Our History
Bristol Christian Youth Trust (BCYT) originated in 1945 when a group of Christians from Bristol’s evangelical Brethren Churches saw the need to provide Christian camping holidays for young people in the area. The first camp took place in the summer of 1946 by renting camp sites at Brean, near Weston-super-Mare. The camps continued at Brean for eleven years before moving a few miles down the coast to Berrow where they carried on until 1972, when due to the sale of the site, BCYT had to look for an alternative venue for the summer youth camps.
An extensive search for a suitable site followed and in 1976, Hill House was purchased. Originally, it was an 18th century Georgian home built in 1766 by the Everard family. During the second World War it was used to house evacuees and later became home to St Hilda Girls School.
At the time of purchase, Hill House was in a very dilapidated state. The roof at the rear had collapsed, there was extensive fire damage throughout, with rotten timbers and rubble lying over much of the floor. However, many willing volunteers used their practical skills and undertook a vast range of building tasks which enabled the summer camps to be resumed in 1977 and weekend groups to use the House shortly after.
Hill House Christian Centre Ltd was formed in 2009 and became the residential centre we know and love today. It is used throughout the year by many Churches, as a Christian residential and conference centre for all ages.
We also offer a fantastic location for residential school trips. The centre aims to provide a programme which will excite, challenge and encourage young people to appreciate and enjoy the environment around them as well as value each other.
Summer youth camps are still held for the five weeks of the school holidays and a Family Camp is held during Spring bank holiday.
Hill House caters for small and large groups alike and offers the choice of the Main House or more modern Annexe.
You are certain of a warm welcome at Hill House and we hope that you will choose us as the ideal venue for your time away.