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    Wilderness Retreats

    If you’re looking for a holiday that allows you to relax, reset and feel good, then look no further than our women-only Wilderness Retreats. Designed to bring together the perfect mix of enriching activities, beautiful surroundings and the opportunity for shared connection, these trips allow you to slow down and breathe deeply. Whether you’re travelling solo, with a partner, or alongside friends, our retreats are for women seeking to enjoy the restorative power of nature.

    Women-Only
    Knowledgeable Guides
    Small Groups
    Outdoor Wellness

    Wellness Holidays in England and Wales

    Step away from the busyness of the everyday and experience the benefits of giving yourself the time and space to unwind in the stunning English countryside. Enjoy engaging and restorative activities such as wild swimming, hiking, canoeing, yoga and foraging. Breathe in the fresh air as you spend time in old forests, paddling on serene waters and looking out over a tapestry of green fields and craggy fells. In the company of like-minded women, enjoy nourishing, freshly prepared food and relax in plush, hand-picked accommodation.

    With everything on your trip already taken care of, there’s no need to worry about timings, transfers, meals, or what’s coming next. Our expert guides and hosts will ensure each day flows with ease so you can simply focus on being present, connecting with nature, and making the most of your trip.

    Our Wilderness Retreats Holidays

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    Pre-Trip Planning and Customer Support

    I’m Booked – What Should I Pack? Read More

    Preparing for your Wilderness Retreat is simple with our tailored kit list, which we’ll send well before your trip. Most retreats involve light to moderate hiking, so you’ll need proper walking boots, weatherproof layers and a small daypack for daily essentials like water, snacks and sun protection. Depending on your chosen itinerary, additional kit may be required – such as exercise clothing for yoga or wellness sessions.

    We also suggest a small daypack for daily essentials like your water bottle, sun protection, a notebook or an extra sweater. Your main luggage will be securely stored at your accommodation or transported for you when we change locations.

    British weather is famously unpredictable – often serving up sunshine, wind and drizzle in the same afternoon – so reliable layers and a good waterproof are essential. As Alfred Wainwright wisely said, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” With the right gear, you’ll be ready to enjoy every moment, rain or shine.

    Where Do I Meet My Guide at the Start of the Trip? Read More

    Your trip begins and ends at a well-connected railway station as listed on each trip webpage, with full details confirmed in your pre-trip information pack. On arrival, your Wilderness guide will be waiting with a warm welcome and everything in place to help you settle into your new surroundings ready for the journey ahead.

    We make starting your trip as seamless as possible, leaving you free to focus on the good stuff, from your first cup of English tea to your first view of our romantic coastline.

    Getting to the UK Read More

    Arriving in the UK is simple, with excellent international connections to major airports such as London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester. From there, onward travel is straightforward, with rail links and public transport offering smooth access to the start point of your journey. Whether you’re travelling from nearby or afar, we’re happy to help advise on the best options for your route.

    Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): For the latest updates on entry requirements to the UK, including passport, visa and customs information, we recommend checking the official UK Government website or speaking with our team if you’re unsure.

    Read more here.

    First Time Visitors

    We take great pride in introducing travellers to England and Wales’s rich culture and timeless beauty. Our Wilderness Retreats are designed to help you slow down and truly immerse yourself in each place’s character. Days unfold gently, often combining time outdoors with a wellness-focused activity at your beautiful accommodation.

    These carefully crafted, women-only retreats move at a relaxed pace and foster a strong sense of connection. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, each itinerary invites you to explore the stories, flavours and traditions that make this corner of the world so captivating. With over 20 years of experience across the UK, our team works closely with local partners and communities to offer genuine, in-depth experiences rooted in place.

    Your Wilderness Experience

    Expert Guides Read More

    Our guides are more than just experts—they’re passionate hosts, insightful storytellers and experienced companions. Each has deep knowledge of local history, traditions and ways of life, along with the warmth and flexibility to ensure everyone feels welcome. Whether sharing the best Cornish ice cream, interpreting centuries-old legends, or gently adjusting the day’s pace, they’re attuned to your experience from start to finish.

    Storytelling That Brings the UK to Life Read More

    England and Wales are rich in legend, folklore and lived history, offering the perfect ground for storytelling. Our guides weave together ancient tales, literary insights and personal anecdotes, creating a vivid backdrop to each day’s discoveries. From whispered myths and mining lore to poetry recited in the very places it was inspired, this is history you can feel.

    Your Personal Concierge Read More

    Our guides handle the behind-the-scenes details with care and precision, from arranging tastings and timed entries to ensuring dietary needs are met and daily transitions are smooth. This frees you up to fully immerse yourself in each experience, knowing every element is thoughtfully taken care of.

    Travel With Peace of Mind Read More

    With a dedicated guide leading the way, you can relax into the rhythm of your trip. Whether navigating coastal ferries or bustling village cafés, your guide ensures you’re in safe, knowledgeable hands, allowing you to enjoy each moment without the worry of logistics.

    Small Group Size Read More

    Travelling in a group of no more than eight allows for meaningful connection with your fellow travellers, your guide and the places you visit. Smaller groups are more nimble, more sustainable and more attuned to personal moments, whether that’s a quiet talk in a walled garden or a shared laugh over dinner.

    Sustainability and Responsible Travel

    Wilderness England was founded in 2020 by the same passionate team behind Wilderness Scotland and Wilderness Ireland. From the beginning, we have been committed to responsible travel, embedding sustainability into everything we do. Whether crafting new itineraries, choosing independent accommodation, or working with local artisans and community partners, our goal is simple: to protect what makes these places special while offering exceptional, enriching travel experiences.

    Our Culture & Heritage holidays are built on the belief that travel can be a force for good. These slower-paced journeys are not only kinder to the planet but deeply rooted in place. By focusing on local stories, regional cuisine and community connections, we offer an alternative to conventional tourism—one that supports local economies and fosters meaningful exchange.

    What Do We Mean By Responsible Travel?

    We believe that travel, done thoughtfully, has the power to connect and uplift. That’s why we design our holidays with care and intention, minimising environmental impact, extending stays and collaborating closely with local people and businesses. Whether you’re exploring the gardens of the Cotswolds, learning from a local forager in the Lakes or sipping wine at a family-run vineyard in Cornwall, your journey helps sustain the culture, landscapes and livelihoods of the places you visit.

    When you choose Wilderness England, you’re travelling with a company recognised globally for leadership in sustainable tourism and responsible practice.

    Our Sustainability Goals

    Our long term vision is to lead the way in shaping a more sustainable future for travel. That’s why we’re proud to be one of the only travel companies aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)—the world’s leading standard for True Net Zero.

    This commitment runs deep, from our carbon labelling system and Wilderness Conservation & Community Fund to where and how we choose to travel.

    Carbon Labelling Scheme

    Every trip we design is carbon labelled, giving you transparent insight into the emissions associated with your journey.

    This helps us shape more climate-friendly itineraries and empowers you to make informed choices based on your values. These calculations are reviewed annually and help guide improvements across our trip design process.

    Learn More

    Wilderness Conservation and Community Fund

    Created in 2010, our Wilderness Conservation and Community Fund has raised over £100,000 for grassroots projects across the UK and Ireland. It supports a wide range of initiatives, from environmental conservation to cultural heritage preservation, all chosen to align with the values of us, our guests and the needs of our host communities.

    By joining a trip with us, you’re contributing to this work and helping to give back to the places that make your journey so memorable.

    Learn More

    Vehicle Fleet

    To keep our impact low and your experience high-quality, we operate a carefully maintained fleet of modern vehicles, including a growing number of electric options. These provide quiet, comfortable travel through the UK, helping us reach more remote places without compromising our environmental standards.

    We are continually working to expand our EV fleet and explore cleaner transport options, making your journey more sustainable without losing any of the warmth, flexibility or personal touch that defines a Wilderness holiday.

    Learn more about our sustainability goals here.

    Read More

    Award-Winning Journeys

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