In May, we were delighted to deliver our first Wellbeing in Nature retreat at Blencathra Field Centre in the heart of the Lake District. This immersive nature and wellbeing experience brought participants together to slow down, reconnect with nature, and prioritise their mental and physical wellbeing in one of the UK’s most breathtaking landscapes.
A unique wellbeing retreat in the Lake District
Nestled beneath the iconic Blencathra mountain, our field centre provided the perfect setting for a nature-based wellbeing retreat. Surrounded by dramatic fells, open skies and peaceful valleys, participants were able to step away from daily stress and experience the restorative power of the outdoors.
The stunning Lake District landscape played a central role throughout the course. From expansive views across the Northern Fells to the calming sounds of birdsong and rustling trees, every aspect of the natural environment supported relaxation, mindfulness and connection. Spending time in nature has been shown to improve wellbeing, and this setting allowed participants to fully experience those benefits.
“I won’t ever get tired of looking at the views.”
Nature-based activities to support wellbeing
Our Wellbeing in Nature retreat combined a range of evidence-inspired activities designed to promote mindfulness, reduce stress and enhance connection to the natural world. Participants had the opportunity to experience:
- Forest bathing in the Lake District, encouraging slow, sensory immersion in woodland environments
- Nature journalling, supporting creativity, reflection and mindful observation
- Breathwork sessions, helping to calm the nervous system and improve mental clarity
- Outdoor yoga, promoting physical wellbeing and relaxation in a tranquil natural setting
These activities encouraged participants to engage fully with their surroundings, helping them feel grounded, present and connected.
“Drawing nature made me feel focused, interested, peaceful.”
Plant-based food and nourishment
A highlight of the course was the delicious home-cooked, plant-based meals prepared at Blencathra Field Centre. Using fresh ingredients, the meals were designed to nourish both body and mind, supporting overall wellbeing throughout the retreat.
Sharing food together also fostered a sense of community, allowing participants to connect, reflect and build positive relationships in a supportive environment.
The benefits of nature for mental health and wellbeing
This retreat highlighted the powerful link between time in nature and improved mental health. Being outdoors in the Lake District, combined with guided wellbeing activities, gave participants the opportunity to:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Improve mood and emotional wellbeing
- Build a deeper connection with nature
- Take time away from busy, screen-focused lifestyles
- Engage in active recovery from busy, everyday life
The combination of structured sessions and free time in nature created a balanced and enriching experience.
“I felt like I was lost in nature. I felt very present, not thinking. The experience of nature was very soothing”
A meaningful beginning for wellbeing in nature retreats
Our first Wellbeing in Nature Retreat at Blencathra Field Centre marked an exciting milestone. It was inspiring to see participants embrace the opportunity to step away from everyday pressures and reconnect with themselves and the natural world. The combination of breathtaking Lake District scenery, thoughtfully designed activities and shared experiences created something truly special.
We’re delighted to be building on this momentum, with our next Wellbeing in Nature experience taking place at Juniper Hall in the Surrey Hills, another beautiful setting that promises the same opportunity to slow down, reconnect with nature and support personal wellbeing.
Feedback on the benefits
We spoke to participants to find out how they felt after attending our wellbeing retreat.
Ranvir said,
“The retreat completely changed my perspective on nature and life in general. It forced me to realise how disconnected we can get in the digital age, and the practice of slowing down to truly connect with the earth brought me an immense sense of peace.
Lastly, I highly recommend this retreat to anyone, especially those with a busy, fast-paced city lifestyle. It is a necessary and life-changing experience.”
Rahul said,
“I was mainly hoping for rest and relaxation. I wanted to return to work feeling refreshed, calmer, and more grounded. The biggest impact came from giving myself permission to slow down. Being reflective, practicing mindfulness, and especially staying away from my phone helped me feel more balanced and clear-headed. “
Mary said,
“Slowing down and focusing on myself by completely focusing on something else was my favourite part. If you’re examining a tiny lichen, it’s difficult to also think about work or other stressors. The yoga was really good and I enjoyed the meditation.”
Would you like to join us on our next retreat?
- Wellbeing in nature weekend: 21st – 23rd August 2026, Juniper Hall
- Wellbeing in nature retreat: 24th – 28th August 2026, Blencathra