At the turning of the year, this retreat offers a pause — a chance to rest deeply, to rebalance, and to begin again with intention. Held at the rewilded sanctuary of 42 Acres in Somerset, it invites you into warmth, community, and the quiet magic of winter. We practise yoga and meditation by firelight, share nourishing plant-based meals, and walk in wild, peaceful nature. These few days are a time to release what’s past, plant seeds for what’s to come, and return to the steady rhythm of breath, body, and being. The yoga practice takes place in the stunning Mongolian Yurt at 42 Acres, warmed by wood burning fire and equipped with beautiful mats and props to support all that morning and evening practice require for a full experience of movement and rest.
On arrival we write our intentions for the year and plant these in the grounds of 42 Acres in a private moment of reflection. On the final evening, we gather around the firepit beneath the winter sky — a simple, beautiful ceremony to mark the turning of the year. In the glow of the flames, we take time to reflect on what we wish to release and what we are ready to welcome in. Quietly, we offer what we want to let go to the fire, watching our determination rise into the night as sparks of renewal. It’s a moment of stillness and connection — to the elements, to one another, and to the quiet unfolding of what’s next.
Rest, restore, and rebalance — a quiet invitation to begin again
Set within 173 acres of ancient woodland, meadows, and wild lakes, 42 Acres is a regenerative retreat centre devoted to harmony between people and the natural world. It’s a place of stillness and renewal — where nourishing, soil-to-gut food, open fires, and nature’s quiet beauty invite deep rest and reconnection.
Everything here is designed to restore balance — to help you remember your place within the living landscape and experience yourself as part of nature once more.
A place to rest re-wild and restore
Join us in Somerset
Each winter, I return to 42 Acres in Somerset to hold a retreat that feels like a deep exhale — three days of rest, reflection, and renewal at the turning of the year. It’s a space to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and listen for what this new cycle may be asking of you.The weekend follows the rhythm of the season with a blend of yoga, meditation, and embodied reflection designed to restore balance and vitality. Mornings awaken the body through alignment-based movement, while evenings offer restorative practices that invite stillness and deep release.
There’s time to rest, write, wander through the rewilded landscape, take an outdoor sauna, or a wild swim and share nourishing, soil-to-gut plant-based meals by the 42 Acres team. Silent walks and simple rituals deepen connection with nature and allow you to come home to yourself at the start of the year. More than a yoga weekend, this retreat is a ritual of renewal — a circle of care where we rest, rebalance, and return to our lives with a sense of grounded vitality and belonging.
Exploring the Living Heart of somerset
I hold this retreat with the same depth and authenticity that guide all my work — as a space where anthropology, psychotherapy, and yoga meet in living practice. My intention is simple: that you leave feeling replenished, rebalanced, and more at home in yourself and the world.
Care and Integrity
Over the weekend, a small community forms — kind, real, and open. Whether you’re joining for the first time or returning after many years, the retreat becomes a shared practice of listening and being seen — a reminder that healing happens in relationship.
Connection and Community
This retreat marks a turning of the year — a time to release what no longer serves and open to what wants to grow. Reflection arises naturally here: through silence, conversation, journaling, and simply walking in winter’s quiet beauty.
Reflection and Renewal
Our yoga and meditation are gentle, intentional, and deeply felt. Through movement, breath, and awareness, we return to the body as a place of truth and belonging — discovering balance not through effort, but through attention.
Embodied Presence
The retreat begins with a slowing — a soft landing after the year that’s been. Together we practise stillness as an act of renewal, creating space for the body to rest, the mind to quieten, and the heart to find its rhythm again.
Stillness and Deep Rest
In winter, the spaces at 42 Acres feel like a soft embrace — warm, grounding, and full of quiet life. Inside, natural textures and muted tones create an atmosphere of peace: linen, wood, stone, and gentle light from open fires and candlelit corners.
The main house and shared spaces are designed for gathering and stillness alike. The library and sitting rooms invite you to curl up with a blanket and a book, or simply rest by the wood-burning stove as the day fades. The dining hall, with its long wooden tables and views across the fields, becomes the heart of the retreat — a place for shared meals, conversation, and the soft hum of community.
Every space has been created with care and integrity, reflecting the rewilded philosophy of 42 Acres — beauty that feels natural, not curated. Bedrooms are simple and restorative, with organic materials, natural light, and warmth that welcomes you in from the cold.
In these spaces, time slows. You can feel the quiet heartbeat of the house, the scent of woodsmoke in the air, and the comfort of being somewhere that asks nothing of you but to rest, breathe, and be.
42 acres
Every detail of the retreat is thoughtfully cared for in advance, and I’m so grateful to be supported once again by Jackie, my retreat coordinator and long-time collaborator. Many of you will already know Jackie from previous retreats — her warmth, clarity, and calm attention help everything flow with ease.
Jackie will be your main contact in the lead-up to the retreat, helping you with travel arrangements to 42 Acres, sharing practical information, and making sure you feel fully supported before you even set off. She liaises closely with me to ensure that all details — from room preferences to dietary needs — are handled with care.
Her quiet presence allows guests to arrive feeling held, prepared, and ready to relax — free to surrender to the slower rhythm of the weekend. Together, we work to create an experience where you can let go of logistics and step gently into the heart of the retreat, knowing that everything is already in place.
Travel & Arrival
Enjoy access to the wood-fired sauna, rewilded grounds, and peaceful indoor spaces — perfect for reflection, conversation, or rest by the fire.
Use of Facilities and Sauna
All meals are plant-based and prepared by the visionary kitchen team at 42 Acres, following their soil-to-gut food philosophy — nourishing, seasonal, and grown on the land.
Seasonal Plant-Based Meals
Three nights’ stay in thoughtfully designed rooms across the Farmhouse, Deer Cottage, or Swallows’ Nest, each offering warmth, comfort, and quiet connection to the land.
Accommodation in the Heart of Nature
A guided silent walk through the winter landscape and opportunities for quiet reflection, journaling, and inner listening.
Guided Reflection and Silent Walk
On our final evening, we gather around the fire to release the old year and welcome the new — a simple ritual of renewal beneath the winter sky.
New Year Firepit Ceremony
Morning sun salutations and alignment-based yoga to awaken the body, and evening Spinal Release and restorative practice to bring deep rest and integration.
Daily Yoga and Meditation
Your retreat week is designed to offer a balance of nourishment, rest, and inspiration. Everything is carefully arranged so you can arrive, exhale, and settle into the rhythm of island life.
Your Experience Includes
sold
£999 single occupancy
Ensuite double
£799 per person double occupancy
Ensuite King/Twin
sold
£799 per person double occupancy
Ensuite King/Twin
deer cottage rooms
sold
£699 single occupancy
Large Single Shared Shower Room
sold
£699 single occupancy
Large Single Shared Shower Room
sold
£699 single occupancy
Large Single Shared Shower Room
sold
£749 single occupancy
King 2 Shared Shower Room
£749 single occupancy
King 1 Shared Shower Room
swallows nest rooms
sold
£699 per person triple occupancy
Luxury Dorm Ensuite (3 double futons)
£749 per person double occupancy
Friedlander 2 King/Twin Shared Shower
£749 per person double occupancy
Friedlander 1 King/Twin Shared Shower
sold
£999 single occupancy
Fielding Double Ensuite Shower
£849 per person double occupancy
Frieda Super King Luxury Ensuite
farmhouse rooms
The triple ensuite rooms are spacious and warm, designed for shared comfort and connection. Ideal for solo travellers who enjoy gentle company, these rooms create an atmosphere of ease and belonging.
Triple Occupancy Ensuite
For friends or couples joining the retreat together, the double or twin ensuite rooms provide space to share the experience while still enjoying calm and privacy.
Double or Twin Occupancy
Treat yourself to a room of your own — a quiet, nurturing space where you can rest deeply and move gently through your own rhythm.
Single Occupancy
Accommodation
For those who love to be close to nature, 42 Acres offers moments of pure elemental joy. Guests can experience the invigorating calm of wild swimming in the rewilded lake — cold, clear, and deeply awakening — followed by the gentle warmth of the outdoor wood-fired sauna, surrounded by trees and open sky.
Wild Swimming, outdoor sauna & foraging walks
Take time for a private session with Gillian to dive deeper into your yoga practice or to explore what’s unfolding for you during the retreat — a gentle space for reflection, integration, and the deeper emotional shifts that often arise through softening and presence.
One-to-One Time with Gillian
We’re fortunate to be joined on the retreat by Rieko Oshima Barclay, a gifted reflexologist whose treatments are deeply restorative. Rieko brings a rare combination of skill, sensitivity, and presence — her work gently releases tension, balances the nervous system, and supports the body’s natural capacity to heal.
REFLEXOLOGY
optional extras
Friday evening arrival, opening circle at 5pm, restorative yoga and welcoming dinner 7.30pm
Saturday and Sunday, morning meditation and sun salutations yoga practice 7-9am
Saturday and Sunday, evening restorative Spinal Release practice 4-6pm
Dinner daily at 7pm
Breakfast at 9.30am
Itinerary Outline and Daily Schedule
Rhythm of the Retreat
This retreat might be just what you’re looking for if you feel ready to pause, breathe, and begin the year with greater clarity and calm. You may be feeling the weight of a busy year behind you, the need to reset your rhythm, or simply a longing for quiet and warmth. Over three winter days at 42 Acres, you’ll have space to rest deeply, to move and breathe through gentle yoga, and to reconnect with the steady rhythm of your own body.
You don’t need to be an experienced yogi — only curious, open, and willing to slow down. Whether you come alone or with a friend, you’ll be welcomed into a small, kind-hearted community where you can find both solitude and connection.
This retreat is for those who want more than rest — who are drawn to reflection, depth, and the gentle possibility of renewal. It’s an invitation to step away from the noise, to nourish yourself completely, and to begin the year feeling centred, rebalanced, and quietly inspired.
this could be right for you if...
booking details
Book your flights, trains, or organise car transport and travel insurance, and share your arrival details with Jackie, so she can assist with coordination and transfers if needed. From that point onward, everything is lovingly organised - all you need to do is arrive, exhale and let 42 Acres do the rest.
Arrange Travel
Once your deposit is received, you can make full or part-payments. Jackie - our wonderful retreat coordinator - will then be in touch to help with travel planning, room preferences, and any special requirements ensuring everything flows smoothly.
Plan and Prepare
To confirm your place on the retreat, simply get in touch to check availability, or book now, to pay a deposit and reserve your place. This secures your room and begins your journey with us.
Booking Deposit
- martin
This was my first winter yoga retreat with Gillian, and it didn't disappoint at all. Gillian always manages to assemble a beautiful eclectic group of people in lovely locations.
Gillian's yoga is of course the highlight and an opportunity to learn, feel cared for, feel refreshed and relaxed. I can't wait for the next retreat.
- juliet
Superb winter retreat, but if this gets known too widely it will be hard to book a place for New Year 2026. I will definitely be signing up
- liz
I loved every aspect of the retreat, the balance of activities, the links to nature, the pace of the yoga, the camarderie, and the delicious food.
- katy
Gillian's winter yoga retreat was inspiring. The alignment-based yoga practice morning and evening was excellent grounded in a gorgeous rural setting and great company.
- pete
The retreat was a superb way to start the New Year in wonderful natural surroundings with good food, great company and the chance to get in touch with one's body and mind in an atmosphere of stillness and peace.
kind words
I am passionate about the transformational potential of counselling and psychotherapy. As a yoga teacher, I bring an embodied awareness and the potential for bodywork to my clients. This is because significant benefit can be derived from exploring how our emotional and psychological experiences in child and adulthood are held in the body.
As a social anthropologist, I bring a wealth of experience, including a twenty-year academic and research career at the University of Manchester. I have a special interest in the study of human development, and I am skilled in the analysis of complex social and cultural dynamics. I am honoured to guide clients on a journey of personal discovery as they explore how therapy might transform their lives.
meet gillian
a winter practice of renewal
Your wellbeing is our highest priority, and we ask all guests to take care of their own health and travel arrangements responsibly.
We strongly advise that you take out comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking, which includes cover for illness, cancellation, and travel disruption related to Covid-19 or any other unforeseen circumstances.
If a guest becomes unwell during the retreat, they may be asked to self-isolate in accordance with local guidance to protect the health and peace of the group. Should medical assistance be required, there are excellent local healthcare services available nearby in Somerset.
We remain committed to supporting all guests with compassion and clarity should any health issues arise and will do everything possible to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort throughout the retreat.
covid 19 measures
This is a completely alcohol-free retreat, held in a spirit of rest, clarity, and deep nourishment.
Alcohol
Please arrange comprehensive travel insurance, including cover for illness or cancellation.
Travel Insurance
Optional massages and therapies are available at 42 Acres and can be booked directly during your stay.
Holistic Treatments
Guests make their own way to the retreat; full directions and travel advice are provided upon booking.
Travel to and from 42 Acres
Some aspects of the week are left flexible, allowing you to shape your experience as you wish:
what's not included
Not at all. The practices are slow, mindful, and accessible to everyone — whether you’re completely new or returning to your mat after time away. The retreat is about presence, not performance, and every session is guided with care and attention.
Our mornings begin with revitalising sun salutations and alignment-based yoga, followed by a nourishing breakfast. Afternoons are spacious — time for rest, reflection, journaling, or walking through the rewilded landscape. As evening falls, we gather for deeply restorative Spinal Release, meditation, and quiet reflection, before sharing a beautiful plant-based dinner by firelight.
Absolutely. Many guests come alone, and the retreat naturally becomes a small, kind-hearted community of practice. There’s always space for solitude when you need it, and gentle connection when you wish — both are part of the rhythm of the weekend.
All meals are plant-based and prepared by the visionary 42 Acres kitchen team, following their soil-to-gut food philosophy. Everything is seasonal, nourishing — food that is as good for the planet as it is for the body and soul.
After the excesses of the festive season, this is an alcohol-free retreat, held in a spirit of clarity, care, and deep rest — a chance to nourish body and mind in every sense.
My retreat coordinator, Jackie, will be in touch once you’ve booked to help with travel advice, directions, and logistics. Whether you’re arriving by train, car, or shared taxi, she ensures everything runs smoothly so you can arrive feeling relaxed and supported.
Guests often describe leaving with a sense of calm and quiet renewal — more connected to themselves, more grounded in their bodies, and clearer about what matters most. The intention isn’t transformation, but restoration: a chance to pause, breathe, and begin again with steadiness and grace.
Cancellation between 6th Oct and 5th Nov, 50% refund.
Cancellation between 6th Nov and 5th Dec, 25% refund.
Cancellation on or after Dec 6th, no refund.
In the event of cancellation by 42 Acres for any reason, the retreat centre will do its best to reschedule our retreat. Your wellbeing is our highest priority, and we ask all guests to take care of their own health and travel arrangements responsibly. We strongly advise that you take out comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking, which includes cover for illness, cancellation, and travel disruption or illness related to Covid-19 or any other unforeseen circumstances. If a guest becomes unwell during the retreat, they may be asked to self-isolate in accordance with local guidance to protect the health and peace of the group. Should medical assistance be required, there are excellent local healthcare services available nearby.
