8 Best Short Yoga Retreats In The UK (2024)

While we all dream of jetting off to a sunny, tropical island like Bali to enjoy a week-long yoga retreat on the beach, this is often not possible. With family responsibilities, demanding work schedules, and travel costs on the rise, arranging an exotic yoga retreat abroad can be challenging, to say the least.

But this doesn’t mean taking time out for yourself and treating yourself to a well deserved yoga retreat should be “off the cards” or a “once in a blue moon” experience. Instead, it’s well worth looking a little closer to home as there’s many wonderful yoga retreats in the UK.

One of the advantages of staying in the UK for a yoga retreat is that even if you have limited holiday time there are many options for short breaks or weekend yoga retreats in the UK. Just taking short break can do a world of good for your body, mind and soul, plus there are many beautiful places in the UK to explore.

Most UK yoga retreats offer daily yoga classes and meditation sessions in a peaceful, countryside setting, so even after a weekend or short break you’re sure to leave feeling more relaxed and less stressed. Many retreats also offer other rejuvenating practices and holistic healing therapies like Yoga Nidra, breath work, guided hikes in the English countryside and even surfing.

So if you are looking for a yoga retreat in the UK read on to learn why British yoga holidays can be just as good (and in some ways better) than exotic ones. Discover the best places to go and my recommendations for the best yoga retreats in the United Kingdom.

Reasons to take a Yoga Holiday in the UK

The UK might not be the first place that comes to mind when dreaming of your ideal yoga holiday, but here are a few reasons you should consider a yoga retreat in the UK:

Shorter & cheaper travel costs – With the price of flights steadily rising, it’s becoming more affordable to travel within the UK than abroad. Plus, it’s possible to fit in a yoga weekend in the UK without needing to take additional holiday time off work. Even despite the current petrol prices, driving yourself to a retreat centre can work out cheaper and less stressful than getting to the airport, sitting on a plane squashed between two people for hours, and then trying to navigate your way to the retreat centre in a foreign land.

No language barrier – While visiting other countries is always an exhilarating experience, language barriers can be a real and frustrating problem. Luckily, with UK yoga holidays, this problem doesn’t exist.

Beautiful surroundings – The UK is full of beautiful scenery, from lush green hills to tranquil forests to rugged cliffs and sandy beaches. Plus, with 15 national parks, even if you think you’ve seen all of Great Britain, chances are there are still a few beautiful areas you’re yet to discover.

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Best Places for Yoga Retreats in the UK 

So where can you find the best UK yoga retreats for beginners? Here are some top destinations for finding your zen on British soil.

Southwest England – Firstly, the entire southwest coast of England is stunning. For example, you can explore the Jurassic Coast of Dorset, Devon’s medieval towns and moorland national parks, or the picturesque peninsula of Cornwall. Somerset is another lovely area, close to many large cities like Bristol and Southampton.

Northern England – If you live in the north of England, you also have many wonderful areas close by, including the two largest national parks; the Lake District and the Peak District. Moreover, Yorkshire’s historic county boasts stunning landscapes and medieval towns.

Wales & Scotland – If you want to go further afield, Wales and Scotland offer fantastic options. Choose between the mystical Scottish highlands or Snowdonia’s vast mountainous national park or the sandy beaches of South Wales.

Near London – Lastly, if London is your base and you want to avoid travelling far, there are some beautiful places in the Essex and Kent countryside which are a perfect quick escape from the capital for a weekend yoga retreat.

8 of the Best UK Yoga Retreats

From budget to luxury and everything in between there are retreats all over the country. Here are my pick of top-rated yoga retreats in the UK.

• Best Yoga Retreat near London – Glass House Retreat
• Best Surf and Yoga Weekend Retreat in Cornwall – Cornish Wave
• Best Yoga Retreat in the Lake District – Sunny Brow Farm
• Best Yoga Retreat in Wales – Old Lan Farmhouse
• Best Yoga Retreat in Scotland – Hot In The Highlands
• Best Yoga Retreats in Northern Ireland – Lake Isle Retreats
• Best Luxury Retreat in the UK – The Sacred Garden
• Best Budget Retreat in the UK – My Holistic Bliss

The Best Yoga Retreats in England

My Favourite Yoga Retreat in the UK

As you can see there are plenty of options for wellness and yoga retreats right here in the UK. Even if you only have a weekend, taking a break from everyday life can be really beneficial for your health.

If you can’t decide on the best retreat, my favourite is Sunny Brow Farm in the Lake District. Their retreats have such diversity and are set in stunning countryside in one of the most beautiful parts of the UK. The yoga instruction is suitable for all levels, including beginners, and I loved the range of spiritual, physical and emotional therapies available to try.

If Cumbria is a bit too far out in-the-sticks and you’re just looking for a quick getaway from London then I recommend The Glass House Retreat in Essex for their refreshing fitness, spa and yoga weekend breaks.

I hope this article has helped you find your ideal UK yoga retreat. Read this post if you need more tips on how to choose the best yoga retreat for you. You also might like our post on the commonly used Sanskrit yoga words to learn before your retreat and our essential yoga retreat packing list to help you prepare.