Purley Chase Centre is a retreat centre and event venue set in the beautiful North Warwickshire countryside. Originally a Victorian gentleman’s residence, Purley has been greatly extended to offer comfortable en suite and dormitory accommodation.
Purley offers a range of short courses including prayer retreats, Bible study, arts and crafts, sacred dance, and singing within a relaxed environment. We also offer Summer Camps for children and teenagers and host Summer Schools for young people who travel to Purley from around the world.
Purley is owned by The General Conference of the New Church whose faith is rooted in an enlightened and balanced approach to Christ-centred spirituality, aided by insights found in the writings of Emanuel Swedenborg. We validate all faiths and welcome people of all religions and none.
In addition to an open spiritual approach, our hospitality, delicious home-cooked food and a warm welcome is at the heart of what Purley is about.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Course Venue
In addition to our own events, Purley is an ideal residential base for courses run by external groups. We welcome the widest range of religious and philosophical groups looking for a comfortable setting for their own programme of events and we are pleased to say that we have groups returning to Purley year after year.
Church Services
A church service is held at Purley Chase Centre on the 1st Sunday of each month at 11am. Exceptions being January and certain months when the centre is completely booked out.
Purley also runs discussion and book groups covering spiritual, theological and philosophical topics. These groups draw attendees together in lively debate and provides a chance to share ideas in a relaxed setting. Please see our events listing for details and confirmed service and discussion group dates.
Cream Tea Afternoon
Invite your friends, family and join us for a delicious cream tea, which includes a selection of freshly made sandwiches, an assortment of home-made cakes and shortbread, a scone with cream and preserves, a mini mousse dessert and unlimited tea or filter coffee. Or opt for a Sparkling Tea and include a glass of Prosecco!
The afternoon also offers a chance to tour the house to learn about it’s history and see how the house is used now
All guests are seated at 2pm
Please book in person, by telephone on 01827 712 370 or email enquiries@purleychasecentre.org.uk
When booking please advise us of any special dietary requirements or allergies.
Training Base
Purley is regularly used by local businesses and NHS departments to provide an off-site training base and away-day facilities. We have two meeting rooms containing audio visual equipment plus breakout rooms including two conservatories.
Purley can provide tea, coffee and cake for delegates plus a delicious home cooked lunch.
Upcoming Events
You can sink deep into the relaxing Purley atmosphere on one of our residential courses or simply join us for the day. Either way you will be able to experience the warmth of the Purley welcome.
13-18 Summer Camp Aug 2026
August 2 - August 8August Sunday Service 2 Aug 2026
August 2 at 11:00 am - 12:00 pmSwedenborg Weekend Sep 2026
September 4 - September 6September Sunday Service 6 Sep 2026
September 6 at 11:00 am - 12:00 pmDerby Weekend Oct 2026
October 2 - October 4
Our Facilities
Purley is set in seven acres of magnificent grounds enhanced by some spectacular specimen trees. Guests are encouraged to bring stout walking boots and suitable clothing to take advantage of a wander in the grounds and also to explore the local waymarked footpaths.
Bedrooms
We can offer overnight accommodation for up to 60 people, 28 in en suite rooms. Tea and coffee making facilities are available in the en suite bedrooms. Towels and bedding are provided but please bring your own toiletries.
Purley has full disabled access, with a lift and adapted en suite accommodation.
Food
We pride ourselves on the quality of the food served. It is all freshly cooked and made in our own kitchens using locally sourced ingredients as far as possible.
There is always a vegetarian option and special dietary needs can be catered for. (Please let us know your dietary requirements upon booking).
Meeting Rooms
Although largely informal in style, two of our main meeting rooms contain up-to-date audio-visual equipment which can easily be connected to laptops for presentations and training videos.
Internet
There is free wireless internet access; we have now been fitted with top of the range internet throughout the building for your convenience.
Parking
Purley has ample lighted car parking at the front of the building.
Other facilities
We have a communal room with refreshments available 24 hrs a day – a games room with table tennis, table football and a pool table – a quiet room – a library – a lounge with fully licensed bar and a conservatory.
Background and history
The origins of Purley Chase Centre begin in the 1950’s when the then owner offered Purley, a once fine Victorian house, to The General Conference of the New Church.
In those post-war years no-one really knew what to do with big old country houses, but the church accepted it and used it as a summer school for Sunday School teachers. So began the long journey, whereby the old house was gradually restored and extended and turned into the popular retreat centre we have today.
Our primary aim is to foster a spiritual foundation for people in their livesWe welcome people of all backgrounds and beliefsLife is a journey and at each stage there is something new to learn.
Help Us By Making A Donation
As a charity, we rely on the generosity of the people who come here through donations, without which we would struggle to maintain Purley as a special place.
If you would like to make a donation, please click on the “Make a donation” box below.
There are other ways you can help if you shop online:
- Easy fundraising is an add-on – completely free of charge. It automatically recognises which shops are using the scheme (and there are plenty like Ebay, Argos, M&S, John Lewis and many more). If you activate the donation when you shop, we get money donated to us at no extra cost to you. Plus, once you’ve raised your first £5, easyfundraising will double it! Sign up today – it will make a BIG difference to us this year: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/ and select Purley Chase Centre as your chosen charity.
- If you shop on Amazon, go to www.smile.amazon.co.uk instead and select “The General Conference of the New Church” as your chosen charity. Everytime you shop, they will make a donation to us at no extra cost to you.
Any donation you can make will be very much appreciated.
Thank you for your support!
