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A Place for Community and WelcomeSt Stephen’s Hall is at the heart of parish life at St Hugh of Lincoln—a welcoming and flexible space where…
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Claret Centre at Buckden Towers
A place to step away, gather,
and reflect at Buckden Towers
Set within the historic grounds of Buckden Towers, the Claret Centre offers a peaceful setting for retreats, group stays, and quiet days of reflection. Whether you are planning time away with others or seeking space for yourself, you are warmly welcome.
Retreats • Group stays • Quiet days • Meetings
Set within historic grounds near St Neots, the Claret Centre offers a peaceful and hospitable environment for reflection, learning, prayer, and encounter. Alongside church and parish groups, we warmly welcome organisations and communities of other faiths or of no faith who share our values and are engaged in supporting, serving, and strengthening others.
Welcome from the Director
For centuries, Buckden has been a place where people paused on their journey. As a village on important routes, it was known for its coaching inns, where travellers would stop to rest, gather strength, and prepare for what lay ahead. When Buckden Towers was home to the bishops, that same spirit of hospitality continued, offering welcome, rest, and renewal before people returned to the responsibilities of their calling.
That tradition continues today. As Claretian Missionaries, our call is to accompany people in their lives, their questions, and their hopes. We seek to support those who serve others by offering a place to pause, to rest, to reflect, and to be renewed for the journey ahead.
Whether you come as part of a church group, a community organisation, or a team working for the wellbeing of others, you are welcome here. We hope the Claret Centre will be a place where you feel genuinely welcomed, listened to, and supported.
Fr Paul Smyth CMF
Director, The Claret Centre
Come and enjoy our tranquil and calm centre
What We Offer
Who We Welcome
Coming soon
Plan Your Visit
📍 Buckden Towers, Buckden, St Neots, PE19 5TA
📞 01480 810344
✉️ claret_centre@buckdentowers.com
🕘 Office hours: Monday–Friday, 9.00am–5.00pm
Stay at the Towers
Set in 15 acres of historic gardens and grounds, Buckden Towers offers seclusion and tranquility at an accessible location.
Safeguarding & Health and Safety
The Claretian Missionaries are committed to safeguarding children, young people, and adults at risk. They are also committed to supporting those who may have experienced abuse in Church situations. one service they support is ‘Safe Spaces‘ an independent and confidential support service.
Safeguarding policies and procedures are in place to ensure a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all who participate in parish life.
The Claretian Missionaries work in collaboration with the Religious Life Safeguarding Service (RLSS) for dealing with all safeguarding matters.
Frequently asked questions
Got some questions for us? Hopefully we’ve answered most of them but if you’ve still got a few more to ask, feel free to send us a message.
Can I stay at Buckden Towers?
Who are the Claretian Missonaries?
Did Katherine of Aragon stay at Buckden Towers?
Who was St Hugh of Lincoln?
Can you walk around Buckden Towers?
Help keep our beautiful historic building for future generations
Buckden Towers stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of our past. Your support is vital in ensuring the preservation and restoration of these remarkable buildings.