10 of the UK’s best outdoor yoga and activity retreats

03.06.2024 - 12:45 / theguardian.com / River Wye

Immerse yourself in the lush hills, heather-capped mountains and river valleys of the Bannau Brycheiniog national park (formerly known as the Brecon Beacons) with a three-night retreat that combines nature’s restorative powers with yoga. Located on a historic country estate, accommodation is in comfortable converted farm buildings – including the old grain silo, ideal for two, with the grounds perfect for restorative strolls. The package includes two guided hikes, delicious vegan food, paddleboarding down the River Wye or walking into the nearby book lover’s town of Hay-on-Wye.
Four-day retreat (various dates) from £649pp full-board; adventureyogi.com

Get ready for an all-action weekend with this two-night break in a private woodland camp, where yoga sessions are paired with time in the waves of Newquay’s Towan or Fistral beaches. There are surf and yoga classes each day, and you can take a dip in the campsite’s natural pond, or have a go at axe-throwing. Beginner surfers are as welcome as experienced tube-catchers, and accommodation is in shared bell tents, with a campfire in the evenings.
Two-night breaks from £289 B&B; cornishwave.com

Create your own yoga retreat at Freshwinds Camping Holidays, a small, family-run site near Hastings. Book the Yoga Yurt by the lake, and choose from a half- or full-day retreat with paddleboarding or swimming alongside a yoga or qigong class. Classes are available, with time to explore the footpaths and cycling trail that crisscross the surrounding AONB. Campfires are allowed on site and there is a large camp kitchen and hot-water showers.
Two-night breaks from £150. Half/full-day retreat £65-£80pp; freshwindscamping.co.uk

Choose from day retreats, weekends that combine yoga with sound disciplines, including crystal bowls or an autumnal retreat that celebrates “letting go” at Ananda’s two Cumbrian bases in Grasmere and Coniston. Ashtanga, kundalini and yin yoga are on offer, with classes taught by acclaimed teachers. There’s also a chance to try paddleboarding, wild water swimming or hiking – and plenty of time to explore the bucolic lakeside scenery.
Three-night retreat from £490pp; anandayogaretreats.com

The spectacular landscape of the Cairngorms national park provides a backdrop to this two-night wild camping retreat that combines mountain walking with mindfulness and yoga. The distances covered range from 10-15km a day, with information about the history and geology of the landscape, alongside one-to-one yoga guidance. The maximum group size is six, with all equipment provided and plenty of great veggie food.
Four-day retreat (30 August- 1 September) from £520pp full-board; wildrootsguiding.scot

Choose from a shepherd’s hut, yurt or wooden cabin for this