicated orchard volunteers, the event offered an enlightening journey through the landscape and legacy of The Retreat. The morning sunlight caught every shade of copper and gold – a vivid reminder of why autumn remains the most atmospheric of seasons.

Stories Beneath the Leaves

Beyond the natural beauty, it was the stories shared that truly brought the day to life. One guest brought along a small but powerful piece of The Retreat’s history – a letter sent to her grandmother in 1951 by The Retreat itself.

The letter expressed gratitude for the donation of a Bible once owned by George Jepson, who oversaw the daily life of The Retreat in the 1820s, during the height of William Tuke’s “Moral Treatment”.

She also shared a reproduction of Jepson’s obituary from the Leeds Mercury in 1836 – alongside the original newspaper itself – offering a tangible link to the people and practices that shaped the institution nearly two centuries ago.

October, 2025

To mark World Mental Health Day, The Retreat York hosted two inspiring creative workshops that gave new life to the voices of three 19th-century psychiatric patients whose words have echoed across time.

Led by local artists in collaboration with the Borthwick Institute for Archives, the sessions invited participants to explore original poems and unsent letters written by patients at The Retreat. Funded by Mentally Fit York, these powerful documents became the catalyst for an afternoon of art-making, kite-building, and open conversation – connecting York’s past approaches to mental health care with the stories and experiences of today.

A Powerful Setting for Reflection

Heritage Events and Engagement Manager Lucy South described the workshops as “a fantastic event in the perfect setting to mark World Mental Health Day.

October, 2025

Celebrating History and Community at The Retreat York

Last week, The Retreat York had the pleasure of welcoming 50 members of the Yorkshire Philosophical Society (YPS) for a captivating afternoon exploring the origins of one of York’s most significant historic sites.

The event featured an insightful lecture, Building The Retreat: the first 60 years (1794–1854), delivered by Dr Victoria Hopgood, architectural historian. Her talk delved into the remarkable early years of The Retreat’s creation, revealing the enduring Quaker values and visionary leadership of its founder, William Tuke, whose pioneering approach transformed mental health care across the world.

A Living Connection to York’s Past

Among the audience was Emma Darbyshire, a history student from York St John University, who is currently writing her dissertation on The Retreat’s history. We’re delighted to be supporting her research as it develops – a testament to our ongoing commitment to education, heritage, and community engagement.

September, 2025

For the first time in its long history, the public were able to explore this extraordinary site – a place that has overlooked the city for more than two centuries. With 37 acres of landscaped grounds, a peaceful atmosphere, and views stretching to York Minster, it was a rare opportunity to step behind the walls and discover one of York’s hidden landmarks.

A Day of Discovery

The event, organised and promoted by York Unlocked, proved so popular that additional ticket allocations had to be released to meet demand. Visitors followed self-guided routes around the extensive grounds, with information points highlighting the site’s unique heritage and significance.

Many also stepped inside the former Recreation Hall to glimpse its remarkable interiors – a space rarely seen by the public before.

Heritage and Personal Stories

What made the day so special were the personal stories shared by former staff and families connected to The Retreat. Their memories added warmth and depth to the experience, reminding us of the human history woven into every part of this remarkable place.

July, 2025

Last week, we welcomed representatives from Historic England (HE) to The Retreat in York – a special occasion that allowed us to reflect on our rich history, the legacy of compassionate care, and the importance of preserving that heritage for future generations.

The visit was part of Historic England’s ongoing commitment to recognising and protecting places that have shaped the nation’s social and cultural landscape.

We were proud to open our doors to the HE team, who joined us to explore the grounds and original buildings.