Encounter Weekend Away 2026

In February 2026 Encounter is once again heading back to the beautiful Fairthorne Manor for our annual weekend away.

The Encounter youth weekend 2026 will be happening 6th to 8th February for anyone in school years 7-13. Fairthorne Manor is an ideal venue, with exciting activities, gorgeous grounds and some great space for our devotions as well.  Our weekend away is always the highlight of the youthwork year—there’s going to be a full-on programme with a load of outdoor activities, crafts, games, chill times, worship and opportunities to meet with God.  There’s also going to be lots of time and space to relax in the gorgeous Fairthorne grounds.

The place

Fairthorne Manor is a YMCA  residential activity centre located just outside Botley. It is situated on the river  Hamble and the wooded site offers plenty of space for outdoor activities. Their fully trained staff will be catering for us and also instructing some of our more exciting outdoor activities.  The postcode is SO30 2GH and you’ll find it off the A3051 five minutes outside Botley.

Money and Stuff

The weekend costs £140.  We realise this is a lot of money and would encourage you to speak to your church youth leader if the price is going to be a problem.

Booking

It is going to be a fantastic weekend!  If you want to join us you need to book using our online form below.  You need to complete the form and pay your deposit before the end of November to reserve your place.  After Christmas we will send out a kit list, a medical form and lots more details.

Any questions, please contact your own youth leader in the first instance.  If they don’t know the answer please contact Paul.

All the important details

When: Friday 6th February– Sunday 8th February 2026

Where: Fairthorne Manor, YMCA, Southampton SO30 2GH

Cost: £140 (Includes food, activities, accommodation etc. but not transport to and from the venue). You can secure your place with a £50 deposit and pay the remainder by mid-January 2026.

Pick up and Drop off: From Fairthorne Manor on the Friday and Sunday afternoons

Accommodation: Dormatories with bunk beds.

If you want to book

  1. Complete the booking form below.
  2. Please make your payment by BACS using the following details:
    • Sort code: 30-90-86
    • A/C: 01432334
    • Reference: “YWA26” and your full name