Rookhow

12/08/2026

VOLUNTEERING AT ROOKHOW
Every Friday we hold volunteer work parties at Rookhow 9.30am-3.30pm. Friday is turnaround day so it's a chance to maintain the buildings and site in between groups staying. Tasks include DIY, painting, mowing the lawns, taking our invasive species in the woodland, chopping kindling, looking after the yurt, keeping the garage in order and sorting books and games. Some people who come are Quakers but some people are not. Local people have joined to lend a hand and love the team spirit, purposefulness, interesting conversations and of course the homemade cakes! We can provide travel expenses and all material and tools. Please contact Sue Nicholls, Development Manager Email- [email protected] Tel 07377 971783.
https://volunteering.cumbriacvs.org.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10210078

02/08/2026

Wild fire risk continues to be high and Rookhow guests are not allowed to light fires until the weather changes. We know this is a disappointment but it's critical for public safety.

Published 23 June 2026

28/07/2026

Cancellation! We’ve had a cancellation for a weekend in August. 14th to 17th is now free. Costs £410 per night, minimum stay 2 nights

14/07/2026

ROOKHOW RETREAT AWAY FUND
Over 2,000 people have benefitted from the Retreat Away Fund over the last 5 years. In July and August alone, 14 Retreat Away groups will be staying at Rookhow, including refugees, families on low incomes, LGBTQ+ youth groups, people dealing with domestic abuse and addictions and young people with complex needs.
We are grateful to the Quaker Meetings and individuals who support the fund. Rookhow also puts 5% of its booking income into the scheme. You can donate through our CAF donate page: https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/14988
The next deadline for applications is 1st October. Contact Sue Nicholls, Development managher for more details: [email protected]

29/06/2026

ROOKHOW- DAY HIRE OF WOODLAND IN THE SUMMER & RESIDENTIALS
We have a few dates left over the Summer either for residential 2 night stays (£840/ £1,060 for 2 nights) or for local groups to hire the woodland and Quaker Meeting House just for the day (£120 per day). Check availability: https://rookhow.org.uk/book-now Phone Sue if you’re interested: 07377 971783

10/06/2026

A rare cancellation at this favourite Lake District Bunkbarn. Stay with extended family or friends for a Summer celebration. 12 acres of ancient oak woodland to yourselves with yurt, campfire, outdoor seating and plenty of space to roam.

06/06/2026

Looking forward to our Lanequest event on tuesday 9th June.

Registration opens at 5pm, riders go off from 5.30pm.

Lanequest is bike orienteering, you get a map and ride to as many of the controls as possible in 2 hours. Great fun on the beautiful lanes of the Rusland valley.

Really inclusive, e-bikes welcome, pairs, singles, child/parent combos.

And afterwards enjoy delicious curry from our supporter Rock Cottage Dining (thank you Simon)

https://www.wheelbase.co.uk/blog/wheelbase-lakeland-lanequest-2026/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSQyDpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFIa0J0bDJvNmdTRGNoRE1jc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHsXvXM_Qwc1BhSpxKD2-Hd5HBAyqSnrYH7NWEfR74CDJ79lzQb3Fn6ezxERh_aem_uFQ_sLZ-LmTuoo7G92xIQA

Wheelbase is back! RESULTS View Overall Results (pending) Tuesday 2nd June – The Club Inn – Pending Tuesday 9th June – Rookhow Bunkbarn – Pending Tuesday 16th June – Sizergh Cafe…

03/06/2026

MEET A TREE DAY at Rookhow: Thursday 24th September with Gareth Thomas from Woodmatters

Booking is now open for an immersive day in Quakers' Wood in September. Spend a day getting to know a tree inside and out. You will never look at a tree in quite the same way again! How does a tree move water, support massive branches, drop its leaves in Autumn? What lives in, on and under a tree? How does a tree interrelate with the world around it? What is our ancestral and spiritual connection to trees and why do we feel such a bond with them? How can we use the timber and retain traditional skills in woodwork and woodland care?

We will explore the structural, forestry, ecological and spiritual aspects of trees and our relationships with them. There will be hands on activities that help you understand trees alongside an opportunity to carve a reminder of your day. The day will leave you with a deepened understanding and sense of wonder at the trees we all pass every day and don’t often acknowledge for how special they are. Please come dressed for the weather and bring a packed lunch. Suggested donation £40. Quakers and non Quakers welcome.
https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/113733

19/05/2026

As we have previously, this year Rookhow is organisIng a Lakeland Lanequest event. These are bike orienteering events (not bike races!), very inclusive and fun. Race on your own, as a pair, as a mixed age pair, on an e-bike.
There’s a series of six eve , all near Kendal. Do one or do them all. Run by volunteers and raises money for local charities
We also need a couple of volunteers on the night of 9th June if anyone can help

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Gx9QQCaLv/

18/05/2026

RECONCILIATION WEEKEND AT ROOKHOW
12 of us have spent a truly beautiful weekend at Rookhow with Hannah and Anna from the Rose Castle Foundation looking at the 12 habits of a reconciler: creativity, empathy, vulnerability, hope, lament, hospitality, gratitude, generosity, humility, stewardship, forgiveness and curiosity. Thank you to everyone for sharing so deeply and supporting each other in our journeys. The vibrant green woodland and peaceful simple Meeting House were a stunning backdrop for our exploring. https://www.rosecastlefoundation.org/habits