About
WhatisSwanwickBibleWeekends?
A family Bible study weekend since the early 1950s.
Running since the early 1950s · Swanwick, Derbyshire
Our story
A gathering of the spiritual family
Every spring since the early 1950s, Christadelphian families from across the UK have gathered at Hayes Conference Centre for a weekend set entirely apart from normal life.
1950s
Running since
~200
Attend each year
400+
Peak attendance
Fri–Sun
Full board weekend
“There is nothing quite like being at Swanwick for a whole weekend with the spiritual family.”
Swanwick Bible Weekends has always been a gathering of the wider spiritual family rather than a conference. The rhythm is unhurried by design — time to study together, time to eat together, time simply to be together — with fellowship running right through from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon.
Around 200 people attend each year — from babies and young children right through to the most senior members of the brotherhood. Alongside the main study sessions, children are catered for from the very youngest through the school years, with age-specific classes run by a dedicated team.
Swanwick is unlike any other study weekend — a great mix of study, activities, and free time, with the unique benefit of being together on-site for the entire weekend. First-timers always find a warm welcome.
Since the 1950s
A Swanwick journey
Founded
Swanwick Bible Weekends begins as a Christadelphian family gathering at Hayes Conference Centre in Derbyshire — a weekend apart from the world to study, worship, and fellowship together.
A gathering of hundreds
At the height of its popularity, over 400 brothers and sisters gather each year from across the UK — a testament to the unique atmosphere that makes Swanwick unlike any other study event.
An established home
Hayes Conference Centre becomes the permanent and beloved home of Swanwick, with en-suite rooms, full board, and the Derbyshire countryside providing the perfect backdrop.
Evolving for families
The programme is thoughtfully reshaped — breathing room built into the timetable, dedicated children's classes for every age, family dining, and Saturday afternoon option groups introduced.
Swanwick today
Around 200 attendees gather each spring for a weekend of study, fellowship, and renewal. The tradition continues — and 2027 bookings are now open.
The family weekend concept
How the weekend works
The programme has been shaped over the years to give everyone — especially young families — more breathing room and choice. Here's how that looks in practice.
Breathing Space
One of the most noticeable changes in recent years has been the deliberate removal of the constant rush. Revised timings have built in more gaps — time to sit and talk after a study, to take a breath, or simply to enjoy being at Swanwick without feeling like you're always watching the clock.
Family Dining
Tables in the dining room can be allocated for specific families, meaning you always have a familiar place to settle at mealtimes. But there's also every opportunity to mix — to join a different table and find yourself in conversation with brothers and sisters you wouldn't otherwise have had the chance to meet.
Crèche Link
The crèche is equipped with an audio/visual link to the main study sessions, so parents with very young children can fully follow the talks without missing a word. Your little ones are looked after by a dedicated team in a safe, welcoming environment.
Young People
Children and young people have their own organised programme — from outdoor sports and games to creative activities and social time. Sessions are arranged by age group, so everyone from primary school age through to their mid-teens is with their peers. Many children say Swanwick is one of the highlights of their year.
Choice Sessions
Saturday afternoon opens the programme up. A range of smaller option sessions and discussion groups run in parallel, giving you the chance to explore topics in more depth or hear from additional speakers. It's one of the most popular parts of the weekend.
Whole-Family Worship
Several sessions across the weekend bring the whole gathering together — all ages, all at once. Family worship on Friday and Saturday evenings, the Sunday morning Breaking of Bread, and the Sunday afternoon Family Service draw every member of the spiritual family into one shared act of devotion.
Hayes Conference Centre · Derbyshire
Book your place at Swanwick 2027
2027 bookings are now open.