The Open Gate

The Open Gate is a house of Elizabethan origin, built around 1568, and it is the island's oldest inhabited house. Tradition says that the stones to build it came from the nearby Benedictine priory, which was finally abandoned by the monks in 1536. It has been a farmhouse, a family home and more recently a guest house called 'North View'. The Open Gate is now the main house of the Community of Aidan and Hilda and serves mainly as a retreat and guest house.

There are three guest rooms for individuals who come for retreat, spiritual guidance or study. There is an organized retreat programme running throughout the year, but there is also the possibility for retreatants to come on a personal or silent retreat.

The Open Gate as a retreat house offers organized retreats as well as it offers guests to come for a personal retreat, which can also be a silent retreat. Spiritual guidance is available on a donation basis. Please ask at the time of your booking if it is possible to have a personal/silent/guided retreat at the time you wish to come.

The Open Gate stands on the south-western corner of the junction of Marygate and Crossgate Lane. Use the map below to zoom in and out and explore the local area!