Yoga retreat venues for hire in the UK: our favourite top picks

As yoga practitioners ourselves, we understand how hard it is to find the right yoga venues in the UK to host your yoga retreat. Fear not! We have done the research so you don't have to. Here, organised by county in alphabetical order, we give you our top picks. While we are quite excited about this list, we are also aware that we may not be the know-it-alls we aspire to be. So we (as we are sure many other yoga teachers do too) would definitely appreciate if you can add to the list below by commenting in this article, or go old-school and email us at po@lotsofyoga.com.

Cornwall

1. Wooda Farm

Wooda Farm via http://woodafarm.co.uk

Interior of the converted stable via http://woodafarm.co.uk

View of the farmhouse, one of the accommodation options via http://woodafarm.co.uk

If you’re looking for historic, Wooda Farm got you covered. The farm settlement dates back to 1317, and continues to be home to a huge ecosystem of plants and woodland animals (deer, foxes, squirrels, rabbits… are we in a Disney movie?). Wooda has now converted its barn and stable into creative workspaces, its tranquil surroundings making it a perfect place for yoga retreats. Their garden also provides all kinds of vegetables, fruits, and herbs for the kitchen. Rustic with a sleek touch of modern - don't know about you but we're in love.

Size: Wooda consists of a barn and stable as workspaces, and a farmhouse (sleeps up to 7) and cottage (sleeps up to 4) for accommodation. The farm itself covers 20 acres of land.

Price Range: Groups of 1-4 can rent the cottage at a seasonal rate ranging from £295 - £625 per week, with an additional charge for the use of the barn. Groups of 5-12 can book both the farmhouse and cottage at £195 per person for two nights. This price includes all meals and full use of the barn and stable.

Contact Details: Address: Crackington Haven, North Cornwall, EX23 0LF Phone: 01840 230129 Email: Contact form here Website: http://woodafarm.co.uk

Hertfordshire

2. Loudwater Farm

Outside view of Loudwater Farm via http://www.loudwaterfarm.co.uk/index.html

Interior of one of the meeting halls via http://www.loudwaterfarm.co.uk/index.html

Sunny farmhouse kitchen via http://www.loudwaterfarm.co.uk/index.html

It’s hard to believe but this country farm is just 45 minutes away from central London. At Loudwater Farm, it’s the little things that make the big difference - the oak beams in the halls, the spacious Grade II barn, and of course, the beautiful farm grounds. Many people book the venue for weddings, children’s parties, and meetings, but Loudwater Farm is no stranger to yoga classes and retreats. B&B is available, and as a retreat organiser you can choose to self-cater or arrange for in-house catering. Overall, a beautiful, not overly luxurious venue that strikes the balance between comfort and elegance.

Size: 2 large halls, a Grade II-listed barn, 8 guest rooms (20 beds), and several meeting rooms.

Price Range: Twin-bedded rooms at £30 per night.

Contact Details: Address: Loudwater Lane, Rickmansworth, Herts, WD3 4HG Phone: 01923 778483 Email: loudwaterfarm@gmail.com Website: http://www.loudwaterfarm.co.uk/index.html

Norfolk

3. Barsham Barns

One of the bedrooms at Barsham Barns via www.barshambarns.co.uk

The dining area at Barsham Barns via www.barshambarns.co.uk

One of the Barsham Barns via www.barshambarns.co.uk

This is a luxury hotel with a story. Originally, Barsham Barns was... well... barns! These were converted by an award-winning architect to luxury suites somehow managing to keep their country style but adding a lot of luxury and modern decor. Barsham Barns has an indoor heated swimming pool, a beautiful spa area including a jacuzzi and steam room and for an outdoor excursion, the Barns are near the sea.

Size: If booked altogether, the Barsham Barns can accommodate up to 48 people. There are 7 barns which can each can sleep from 6 to 14 people as follows:

The Great East Barn- sleeps 14 at North Barsham.
High Barsham- sleeps 12 at North Barsham.
Greys Court- sleeps 10 at North Barsham.
Long Meadow- sleeps 8 at North Barsham.
Little Barsham- sleeps 4 at North Barsham.
Hall Barn- sleeps 8 at Haveringland.
Quaker Barn- sleeps 6 at Haveringland.

Price Range: They currently do a three-day Yoga, Health & Beauty Break from £395.00 per person based on 8 people sharing a barn. For a barn for 6/8 people, the cost is around £535.00 for the weekend.

Contact details: Address: Barsham Barns, Lower Farm Barns, North Barsham, Norfolk NR22 6AP Phone: 01328 821744 Email: info@barshambarns.co.uk Website: www.barshambarns.co.uk

4. Felbrigg Lodge Hotel in Norfolk

Felbridge Lodge Hotel via www.felbrigglodge.co.uk

The Oak Pavillion Suite at Felbridge Lodge Hotel via www.felbrigglodge.co.uk

The indoor swimming pool Felbridge Lodge Hotel via www.felbrigglodge.co.uk

Felbrigg Lodge Hotel is surrounded by seven acres of beautiful woods and is close to the sandy beaches of the North Norfolk coast and is close to the must-see Holkham Beach and Felbrigg Park. That's, of course, IF you manage to tear yourself away from the hotel which boasts an indoor heated swimming pool, a sauna and hot tub and beauty lodge for spa treatments with its very own beauty therapist. Felbrigg has 10 uniquely styled suites and a restaurant with a mouth-watering menu.

Size: Felbrigg Lodge Hotel can accommodate 22 Adults and 12 children.

Price Range: Prices range from £119 to £249 per room per night (depending on the season).

Contact details: Address: Felbrigg Lodge, School Road, Aylmerton, Norfolk, NR11 8RA Phone: 01263 837588 Email: info@felbrigglodge.co.uk Website: www.felbrigglodge.co.uk

Oxfordshire

5. St. Katharine’s

View of St. Katharine's via http://www.srpf.org.uk/home.html

One of the bedrooms via http://www.srpf.org.uk/home.html

Entrance Hall via http://www.srpf.org.uk/home.html

St. Katharine’s is the definition of rural tranquility. Owned by the Knights Templar in the 14th century, the estate has changed hands a few times, but to this day its purpose hasn’t deviated much - it continues to welcome visitors with its calming interior and scenic surroundings. From the antique furniture, grand piano, to the stained glass windows, everything at St. Katharine’s is quaint and welcoming. The delicious meals, whipped up with local, seasonal ingredients, will make your stay all the better.

Size: Up to 24 people can be housed in St. Katharine’s, and 12 in St. Joseph’s, an annexe adjacent to the main house (where the meeting halls are). Twin and single rooms available, most with full ensuite facilities.

Price Range: Typical price for a residential weekend - including use of ground floor halls - is £175 per person for a shared ensuite (£200 for single occupancy), or £160 in St. Joseph’s annexe. This price includes all meals, as well as afternoon tea and cake. Yum…

Contact Details: Address: Parmoor, Frieth, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 6NN Phone: 01494 881037 Email: office@srpf.org.uk Website: http://www.srpf.org.uk/home.html

Sussex

6. Florence House

Outside view of Florence House via http://www.florencehouse.co.uk/home/

Different bedroom options via http://www.florencehouse.co.uk/home

Fun fact: Florence House was built in the 1920s as a wedding present from a local merchant to his daughter. Ten years ago, it was refurbished with a large meeting room, lounge, dining room, and oak-panelled study. Its beautiful interior, walled gardens, and proximity to the sea, makes it a perfect venue for personal development and transformation. A yurt with cushions and a wood-burning stove is available for meditations and other intimate gatherings. Meals are prepared with organic and locally sourced produce.

Size: Accommodation (triple, twin, double, or single rooms) houses up to 24 people. To maintain tranquility, there are no TVs or radios in the house.

Price Range: Single occupancy from £48. Twin/double from £70 per room.

Contact Details: Address: Southdown Road, Seaford, East Sussex, BN25 4JS Phone: 01323 873700 Email: info@florencehouse.co.uk Website: http://www.florencehouse.co.uk/home/

Warwickshire

7. Holycombe Holistic Retreat Centre

Holycombe Holistic Retreat Centre via www.holycombe.com

The gardens at Holycombe Holistic Retreat Centre via www.holycombe.com

The lounge area Holycombe Holistic Retreat Centre via www.holycombe.com

Holycombe Hollistic Retreat Centre is set in 6 acres of land which also boasts a water-filled moat. It took the owners 6 years to restore the site which had been left derelict for over 40 years. The centre has very reasonable rates but guests are required to bring their own bed-linen, towels and food. The Angel (group) room comes with a log fire and also double doors which open out on the patio to a beautiful view.

Size: There are 5 bedrooms at the centre and 3 extra bedrooms in an annexe, so the house can comfortably host 15 individuals.

Price Range: A minimum two night weekend Friday to Sunday and it is £110 per person for a weekend in a shared room, and £140 per person for a weekend in a private room.

Contact details: Address: Sally & Andy Birtwell, Holycombe, Whichford, Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire CV36 5PH Phone: 01608 684239 Fax: 01608 684500 Email: sally@holycombe.com Website: www.holycombe.com

Wales

8. Buckland Hall

Buckland Hall via www.bucklandhall.co.uk

One of the bedrooms at Buckland Hall via www.bucklandhall.co.uk

Buckland Hall gardens via www.bucklandhall.co.uk

Having been around since 1999, Buckland Hall is one of those places that has a soul. With its holistic style comprising of log fireplaces, a grandiose staircase, wood-paneling and a massive dining room that can seat up to 90 people, it gives off an air of an old English castle. Apart from the beautiful gardens, the Oak library shelving throughout the hall and full-height carved working fireplace have to be one of its best features. Buckland Hall has a vegetarian ethos. and they even provide a special retreat service.

Size: Buckland Hall comprises of 29 bedrooms all with en-suite baths and showers sleeping a total of 68 people. If, however, you need more bedrooms, there are numerous local guest houses and B&Bs.

Price Range: On demand.

Contact details: Address: Buckland Hall, Bwlch, Brecon Beacons, Powys LD3 7JJ, Wales, UK. Phone: 01874 730330 (4 lines open 9am to 5pm, Monday-Friday, leave a message if no answer). Fax: 01874 730740 Email: info@bucklandhall.co.uk (general enquiries) or event@bucklandhall.co.uk (Nicola Jones for event arrangements) Website: www.bucklandhall.co.uk

9. Glandwr Country House in Wales

Glandwr Country House, Tresaith via www.glandwrtresaith.co.uk

The kitchen in Glandwr Country House, Tresaith via www.glandwrtresaith.co.uk

One of the bedrooms in Glandwr Country House, Tresaith via www.glandwrtresaith.co.uk

Glandwr Country House is country luxury at its finest. For starters it's 5 stars, boasting a super king-size four-poster bedroom with en-suite, crisp white cotton sheets and billowy down duvets. Makes you just want to curl up in bed and stay there. Secondly, it's right near the beach. Barefoot stroll along the sandy coastline? Yes, please! Clandwr's style is country luxury with a modern twist and despite its 5-star hotel status, you get the comfortable feeling that you're right at home.

Size: The 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms accommodate up to 12 adults and children (and 2 small well behaved pets) but for retreats, there is a maximum of 10 yoga guests.

Price Range: Ranging from £650 for 3-nights off-season to £2,400 for a 7-night break in peak-season, there is a price to suit your needs. Yoga weekends are run as a two-night option between £280 and £350 per person.

Contact details: Address: Glandwr, Tresaith, Ceredigion SA43 2JH Phone: 01239 811442 Email: nmorris@glandwrtresaith.co.uk Website: www.glandwrtresaith.co.uk

10. Mandala Yoga Ashram in Wales

View of one of the accommodation houses in the ashram via http://www.mandalayoga.net

Simple, peaceful dormitory-style accommodation via http://www.mandalayoga.net

Morning view from the ashram towards Brecon Beacons via http://www.mandalayoga.net

If you are looking to really devote yourself to yoga and meditation, there is no better place than this hermitage. Mandala Yoga Ashram is an internationally known independent institution, founded by Swami Nishchalandanda in 1986 to teach traditional yoga. The accommodation is not luxurious, but its simplicity encourages you to focus on what’s most important - the now. Homecooked vegetarian meals begin with a short chant and the first half is spent in silence, opening up space for mindful eating.

Size: Most rooms are shared, single-sex dormitories with single beds, housing up to 6 people per room. Single rooms are available and prioritised for people with medical needs.

Price Range: Costs are different if you attend a course. Otherwise, it’s £30 per person per day and £180 per week.

Contact Details: Address: Pantypistyll, Llansadwrn, Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire, Wales, SA19 8NR Phone: 01558 685358 Email: secretary@mandalayoga.net Website: http://www.mandalayoga.net

11. The Pantglas Centre in Wales

Interior view of a bedroom in the cottage via http://www.thepantglascentre.com

View of one of the yurt accommodations via http://www.thepantglascentre.com

Interior of the studio via http://www.thepantglascentre.com

Pantglas in Welsh means “blue-green valley”, and the reality isn’t far from it. Located among 7 acres of meadows and woodland, the Pantglas Centre was first converted into a retreat venue by two fellow yogis. Visitors to the venue rave about the wooden-floor studio, the huge log-burning stove, and the large windows overlooking the valley. Pantglas ensures an unforgettable stay - when else would you get to sleep in a handcrafted yurt, and join your friends for homecooked vegetarian meals in a cosy cottage?

Size: Maximum capacity is 12 students, plus 1 teacher. Remember to bring own towels and walking boots/wellies.

Price Range: £65 per person per day for single occupancy of a yurt or cottage guest bedroom; £55 per person per day for shared occupancy. This price includes all meals and use of Pantglas facilities.

Contact Details: Address: Llandewi Brefi, Tregaron, Ceredigion, SY25 6PE Phone: 01570 493794 Email: info@thepantglascentre.com Website: http://www.thepantglascentre.com

12. Yr Ocar in Wales

Approaching Yr Ocar via http://yrocar.com/home.html

Bedroom in Yr Ocar via http://yrocar.com/home.html

Lounge at Yr Ocar via http://yrocar.com/home.html

You won’t need much convincing to fall in love with Yr Ocar. Set amidst the celtic Snowdonia mountains, the venue provides a wide choice of en-suite rooms as well as indoor and outdoor spaces. The Snowdon Hall is a spacious wooded lawn with beautiful mountain views and outdoor seating - perfect for you to feel at one with nature and yourself. Yr Ocar is mostly self-catered, but large group bookings on half or full accommodation arrangements can opt for having the in-house vegetarian chef prepare a wide range of delicious meals. A peaceful, rustic ambience overall.

Size: Site capacity of 42. En-suite bedrooms in both main house (sleeps 9 people) and annexe (sleeps 13). Lots of communal space both indoors and outdoors.

Price Range: For the main house, prices per room for a weekend night range from low season £170 per night to peak season £250. For the annexe, it’s low season £185 to peak season £265. These are the figures for the price per room per night, including a continental breakfast.

Contact Details: Address: Coed y Parc, Bethesda, Bangor, Gwynedd, North Wales, LL57 4DQ Phone: 01248 600500 Email: info@yrocar.com Website: http://yrocar.com/home.html

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What do you think? Was this list helpful? Have we missed any obvious and awesome retreat spaces? Please feel free to comment below or contact us and let us know as we are constantly on the lookout for fabulous yoga retreat venues in the UK.