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Joyful Singing, Healing Sound
New Forest
Autumn Retreat 2025
at The Minstead Centre in the heart of the New Forest
November dates tbc
Harmony Singing, Sound Healing, Meditation, & Creativity
in Stunning Nature
with Delicious Plant-Based Fare & Great Company
for Inspiration, Fun & Well-Being!
Event Description
Spring Awakening Retreat:
A Weekend of Song, Sound, and Serenity
Step into the warmth of Autumn colours and log fires with a deeply nourishing weekend retreat in the heart of the New Forest! As nature transitions, join us at the enchanting Minstead Study Centre for a weekend dedicated to connection and inner harmony.
Reconnect with Nature and Yourself
Surrounded by the serene beauty of the New Forest, this retreat offers a sacred space to breathe deeply, unwind, and reconnect with the essence of who you are. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the forest as you explore practices that nurture the soul and uplift the spirit.
* Restore mind, body & soul in the tranquil New Forest
* Relax with singing, sound baths, meditation, and mantras
* Connect with your innate creativity with simple but delightful mandala making, stone painting, and collage.
* Immerse yourself in the beauty of forest walks
* Be nourished by delicious wholesome foods
* Enjoy great company!
* No previous experience is necessary for our workshop sessions
There will be two workshop sessions a day, each one designed to enhance your well-being, and nourish your mind, body and soul.
You can relax, recharge, and immerse yourself in the beauty of ancient woodlands, streams, and meadows.
There will be free time in the afternoon for walking in the gardens or the forest or just relaxing with like-minded others.
We will have exclusive use of the center including the gardens, workshop space, kitchens, the house, and dormitories.
The Venue
The Minstead Center is set in 7 acres of beautiful gardens, in the heart of the New Forest.
For accommodation options scroll down.
Our main workshop space is rather like a huge wooden tree house! It is very comfortable, with underfloor heating and a very efficient wood-burner, if needed, making for a cosy space for our singing and sound-bathing sessions. The dormitories are also part of this lovely and unique space.
Supper on Friday evening, and lunch on Saturday and Sunday will be delicious plant-based fare, using local and organic produce, including some from the vegetable garden.
On Saturday evening supper will be at the lovely local village pub. The cost for this is not included in the fee.
You are also welcome to bring your own supper to have at the center.
Nestled amongst the gardens are various stone circles and a newly refurbished roundhouse, based on an Iron Age home. It is made from local clay, rope, straw and wood. It has no door, and a fire inside, ready to be lit for evening storytelling and singing if desired!
Singing
Our singing sessions will include gorgeous harmony songs from around the world, including African, Gospel, Native American and Jazz. We will also have deeply relaxing sound baths with Tibetan singing bowls, and other sacred sound instruments, and mantra singing, in the cosy "beanbag" room, which has a wood burner for colder weather.
Practical Info
Dates
Autumn Retreat November 2025 dates TBC
Fees
£395 on-site residential
or
£345 non-residential, including all workshop sessions, teas and coffees, supper on Friday, lunch on Saturday and Sunday, breakfasts if staying on-site, and basic dormitory accommodation if required. Please note that Saturday supper is not included. The group normally enjoys going to the local forest pub for supper!
For other accommodation options please see below.
Accommodation
There are three options:
1.Two spacious basic dormitories on-site, with 9 sets of bunk beds in each, and shower rooms.
2. Four en-suite twin rooms on site. If used for single occupancy the cost will be £40 per night. If used as a twin, it will be £20 per person per night. First come first served!
3. There is a variety of Air BnB options available, from Glamping to Shepherd's Huts, to cute cottage BnB's, from around £60 per night upwards.
This option is not included in the fee, and you will need to book it and arrange payment yourself. It is advisable to book ASAP to avoid disappointment! I can help find suitable Air BnB if necessary.
Camping on-site is also possible!
The programme offers everything that I (now) love including singing, harmonising, chanting, sharing, writing ...all seamlessly directed by Sarah leaving us all wanting more!
- Helen B
To Book
To book your place a non-returnable deposit of £150 is payable.
Email sarah@lifesong.co.uk to book your place and for payment info.
