Address
Ashburnham Christian Trust
Ashburnham Place
Battle
East Sussex
TN33 9NF
United Kingdom
Finding us
Note the postcode may take you to the backtrack which is closed for public access.
Please use the main entrance to Ashburnham Place found via the A271 Kitchenham Road.
Contacting us
Opening hours
Reception and Bookings office
Reception and Bookings office
Tuesday – Sunday
9am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm
Monday
Not currently open
- No picnics, BBQs or swimming available to Day Visitors.
- Assistance or service dogs only as our grounds are designated as a site of special scientific interest (SSSI).
Send a message
About Catalyst
The Catalyst Programme is a residential volunteer experience where young people from all over the world participate in a rhythm of service, community living and teaching at Ashburnham Place.
Service
Service
Service is at the heart of our programme. Volunteers have the opportunity to grow in hospitality and generosity and learn important life skills.
Community
Community
An international and diverse Christian community, made up of staff and volunteers from all over the world.
Teaching
Teaching
Christ-centred teaching set around ten modules, aimed at helping you to reflect on how following Jesus involves your whole life.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions about the Catalyst programme at Ashburnham Place.
What is community life like at Ashburnham Place?
Community life is diverse, communal, and formative. You’ll live closely with people from up to 20 nationalities, which brings joy, challenge, and meaningful personal growth. Differences in culture, communication, and habits can be stretching, but they are also seen as opportunities for growth and Christian discipleship.
Will I need to speak English all the time?
Yes. The community uses English intentionally so everyone feels included. This immersion helps most people improve their English quickly. Weekly English classes are currently offered and led by a qualified teacher, although availability may change in the future.
What is the food like?
Meals are generally good, varied, and inclusive. There are plenty of vegetarian options and lots of vegetables. The food reflects the diversity of the community, and most people find something they enjoy at every meal—even if it’s different from what they’re used to at home.
Is Ashburnham Place suitable for introverts?
Yes, though it requires intention. While community life can feel busy, Ashburnham is large enough to find quiet spaces, such as rooms in the prayer centre or the surrounding woodlands. Taking time alone is possible, but you may need to be deliberate and disciplined about it.
How much privacy will I have?
Privacy is limited but not absent. You’ll share a house, often a room, and work within a team. However, you are encouraged to step away for personal time when needed, and there are places on the site where you can be alone.
What is the work like?
Work intensity varies:
If you’ve worked in a professional environment, the pace may feel less intense, though some seasons are busier.
If you’re new to regular work or chores, it may feel very demanding.
Overall, work is viewed as an opportunity to learn service, responsibility, and hard work.
Is Ashburnham Place busier at certain times of year?
Yes. Summer is usually busier, with more guests and larger groups. However, Ashburnham Place is now active all year round, with less difference between “quiet” and “busy” seasons than in the past.
Will I make close friends?
Very likely. It’s natural to form close friendships with certain people, while still mixing widely through shared living, work teams, house meetings, and communal spaces. Friendship is seen as a vital and meaningful part of community life.
How does spirituality fit into daily life?
Spiritual life and friendship are deeply connected. Time with God is encouraged both individually and through relationships. Quiet, reflective time supports healthy friendships, but it takes intentionality amid a socially rich environment.
What happens when people leave or arrive?
There are three changeovers each year, with around 15–25 volunteers changing at a time. These transitions bring fresh energy and new dynamics, but also require saying goodbye. Many friendships continue over distance after people leave.
How will I adjust to being away from family?
Adjustment looks different for everyone, but there is strong support through:
House meetings
Household hosts
Mentoring
Pastoral care
Many people find that their house and team relationships quickly begin to feel like family. Missing parents is normal, and the community offers plenty of care, compassion, and support.
What does the word “House” mean at Ashburnham Place, and what kind of work does it involve?
Spiritual life and friendship are deeply connected. Time with God is encouraged both individually and through relationships. Quiet, reflective time supports healthy friendships, but it takes intentionality amid a socially rich environment.
Will I have to share a bedroom, and what is that experience like?
Yes, it’s very likely you’ll share a bedroom with at least one other person. While that might feel a bit daunting at first, the rooms are quite spacious. For many people, sharing a room is a great way to build deep and lasting friendships.
Is the work physical, and which teams have the most physically demanding roles?
Volunteers work hard at Ashburnham Place, no matter which team they’re on. All teams include some physical work, but the Grounds team tends to be the most demanding — for example, clearing branches or digging drainage trenches. The Hospitality team can also be physical, with tasks like making beds and carrying laundry.
How remote is Ashburnham Place? Is there public transport to nearby towns?
Ashburnham Place is in the heart of the East Sussex countryside. The site covers over 220 acres and includes meadows, lakes, parkland and gardens. Although it’s a rural location, the towns of Battle and Bexhill are only a few miles away and both have good transport links to cities like London and Brighton. We run an ‘Ash Taxi’ service to Bexhill three times a week, and there’s also a helpful council-led ‘Flexibus’ service. For a small fee, it can pick you up from Ashburnham Place and take you to different spots in the county.
How can I manage my time well and make space for God during the programme?
There’s a lot going on at Ashburnham Place — from volunteering shifts and teaching sessions to worship nights and Sunday Celebrations, plus lots of social time with other volunteers. It can feel busy! But there are also plenty of chances to slow down and spend time with God. This can be through group activities like prayer ministry or contemplative walks, or on your own during your free time.
Setting aside regular quiet times for prayer or reflection takes a bit of self-discipline, but it’s worth it — these are good habits for life. We also offer resources and teaching to help you grow both spiritually and socially during your time here.
What is it like living in community at Ashburnham Place?
Living in community is both rewarding and challenging. You will live alongside people from many different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. This brings a rich mix of perspectives, languages, and ways of understanding faith.
At times, differences in habits, communication, or culture can be challenging. You may feel frustrated or misunderstood. These moments are also opportunities to grow, learn patience, and become more open to others. Living in community helps people grow personally and spiritually.
How can I improve my English while living at Ashburnham Place?
English is the main language spoken in the community so that everyone feels included. Your English will improve naturally as you speak with others every day.
English classes are also offered to help you gain confidence and feel settled more quickly. These classes support both speaking and understanding English in daily life.
What is volunteer changeover, and why is it difficult?
There are three changeover periods each year when volunteers leave and new volunteers arrive. Each changeover can involve a large number of people.
New groups bring energy and fresh perspectives. Saying goodbye to close friends can be difficult, especially when friendships continue across distance.
How do volunteers cope with being away from family?
Everyone adjusts differently. Ashburnham Place offers strong support through house meetings, household hosts, mentoring, and pastoral care.
Many volunteers find that the community feels like family quite quickly. Missing home is normal, but care and support are always available.
Are English classes provided for volunteers?
Yes. English classes are currently provided weekly. They are led by a qualified teacher who gives her time to support volunteers.
While classes are available now, schedules may change in the future depending on availability.
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