Young Adults Week 2027
14 August 2027 @ 3:00 pm - 20 August 2027 @ 9:00 am
Young Adults Week is for people aged 18–35 who are looking for meaningful conversation, creativity and community. Together, we’ll explore how imagination can help us respond to the challenges of our time with hope, courage and a renewed sense of possibility.
Through workshops, discussion and shared experiences, participants will engage with new ideas, learn from inspiring projects and connect with others who care about faith, culture, creativity and positive change. Set within the unique setting of Iona Abbey, this young adults programme offers space to build friendships, explore big questions and imagine a hopeful future together.
Costs: 6 Nights: £960 or £480 concession.
Where: The Iona Abbey
When: 14.08.2027 – 20.08.2027
Led by: Grace Pengelly and Indigo Maynard Watts
About the programme
Young Adults Week is for people aged 18–35 who want to connect with others, explore big questions and discover fresh reasons for hope in a complex world. Whether you’re studying, working, navigating change or simply wondering what comes next, this week offers space to pause, reflect and be part of a supportive community.
Together, we’ll explore how creativity, imagination and collective action can help us respond to the challenges of our time. Through conversation, workshops and shared experiences, we’ll engage with questions around faith, justice, identity, community and change, while learning from one another’s perspectives and experiences.
Set within the unique rhythm of life at Iona Abbey, this young adults programme offers opportunities to build meaningful friendships, enjoy time in nature and take part in community life. There will be space for both laughter and reflection, serious conversation and simple enjoyment of being together.
At its heart, this week is about discovering hope—not as wishful thinking, but as something we can nurture, practise and share with others. If you’re looking for connection, inspiration and a chance to imagine new possibilities, you’ll find a warm welcome here.
Meet the Programme Leader(s)
Grace Pengelly is a writer, editor and facilitator from Somerset, UK. Previously a Commissioning Editor for HarperCollins, she now works as an independent editor for authors and publishing houses. Fascinated by the intersections of culture, politics, art and faith, she publishes essays on her newsletter, The Murmuration. She regularly appears on podcasts, in print and at festivals as a speaker. Grace has two small children and lives in Somerset.
Indigo Maynard Watts is a writer and artist from Gloucestershire, with a particular interest in the political and spiritual nuances of British counterculture. She has led workshops across a range of festivals including Greenbelt, and is a member of the Iona Community’s Young Adults Group.
What to expect
Each day will combine conversation, creativity, reflection and community as we explore what it means to find hope and build change in today’s world. Through workshops, discussions and shared experiences, we’ll engage with new ideas, learn from one another and consider how we can respond to the challenges and opportunities around us.
Alongside the programme sessions, you’ll share in the daily rhythm of life at Iona Abbey, including services, meals and community life. There will also be time to explore the island, enjoy the natural beauty of Iona and continue conversations beyond the formal programme.
This young adults week is designed to be participatory, welcoming and thought-provoking. Whether you’re bringing questions, ideas or simply a desire to connect with others, you’ll find space to reflect, contribute and be inspired. Together, we’ll explore faith and creativity, community and hope while building meaningful connections with people from a range of backgrounds and experiences.
Key Information
Before booking, it’s helpful to know that this programme is designed for young adults aged 18–35. The week combines facilitated discussions, creative activities, community life and personal reflection, creating space to connect with others, explore new ideas and engage with questions of hope, faith and change.
Whether you’re attending on your own or with friends, you’ll be welcomed into the life of the Abbey community and encouraged to participate in ways that feel meaningful to you.
Who is this programme for?
This programme is open to adults aged 18–35 who are interested in:
- Community and connection
- Creativity and collaboration
- Faith, spirituality and reflection
- Social and environmental justice
- Exploring hope and positive change
- No previous experience or specialist knowledge is required.
Booking Information
What's included
Your stay at Iona Abbey includes everything you need to fully take part in the experience:
+ Accommodation in the Abbey
+ Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
+ All programme sessions
+ Music, art and craft opportunities
+ Guided walks
Pricing & discounts
Prices vary depending on the type of week and length of stay.
- Standard week (6 nights): from £960 (adult)
- Reduced rates available from £480
- Children aged 5–15: £480
- Children under 5: free (contact [email protected])
A 20% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking.
We offer a 50% reduced rate for eligible UK residents, including:
+ Students
+ Those on state benefits or pension
+ Those earning below the real living wage
+ Refugees, asylum seekers, or those experiencing homelessness
A 15% family discount is automatically applied for groups of four or more (where adults pay full price).
We also have an Access Fund to support those who would not otherwise be able to attend.
Food & dietary
All meals are provided, with a focus on:
+ Healthy, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients
+ Primarily vegetarian meals (with one optional meat meal per week)
We can cater for most dietary requirements (including vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free), but please let us know in advance.
Accommodation
+ 21 guest rooms (single, twin, triple and family rooms)
+ Some rooms are accessible, with lift access available to certain areas
+ Guests may be asked to share a room, particularly if travelling alone
+ Families of up to four can usually be accommodated in one room
If you have specific requirements (e.g. accessibility or room type), please let us know when booking.
For full room details and accessibility information, see our Accommodation FAQs.
Support our Access Fund
While you are making your own booking, please consider making a donation towards the Access Fund if you are able to, which allows financially disadvantaged people to stay at Iona Abbey. Thank you.
Your gift would help to pay towards:
| £1,000 | A week for a family on Iona |
| £300 | A week for a person on Iona |
| £200 | A week for a child on Iona |
| £100 | A week for a person at Camas |
| £50 | A night on Iona |
| £25 | A night at Camas |
Planning your stay
Getting to Iona
Travelling to Iona is part of the experience and involves:
+ Ferry from Oban to Mull
+ Bus across Mull
+ Ferry from Fionnphort to Iona
We recommend planning your journey in advance and allowing plenty of time.
Arrival and Stay
+ Arrival day is typically Saturday from 3pm onwards
+ You’ll be welcomed at the jetty or Abbey on arrival
+ Guests are invited to take part in daily community life, including optional worship and light shared tasks
Important to know
- Participants must be aged 18–35
- No prior experience is required
- Full balance must be paid 6 weeks before arrival
- Cancellations within 6 weeks are non-refundable
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended
- The Abbey is an alcohol-free environment
- WiFi is available but may be limited
Need help?
If you have any questions before booking, you can contact the team at [email protected]
USA North East