Wintering

Sussex, UK

17-21 Feb 2025

“Doing those deeply unfashionable things—slowing down, letting your spare time expand, getting enough sleep, resting—is a radical act now, but it is essential"

Katherine May - Wintering

Tucked away down a winding farm track that leads from the outside world’s bustle to our serene haven, lies Hawthbush Farm. A 140-acre organic farm in the heart of rural East Sussex, surrounded by ancient woodlands and meadows and the perfect setting for 4 nights of blissful pause and reconnection.

This Retreat

is for honouring the slow life. Hunkering down with hot cocao and a book under a rug. Unwinding with a big exhale in the Farm’s wood-fired cedar hot tub or sauna. Soothing your winter skin with a beautiful facial or massage using Amly’s stunning essential oils and skincare.

The farm’s magical woodland will be the setting for your child’s creative Forest School mornings of childcare, while you enjoy a morning of yoga to ground, awaken and restore you from the inside out.

Afternoons are for you & your child to enjoy together - with a couple of optional activities planned in - and evenings are for early nights or the opportunity to join our Mothers Circle or cacao ceremony & sound healing.

“Jocie is a really special yoga teacher with an infectious positive energy that flows through this retreat and her wonderful yoga sessions. It was such a treat to disconnect from day to day life, (which can often be chaotic with a young child!) and find some peace and calm in a beautiful natural space. My son absolutely loved his time exploring nature and it felt truly special to get to do that with him, no distractions, nowhere else to be; we had a chance to really bond in a beautiful, wild space! I will treasure the memories of this retreat for years to come”

Marianne and son Jamie

The Place

Sustainability is key to everything Hawthbush Farm does. They provide their own water from a natural spring and the stainless steel pool is chlorine-free. Much of the electricity usage is provided by the 15Kw solar array and all of the cottages and house are heated using a central biomass boiler.

The Cowshed has a lovely, bright communal space with large kitchen where we will gather for meals. The Granary has it’s own little lounge and patio and the yoga barn is nearby - with the pool and sauna situated just outside.

A short walk up the track lies the beautiful woodland, with a further cosy barn space which will be an indoor option for the children should it be too wet or frosty!

The treatment room for the facials is just adjacent to the Piggery Room meaning everything is close by and easy.

Need to knows…

Price includes one Mother and one child (based on sharing a double bed or 2 singles. Cots are also available). Additional children are £300 and we ask that babies under 2 years old require 1:1 childcare at an investment of £250.

Forest School will be outside - rain or shine! Please pack appropriate clothing for your child (there will be an indoor space available should the weather be too cold or soggy).

Included in the price:

  • All meals, snacks, tea, coffee & juice for both you and your child/ren

  • Daily morning yoga

  • A 30 minute facial using the incredible Amly skincare products

  • Access to the wood-fired cedar hot tub, the sauna / cold plunge pool

  • Access to the natural water swimming pool

  • 4 hours of creative, outdoor Forest School childcare each day

  • Afternoon activities (kids yoga, kids baking class)

  • 2 evening workshops (with babysitting included) - ranging from restorative yoga, Mothers Circles, cacao ceremonies and sound healing

  • A luxury Theta welcome bag

Not included:

  • Extended facials (you may top up your free treatment to one hour or book a massage with our therapist also)

  • Travel to and from the retreat

  • Any alcohol, (although you are welcome to bring your own)

How your week might look…

(Itinerary subject to minor changes)

Arrival day

Check in from 4pm 

5-6pm Casual dinner available for kid and adults

Days 1-3

Breakfast at 8am - with ‘help yourself’ options available from earlier

9am Handover to childcarers

9.15am - 10.45am Embodied yoga flow in the beautiful converted barn space

10.30am Kids snack time with childcarers

10.45am - 12pm free time for facials, saunas, reading, resting..

12pm Adult lunch & kids lunch separately before reuniting at 1pm

2pm Afternoon activity or free time

4pm Tea and cake, savoury snack for kids

6pm Adult & kids dinner together

8pm Evening sessions on 2 of the evenings. (Babysitting ‘listening in’ service provided)

Departure day

Farewell breakfast, closing circle and check out by 10am

 FAQs

  • This particular retreat is perhaps more suitable for school aged children (4-7yrs) due to the Forest School nature of the childcare. We have planned it in half term for those looking for activities during the break, however we welcome children of all ages - even babies! We do ask that babies under 2 years old require 1:1 childcare at an extra investment of £250.

  • Yes we can provide travel cots and highchairs - please specify on booking if you require these.

  • Yes there is excellent wifi throughout.

  • There is a local, volunteer-run village shop just a short walk away. There are several larger towns just a short drive away.

  • Yes you will have access to a washing machine but we request that you please bring your own washing powder/liquid.

  • Bed linen and bath towels are provided, please bring a swim towel if you intend to take a dip!

  • CAR: The address is Hawthbush Farm, Gun Hill, East Sussex, TN21 0JY (use 0JX for satnav). It is a mile from the A22 on Gun Hill on the south side of the road, where you will find a farm track with a red sign saying Hawthbush Farm on the roadside, there is a gate and a buzzer.

    TRAIN: The nearest station is Berwick (10 mins drive away) which will take you to Lewes. Direct London services can be had from Lewes (20 mins drive) and Uckfield (20 mins drive).

    PLANE    : Gatwick airport is only 50 minutes drive from the farm.

    TAXIS: can be prebooked from Hail-a-Cab on 01323 849888 or Cavalier Cars on 01323 844464.

  • Yes absolutely. A non-refundable deposit is required on booking (transferrable if you find a somebody to take your spot) and the remaining fee can be paid in up to 3 instalments with final payment due 6 weeks before the retreat.

Still got some questions?

Feel free to contact Jocie or even arrange a phone call