The Big Retreat
Two soulful weekenders to reset, restore and reconnect
The Big Retreat has grown into one of the UK’s most uplifting and nourishing festival experiences. Rooted in movement, creativity, nature, food, music and meaningful connection, the festival returns this year with two beautifully crafted editions: its much-loved Pembrokeshire weekend in May and a brand-new Cambridgeshire weekender in September. Together, they create a feel-good season designed to help people unwind, rediscover themselves and enjoy life at a calmer, more spacious pace.
Pembrokeshire: A Holiday for the Mind and Body (23–26 May)
Held in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, this flagship weekend unfolds beside the Cleddau Estuary, a landscape of water, open skies and protected countryside. More than 300 experiences run across the programme, from fitness and wild swimming to yoga, breathwork, talks, creativity, woodland workshops, hands-on craft and taste-led food moments.
People return year after year because Pembrokeshire gives them real freedom to shape each day in the way that feels good to them. Some begin with HIIT or a run, others with yoga or a dip in the estuary. The weekend offers the choice to move between high energy sessions, inspiring talks, nature experiences, delicious food and quieter restorative workshops. It’s a rhythm that feels uplifting, spacious and completely your own to curate.
Headline sessions span wellbeing experts, inspirational speakers, bestselling authors, adventurers, chefs, creative leaders and an uplifting mix of live bands and DJs, each adding their own energy to the weekend.
Cambridgeshire: A New September Escape (11–13 September)
This year marks the launch of The Big Retreat Cambridgeshire, held within the picturesque Abbots Ripton estate. This new edition offers a beautiful countryside setting that makes it wonderfully easy to slip away for a restorative late-summer weekend.
Just like Pembrokeshire, Cambridgeshire is designed so guests can build their own version of a feel-good escape. Mornings might start with a strong fitness class, a calm breathwork session or a creative workshop. Days flow into talks, movement, hands-on activities, nature experiences, relaxed food moments and live music—allowing everyone to choose their pace and follow what feels right.
Headline talent spans wellbeing leaders, celebrated authors, inspiring adventurers, brilliant chefs, creative pioneers and an uplifting mix of live bands and DJs—shaping a weekend full of discovery, connection and ease.
One Festival Family, Two Beautiful Settings
Both festivals share the same guiding message: Feel Good Your Way. Whether your perfect moment is a powerful workout, a quiet meditation, a talk that shifts something inside you, a craft you’ve never tried before or dancing as the sun goes down—there is a place for it here.
Pembrokeshire offers:
- A spectacular setting within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
- Estuary views, peaceful corners and room to recharge
- A restorative, holiday-like rhythm
Cambridgeshire offers:
- A countryside retreat that’s wonderfully easy to reach
- A warm, spacious late-summer atmosphere
- A gentle, energising close to the season
Together, these two weekends celebrate joy, connection, creativity and wellbeing— without pressure or perfectionism. Feel Good Your Way.
Find out more at: thebigretreatfestival.com
Om Magazine
First published in November 2009, OM Yoga magazine has become the most popular yoga title in the UK. Available from all major supermarkets, independents and newsstands across the UK. Also available on all digital platforms.
