Can anyone recommend a retreat?

[StrangeSenseOfCalm]

I've been thinking about going on a retreat for ages, but I'm looking into it more seriously now and am wondering if anyone has got any recommendations?

Probably just a weekend one for now as I'm not sure I can afford much more than that.

I'm based in the south of England so if there's anything in this area then even better.

Thank you!

What sort of retreat? Yoga, artist, meditation.. ?

Well I'm not an expert in any of those things! In fact I would be a complete beginner in all!

I used to go for a week with monks in Dorset, from several decades. Most recently five days with monks in Devon. Adequate room, good food, lovely local walks, acres of silence, community prayers optional but wonderful.

When I first went to Gladstone’s Library it was more like a proper retreat - now it’s pretty much a BnB with library attached, but still a lovely break if you want intelligent company rather than silence.

https://www.gladstoneslibrary.org/

I haven’t found this terrifically helpful - but you might:

https://www.retreats.org.uk/findaretreat

Hi OP,
It all depends on the sort of thing you want to do. I go to a few retreats a year, it is such a great way to relax and meet new friends. I can PM you two recommendations if you would like.

I would love to do something similar. We aren't going away this year so a weekend where I can read and eat nice food with a massage/spa and pool sounds perfect.

I haven't been here for a while but is this the kind of thing? https://www.champneys.com/hotels/eastwell-manor/health-spa/

I wonder if Vajrasana Buddhist Retreat Centre would be any good for you, Walsham le Willows, Bury St Edmunds. I've visited it for an afternoon and it's lovely, and a friend has been on retreat there. You'll easily find it via Google.

Hilfield Friary? I stayed there a couple of years ago. Such a lovely peaceful place.

Sharpham in Devon?

Yes, it's very special.

https://www.dhanakosa.com/

I have been loads of times. It’s set in a stunning area. The only downside is having to share a room.

Thank you for these lovely ideas! That's my afternoon sorted to sit and have a look at them!

I did this last year and it was wonderful, I want to go back.
https://hayecornwall.co.uk/

I can also recommend Dhanakosa. It's unbelievably beautiful. I saw a red squirrel there and on the last day two deer wandered down and stood by the house. You can also swim in the loch if you don't mind freezing cold water