The Poplars
A Christian retreat venue with a heart for welcoming churches, youth groups, and Christian organisations.
Our Story
“As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord”
Joshua 24:15
Dan and Kate Ritchie, a young(ish!) Christian couple, manage The Poplars. Dan grew up near Montreux, Switzerland (hence his love for skiing!), moving to Bristol for secondary school. He then attended Moorlands College before working for St Michael's, Paris as a student pastor. From there he moved to Kingham Hill School, in the Cotswolds, where he was one of the chaplains and a housemaster to 70 boys. It was during his time there that he met Kate…
Kate grew up in South Africa, living in Johannesburg and Cape Town (hence her love for beaches!) She studied at The University of Cape Town before teaching at a Girls' school in Cape Town. From there she moved to Cheltenham, teaching at Cheltenham Ladies' College, Cheltenham College and Pates' Grammar School. During this time she met Dan and after he pleaded with her to marry him, she eventually agreed and moved to Kingham Hill School, where she ran a boarding house for girls aged 11–14.
Dan and Kate have five children, and they moved their family from Kingham Hill School to The Poplars in July 2015. Why?
“A key reason for our Christian faith is some wonderful times away with other believers. Whether it has been a summer youth camp (we can recall over 30!), a weekend away with a university CU or on a church retreat, we can honestly say that those times have led to us meeting some of our closest friends, having huge amounts of fun and most importantly learning of our Saviour's immense love. We moved to The Poplars because we believe that it is a unique place that is ideally suited for times away and our prayer is that The Poplars will provide similar experiences for you.”
Our Vision
To glorify God and to offer affordable accommodation to larger Christian groups.
A Rich History
Earliest recorded inhabitant at The Poplars — Roger De Dick
The Stables was built
The Granary was built
The Georgian Farmhouse and Tithe Barn were built
The first apple trees were planted
During the war years, potatoes and cereals were grown here
The first tractor arrived, followed by electricity in 1946!
The first Christian house party was hosted
The last apple was sold as all fruit production at the farm ceased
Stable Block converted to accommodation
The Ritchie family moved onsite
The Victor Sports Hall was built
“As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
What People Say About The Poplars
“The Poplars is a wonderful venue — we've been going for over 25 years. The facilities are excellent, the setting is beautiful, and Dan and Kate are the most welcoming hosts.”
“The Poplars is a place of real refreshment. The setting is glorious, the facilities are first-rate, and the welcome is warm and genuine. A wonderful place for Christian groups.”
“The Poplars is a fantastic venue — we had an incredible time. The grounds are beautiful, the sports hall is brilliant, and the hosts could not have been more accommodating.”
Ready to Plan Your Retreat?
Get in touch with Dan to check availability and start planning your group's stay at The Poplars.