A Different Kind of Book Retreat
A beautiful setting. Meaningful conversations. Just seven places.
Spend a day exploring the themes of a thoughtfully chosen book, sharing perspectives and discovering what its stories might reveal about our own lives. With guided mindfulness practices, delicious food and time to enjoy the surroundings, it's an opportunity to step away from everyday demands and reconnect with yourself and others.
Katherine May's Wintering | Sunday 21 February 2027 | £135
Just turn up, switch off and we'll do the rest:
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Book delivered to your door ahead of the day
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Light refreshments on arrival
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Printed book quotations to support discussions
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Guided mindfulness practices
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Blankets, cushions & mats provided
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A light lunch
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Time to explore the gardens
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A relaxing retreat day 10.00 - 3.30
There's something special about bringing a small group of women together around a good book. Conversations unfold, different ideas come up, and sometimes we discover we're not as alone in our experiences as we thought. For the past five years, I've loved creating these opportunities to slow down, connect and enjoy a little space away from everyday life.
Our Featured Book: Wintering by Katherine May
Wintering is back!
Spend the winter exploring Katherine May's bestselling book, Wintering, a beautiful reflection on the quieter, more difficult seasons of life, and why sometimes we need to slow down rather than push through.
Then join us for a special retreat day at Ness Gardens, where we'll bring the book to life through meaningful conversations with like-minded women.
Throughout the day, we'll use selected passages to explore our own perspectives and experiences, with gentle mindfulness practices creating space for reflection.
There's no pressure to share anything personal. Listening and reflecting are just as welcome as joining the conversation.
Book My Place
Two Books. Two Retreats. A Little More Time for You.
Love Katherine May? Can't decide?
Join us for both Katherine May book retreats and enjoy two beautiful days of mindfulness, meaningful conversations and connection.
From the quiet wisdom of Wintering to the exploration of care and connection in Tending, each retreat offers something different.
Book "Wintering" and add "Tending" at the checkout for just £116.00 (saving £19)
What our retreat guests are saying
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Lou Poyser
"The whole day was just incredible it exceeded all my expectations. The welcome, location, food, content, pace and overall experience was just incredible. Julie’s pace led the group along seamlessly and the tasks were perfect.
The mindfulness sessions were embedded into the day for maximum effect and I left with a just had a massage feeling of chillness and contentment. Looking forward to the next retreat so much.
Started my Easter holidays off perfectly. Thank you Julie.🙏"
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Jacqui Woods
"Thoroughly enjoyed my retreat day with Julie.
To take time out alongside like minded people and discover I'm not alone with my experiences was reassuring.
Julie's guided meditations left me feeling refreshed and renewed. If you need an introduction to mindfulness then seek out Julie whose experienced, empathetic, connected and caring nature will support you into your mindfulness journey."
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Laura Seymour
"I had the pleasure of attending one of these incredible retreats. I was delighted to meet some beautiful like-minded souls.
The practises throughout the day were truly lovely and I came away feeling so relaxed and refreshed. Great food, amazing teacher and I look forward to many more.
Laura, Editor Wirral Well Being Magazine."
"A little bit of space in our busy worlds."
What to expect
Before the retreat
Your chosen book arrives by post, giving you time to read and reflect before we meet.
A warm welcome
Arrive to refreshments and a relaxed opportunity to meet the other guests.
Explore passages from the book, share perspectives if you wish and discover new ways of seeing familiar experiences.
Mindfulness and nature
Enjoy gentle guided practices, lunch and time to appreciate the surroundings.
The perfect essentials to create a little bit of "you" time at home.
NICE TO MEET YOU
Hi, I'm Julie
I'm a mindfulness teacher, author and someone who knows what it's like to spend years juggling responsibilities while forgetting to make space for yourself.
After 30 years working in the corporate world, I discovered mindfulness during a particularly challenging period in my life. It changed how I understood stress, and eventually inspired me to retrain and share what I'd learned.
For the past six years, I've been helping people discover practical ways to navigate life's challenges with greater awareness, kindness and confidence.
My book retreats bring together two things I love: meaningful conversations and the opportunity to pause, reflect and connect with others.
I look forward to welcoming you.
MSc Mindfulness (University of Aberdeen) | British Mindfulness Association trained | Author of The Emotional Hustle | 6+ years teaching mindfulness | Wirral Wellbeing Award Winner
