I would like to come on a course, where will I stay and what is the food like?
If your course is held in The Park, at Findhorn, you will stay in a eco-lodge or bungalow. If your course is at Cluny Hill College, you will stay there. Cluny is a grand former hotel in nearby Forres, while Newbold is a Victorian mansion also in Forres. Regardless of location, you will be sharing a room and facilities with other students on your course. It is possible to request a single room, which, if available, we will book it for you at an additional fee. All meals are vegetarian, using mostly organic ingredients including many fresh vegetables grown in the community.
What is it like to stay at Findhorn?
Whether in The Park, Cluny or Newbold, we are an active community and you are invited to join in some community-building activities. Depending on your course, you may join a service department (kitchen, garden or homecare) for part of the week, in order to experience more of our way of life. There are also daily meditations, evening events, talks and film screenings, which are open to all. Participants report that they feel welcomed, nourished and engaged during their time here.
I’d like to volunteer for the Findhorn College – is this possible?
While we occasionally have volunteer opportunities, we do not have any at present. If you would like to be added to the contact list for volunteering, please contact us.
Can I get a reduced course rate with a bursary?
We have a limited amount of bursaries we allocate each year. You can apply for a bursary during the booking process.
Can I do a work exchange in order to attend a course?
We do not offer work exchange opportunities at Findhorn College.
Can I come and stay at Findhorn College for free?
No, this is not possible.
Can I extend my stay before or after my course?
Prior residential arrangements before the start of your course are not made possible through Findhorn College. Upon arrival you are welcome to book yourself into a BnB to stay on after your course.
What are the future plans for Findhorn College?
A feasibility study was completed in 2017. Our strategic plan is to expand out education portfolio and develop our research work.
Why do your courses cost what they do?
The course fees the College sets reflect the costs incurred in running them.
How do I get to Findhorn?
Can I bring my friends/family/pet with me?
It is possible for friends and family to stay in a local bed and breakfast. It is not possible to have pets in our accommodation.
What is it like to stay at Findhorn?
Whether in The Park, Cluny or Newbold, we are an active community and you are invited to join in some community-building activities. Depending on your course, you may join a service department (kitchen, garden or homecare) for part of the week, in order to experience more of our way of life. There are also daily meditations, evening events, talks and film screenings, which are open to all. Participants report that they feel welcomed, nourished and engaged during their time here.
The community consists of around 500 people from all over the world with approximately 30 organisations and initiatives based here. The original Findhorn village is renowned for it’s sailing club and has around 1,000 residents. It has a café, two pubs and a small shop. The Park, the primary site of the Findhorn Foundation and eco-village, includes:
- A Community Centre with kitchens, dining space and a meeting room
- The Universal Hall, a major regional theatre complex
- Moray Arts Centre, craft studios and a general store
- Several meditation sanctuaries and a small library
- Numerous ecological buildings
- Wind farm and ‘living machine’ sewage treatment centre.
The Park is connected by regular Foundation buses to Forres and Cluny Hill. Forres is a charming old town, with a small High Street and several large supermarkets. Cluny Hill was formerly a grand hotel on the outskirts of Forres. It is home to around 30 community members and up to 100 guests on Foundation courses and College courses.
What’s there to do besides my course?
There is spectacular scenery and walks nearby including along the river Findhorn, the Moray Firth and the Cairngorms are an hours’ drive to the south. Group outings such as sailing, horse riding and canoeing can be easily arranged. Sports enthusiasts may wish to contact the tennis club, while volleyball is popular in The Park in the summer. There is a large golf course in Forres.
Evening activities may include art, pottery, dance and yoga classes, for which a small fee may apply. There are often shows and events such as theatre performances, comedy, live music and community ‘sharings’ (cabaret-style shows featuring local talent) in the Universal Hall. You can check their schedule HERE. Group silent meditations are available three times a day.
Findhorn and Forres are not known for their lively nightlife, however there are several pubs and nightclubs open late in Forres. Inverness and Aberdeen are 27 and 77 miles away respectively and can be reached easily by train or bus.
What are the values and aims of the Findhorn Ecovillage?
The Findhorn Ecovillages' core principles of inner listening, work as service, and a commitment to sustainable living through co-creation with the intelligence of Nature - are prevalent in daily life here. People come to our Ecovillage for a variety of reasons, but interests in personal growth and a holistic way of life are common themes. Spirituality is a strong feature, although the community promotes no specific religion or set of beliefs. Many people who come here experience some form of transformation or new understanding about themselves and the world. Many of the courses offered throughout our learning centre encourage personal reflection and opportunities to share one’s experiences within a safe, supportive group.
Although the Findhorn Ecovillage has been going for over 50 years, topics such as decision-making, financial stability, and diversity are still debated and discussed. This is not a utopia, and people here as everywhere frequently disagree. Know that this is an experimental space and know that you don’t have to like it all! We are still learning and developing.
Can I run my own activity through the College?
We do work with selected partners for certain courses and events. Please contact the College team for further information.