The Gathering at Hill Farm

The Gathering at Hill Farm is a women-only retreat weekend in the woods above the Wye Valley, led by yoga teacher and holistic therapist Hayley Court of Forest Retreats. It suits women who want a restorative women's circle weekend that combines yoga, sound healing, holistic therapies and time outdoors, at an eco retreat centre near Tintern, close to the Welsh border.

What to Expect

The retreat runs for two nights, from a Friday into the weekend. The programme is built around slow, nourishing practices: meditation and movement, restorative yoga, reiki and a sacred sound circle. Holistic therapies are part of the weekend, and the setting adds its own rhythm, with a wood fired hot tub and sauna for unwinding between sessions.

The mood is gentle and a little playful. The organizers describe the weekend as one of "witchy loveliness", and the emphasis is on being immersed in nature rather than rushing from one activity to the next. Meals are seasonal and nourishing.

Past guests of Forest Retreats describe yoga that suits all abilities, with a good balance of movement and rest. They also mention a gong bath, massage, an eco spa and a yurt as part of the wider retreat offering at Hill Farm.

About Hayley Court

Hayley Court established Forest Retreats in 2015 and has been running yoga and wellbeing retreats for around ten years. She is an advanced yoga teacher and holistic therapist, and her retreats have been recommended by The Guardian, including as one of its top 10 wellbeing retreats in the UK. Guests often describe her as technically skilled yet kind and helpful, and many return. Her weekends typically combine flow, yin and restorative yoga with meditation. Sam, who cooks for guests and also offers sound healing as part of Her Peaceful Place, works alongside her at Hill Farm.

The Setting

Hill Farm sits in Tintern, in a twelve acre woodland with views over the Wye Valley river and Tintern Abbey. The yoga studio is equipped with mats, blocks and straps, and its patio doors look out over the countryside. Guests have described accommodation finished to a high standard, some with a small deck for sitting out, along with an eco spa. The farm is about 45 minutes from Bristol on a good run. Food is freshly made, and the Forest Retreats team caters for dietary requirements.

Before You Go

This is a women-only gathering, and the yoga is pitched for all abilities, so previous experience is not needed. Places for this retreat go quickly, and it has sold out in the past. If you are looking for a women's retreat in the Wye Valley with real time in nature, Hill Farm offers a quiet, well-hosted place to rest.