About
About Hill House
Hill House Christian Centre exists to support believers and churches from around the UK, with a focus on blessing every young person that visits us.
Our story began back in 1945, when a group of Christians from Bristol realised that young people in the area would greatly benefit from fun holidays in a Christian environment.
Today, Hill House comprises a collection of modernised buildings and beautiful outdoor spaces set in 15 acres of rolling Somerset countryside.
We welcome over one hundred groups each year and are delighted to hear stories of people growing in faith, making new friends and creating great memories while staying here.
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In our main house,which can sleep up to 68 people, there is an industrial kitchen, a large dining area, a refurbished conference room, a tuck shop, a gift shop and several large bedrooms.
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In our annexe,which can sleep up to 28 people in comfortable en-suite bedrooms, there is a fully-equipped kitchen, a dining area, and a comfortable conference room.
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Out in the grounds, there is a large woodland and plenty of green spaces. You’ll never be short of things to do with access to our football pitch, swimming pool, volleyball net, nature trail, high ropes course, play area and more.
See you soon
Whether you are a parent, teacher, youth leader, church worker, group leader, or individual planning a retreat, Hill House looks forward to welcoming you. We hope and trust you will leave feeling refreshed, encouraged and inspired!
History
The story of Hill House began just after the Second World War.
In 1945, Bristol Christian Youth Trust (BCYT) was formed by a group of Christians from Bristol’s evangelical Brethren Churches.
Sensing that young people in the area would hugely benefit from an annual holiday in an encouraging environment, they organised the first camp in the summer of 1946, with sites rented at Brean, near Weston-Super-Mare.
These summer camps continued in Brean for eleven years, then moved a few miles down the coast to Berrow, continuing until 1972 when the site at Berrow was sold.
An extensive search for a suitable site followed and, in 1976, BCYT purchased Hill House.
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Originally a Georgian home built by the Everard family in 1766, Hill House hosted evacuees during the Second World War and later became home to St Hilda Girls School.
When Hill House was purchased, it was in a dilapidated state. The roof at the rear had collapsed, there was extensive fire damage throughout, and rotten timbers and rubble covered much of the floor. However, a team of volunteers lovingly restored the grand building and enabled the summer camps to be resumed in 1977. It wasn’t long before weekend groups were also making use of the House.
Hill House Christian Centre Ltd – a registered charity – was formed in 2009 and became the residential centre we know and love today. It is used throughout the year by many Churches and groups of all ages as a Christian conference centre and residential venue.
Hill House also provides activity days and residential programmes for schools which challenge and encourage young people as they explore the natural world and connect with their peers.
Summer youth camps are still held for four weeks of the school holidays and a Family Camp is held during the second May bank holiday.
Camps
You can find more information about our camps here:
Summer Camp
Family Camp
Visits
And for day visits and residential trips, please follow these links:
Groups
Schools
Retreats
