The Vision

Quiet Waters Christian Retreat House has been ministering to a wide variety of people in different ways as a non-profit making faith venture. It is primarily available to:  

  • Tired, hurt and wounded Christians
  • Those wishing to ‘seek the Lord’ either as individuals or groups
  • Those involved in Christian ministry and in need of a period of rest and refreshment  

"Are you tired?" asks Jesus, "Are you worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."  

Matthew 11:28-30 MSG

FAQ

What is Quiet Waters?

We're a Christian retreat house providing a friendly guest house experience.

What’s your history?

We first opened our doors in 1973 as three wonderful Christian ladies followed God’s call to give up their successful London lives and open a Christian retreat house in the East of England. Howard and Wendy Norton took up the baton in the 1980’s when the house was developed to offer more appropriate accommodation. Since then, a variety of committed team members have taken the vision forward. We continue to see God’s blessing on both guests and team alike.  

What do we do?

Look after you. A warm welcome, hearty home-cooked meals and a comfortable home to relax in. Our job is to show God's love to you through our practical care, ensuring you have everything you need and nothing to disturb your time with God.

Who comes to QW?

All sorts from all over! Anyone seeking to draw closer to God.

Do you have much garden?

More than enough! The mature gardens are a guest favourite with lawns, walled garden, woodland walk and the River Waveney at the very end, with views over the meadows to Bath Hills. In total there's nearly two acres to explore. Ample for everyone to find some peace.

What is a rhythm of prayer?

Twice a day we meet up to worship our God. We usually pray, sometimes we sing and there is always time to turn to God's word and hear His message for us. Something to mull over and pray into. If you've other plans for your day that's absolutely fine.

Are you owned by the Church?

No, we're a small charitable trust, non-denominational, set up in the early 70's to look after tired and weary Christians. We are financed entirely by donations and run by a team of local trustees  

Do you have a statement of faith?

We do not align to any church tradition or denomination and welcome all whatever their church background. Our ethos and theology closely align with the Evangelical Alliance basis of faith Basis of faith - Evangelical Alliance (eauk.org)

Who works at QW?

The house is run by a team of four who live on site and simply love looking after the guests. You energise and enthuse us! Meet Our Team→

What Our Visitors Say

We have felt God's presence as we have learned to pause and enjoy peace and happiness again. CF, Cambridge

Truly blessed our socks off.
Youth Leaders Group, Cambridge

QW gave us a safe place to be open and receive God's healing hand at a difficult time. We feel more peaceful and refreshed.
RM, Cambridge

Coming to Quiet Waters I feel refreshed and uplifted both physically and at one with God. The peace and faithfulness I gained here with my group was lovely. Church group, London

I have had an amazing time, have been richly blessed, both by your caring, loving attention to detail and by God's presence in this delightful place.
SB, Hemel Hempstead

I felt very well looked after, loved, welcomed and TOTALLY cared for which I find very moving as it's something I don't receive much so THANK YOU all for your outstanding hospitality. AM, Norwich

I arrived with an open mind and leave with an open heart. God found me in my daily meditation, in the song of the trees, the wonderful company, conversation, sharing, delicious food, in the quiet stillness of being, and loving gratitude. IR, Norfolk

You have created an inviting, unobtrusive, gentle space which inevitably invites the presence of God. The essence and sense of God is everywhere and this completely fed into my time with the Lord wherever I was in the house and garden. DP, Cambridge