The Pilsdon Community - Bridport

Weikai G.

I stayed at Pilsdon for three nights, in an annex for visitors. The ensuite room was simple, comfortable and immaculately clean. It had French doors opening out onto the vegetable garden, and every night I had a view of the sunset.

Pilsdon is a smallholding based around a beautiful manor house and gardens, with a church, accommodation, agricultural buildings and land for keeping animals and growing food. It is in a beautiful and secluded part of Dorset with rolling hills for miles around. On top of nearby Pilsdon Pen (the local peak) you can admire the landscape and the sea.

It is a working community – as a visitor I didn’t have to help, but I did. Anything that you might do on a farm, you will find here. My highlight was feeding the calves and milking the cows! I felt that the work is part of the experience, and working alongside others gave me a real sense of community and belonging while I was there. I also got to meet interesting people from all walks of life.

I was amply rewarded with the food, which is amazing. There is a constant supply of freshly baked bread, topped with butter, milk and yoghurt from the cows. The vegetable garden provides a lot of produce for our meals, and everything is cooked with love. There is plenty of variety in the meals and in between, there is tea, toast and refreshments.

I came here to be on retreat, but this is not a retreat centre. There is however, all the flexibility to do what I want. There is plenty of space to be by myself, to be silent, to contemplate. There are four short daily prayer / meditation sessions, and a weekly Sunday service. I could attend any of them, or not, it’s up to me. Pilsdon is a community built on Christian principles, but all faiths are welcome.

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Pilsdon. I made new friends, experienced new things, and became a member of a caring community. It was a special experience, and I hope to go back again!

E. Z. M.

Beautiful grounds in the Dorset countryside which contains an old Manor House and church which opens up to wayfarers each weekend. Also houses longer terms guests by application. Lovely animals, great home cooked food and a friendly, warm and comforting welcome to people who stop by here. Alcohol strictly not permitted.

andrew M.

Great place to stay been going for sixty years where homeless people can come and test etc

Ebenezer

Never in my life have I received such a welcome, been visiting for about 35 years and I hope it continues moving forward and growing 4 ever.

Chris B.

This Christian Community does wonderful works looking after people who are in need of help.

Andrew P.

Lovely place and long-term guests (most of whom are vunerable adults with mental health and/or addiction issues) but the place is currently let down by (certain) staff (members) who care for nothing but themselves and their own agendas and the place is currently run by an American bully warden who lacks empathy and can get very agressive and starts swearing at guests when angry. People are afraid to speak out for fear of becoming homeless. Don't be fooled by fake smiles and cups of tea. Underneath the surface is a system of oppression and fear. Hopefully a new warden (and hopefully new members too) will bring new hope and light to this community, currently under a shadow of darkness.

Peter S.

Donated bedding and towels, they do good work.

Kevin F. (.

Wonderful Place To Place