Hever Castle Woods
£75 pp (includes nourishing lunch + warm drinks by the fire)
A Woodland Mini-Retreat with Forest Bathing, Fireside Singing & Seasonal Ritual
A TIME TO PAUSE. A TIME TO GATHER. A TIME TO WELCOME THE LIGHT.
In the midst of December's busyness, when the world seems to be asking more and more of us, Nature offers a very different invitation.
To slow down. To gather close. To rest.
The Winter Solstice marks the longest night of the year, a quiet turning point in the seasonal cycle. A moment to honour the darkness, reflect on the year behind us and welcome the gradual return of the light.
This year, I'm inviting you to experience it together.
Join me and my wonderful guest facilitator, Laura Lamn, for a nourishing afternoon in the winter woodland, where we'll move gently, reconnect with Nature, share warming food around the fire and weave our voices together in a beautiful seasonal singing circle.
No rushing. No expectations. No need to be anything other than yourself.
Just a few precious hours to step away from the noise, reconnect with what matters and remember the simple joy of being together.
AN AFTERNOON TO NOURISH BODY, MIND & SPIRIT
Grounding Qigong & Mindful Movement
We'll begin by gently arriving in our bodies and the woodland around us.
Through simple Qigong-inspired movements and mindful breathing, we'll begin to release some of the busyness we've brought with us and settle into the slower rhythm of winter.
No previous experience needed. Just an invitation to move in a way that feels good for you.
Winter Forest Bathing
Winter reveals a different kind of beauty.
With the leaves fallen and the woodland laid bare, we're invited to notice things that might otherwise remain hidden. The shapes of branches against the sky, the textures of bark, the quiet life continuing beneath our feet.
Through gentle sensory invitations, we'll explore the winter landscape and what this season might have to teach us about rest, resilience and the importance of slowing down.
There's no distance to cover or destination to reach. Just time to deepen our connection with the natural world and ourselves.
Fireside Singing Circle with Laura Lamn
“If you can walk, you can dance. If you can talk, you can sing.”
This year, we're bringing something rather special to our Solstice gathering.
As we gather around the warmth of the fire, Laura will guide us through a beautiful circle of uplifting, heartwarming songs inspired by Nature, the seasons and the quiet turning of the year.
Laura is a Singing Mamas guide who creates welcoming spaces for women to experience the joy and connection of singing together.
And before you say “But I can't sing!” — please know that you absolutely can.
There are no auditions, no solos and no expectations to sound a certain way.
Laura teaches songs through a simple call-and-response approach. She sings, we sing back, and gradually our voices weave together into something rather wonderful.
You don't need to know the songs, read music or have any singing experience whatsoever.
There's something deeply human about singing together. Something that connects us beyond words, softens the edges of our everyday lives and reminds us of the comfort of belonging.
A chance to experience the warmth of collective sound, shared around the fire as we welcome the returning light.
Seasonal Nourishment Around the Fire
Of course, no winter gathering would be complete without something warming and delicious!
We'll share a nourishing homemade seasonal soup, fresh bread, warm drinks and a sweet treat, taking time to enjoy the simple pleasure of food, fire and good company.
No rushing through lunch. Just time to sit, chat, laugh, listen or simply enjoy being part of the circle.
Solstice Reflection & Ritual
As our afternoon draws to a close, we'll take some time to acknowledge this turning point in the year.
What are we ready to lay down? What have we learned from the darkness? And what might we wish to nurture as the light slowly returns?
Through gentle reflection and a simple seasonal ritual, we'll honour the year behind us and make space for whatever comes next.
Not with pressure to set resolutions or reinvent ourselves, but with curiosity, kindness and trust in our own natural rhythms.
WHY GATHER AT THE WINTER SOLSTICE?
For generations, people have gathered around fires, shared food, sung songs and marked the turning of the seasons.
The Winter Solstice reminds us that darkness is not something to fear or rush through. It is part of the cycle of life.
A time for rest, reflection and quiet renewal.
And perhaps, in a world that so often celebrates constant productivity, there is something wonderfully reassuring about remembering that Nature herself takes time to pause.
We don't have to rush towards the light. We can learn to find beauty in the darkness too.
THIS GATHERING IS FOR YOU IF...
December has left you feeling stretched, scattered or in need of a little breathing space.
You love Nature and are curious about experiencing it in a slower, more intentional way.
You'd like to reconnect with yourself before the year comes to a close.
You enjoy the idea of gathering with other women in a warm, welcoming and unpretentious space.
You're curious about singing together, even if you haven't sung since school!
You simply want an afternoon where nothing is expected of you.
Come alone or bring a friend. You will be warmly welcomed either way.
And please remember, everything we offer is an invitation. You are always free to participate in whatever way feels comfortable for you.
YOUR WOODLAND RETREAT
Date: Sunday 20th December 2026
Time: 12pm - 4.30pm
Location: Private woodland on the Hever Castle estate, Kent
Investment: £75 per person
Your afternoon includes:
Guided Qigong-inspired movement and winter Forest Bathing
Fireside singing circle with Laura Lamn
Solstice reflection and seasonal ritual
Homemade seasonal lunch, warm drinks and sweet treats
All guidance, woodland facilities, sit mats and ponchos
Places are limited to keep the gathering intimate and personal.
A FEW PRACTICAL DETAILS
Our gathering takes place outdoors in a secluded private woodland near Hever Castle, rather than within the main castle grounds.
The terrain is relatively flat and we won't be walking far, but sturdy footwear and warm, weather-appropriate clothing are essential.
Please bring plenty of cosy layers, a waterproof coat, gloves, a hat and a blanket for extra warmth around the fire.
Toilets are available approximately a 10-minute walk from the woodland.
Full directions, parking information and everything you need to prepare will be emailed before the retreat.
No experience of Qigong, Forest Bathing or group singing is necessary
MEET YOUR GUIDES
Tansy Dowman | Tansy in the Wild
I'm Tansy, an award-winning Nature Connection Guide, certified Forest Bathing practitioner, outdoor wellbeing facilitator and TEDx speaker.
My work is rooted in a simple belief: We are Nature.
Through mindful movement, sensory connection and time spent outdoors, I create opportunities for people to slow down, reconnect with themselves and rediscover their relationship with the natural world.
Laura Lamn | Singing Mamas Guide
Laura is a Singing Mamas guide who brings women together through the joy of collective singing.
Her gentle, accessible approach creates space for voices of all abilities to come together, using simple songs taught by ear, without pressure, performance or the need for any previous experience.
Together, we'll create a space for connection, warmth and a little winter magic.
GIFT A MOMENT OF STILLNESS
Looking for a meaningful gift for someone who deserves a little time for themselves?
Gift vouchers are available for this retreat, offering an afternoon of nourishment, Nature and connection away from the festive rush.
The light will return, as it always does.
Until then, perhaps we can find a little warmth in the darkness, together.
We'd love to welcome you around the fire.
Tansy & Laura x
About Hever
This retreat will take place at a private woodland location on the grounds of Hever Castle so is not in the main grounds. This beautiful secluded spot has a wonderful wild feel to it with a base camp circle surrounded by woodland and we will have exclusive use of the space for the duration of the session.
Please note: This area is a separate private space away from the main grounds of Hever and the cost to attend this workshop does not include access into the main castle grounds. We will however send you a link when you book with the option to add the entrance fee so you can visit the Castle and main grounds afterwards if you wish.
VIEW FULL LIST OF FOREST BATHING FAQ'S
Location & Accessibility
This retreat takes place in a private woodland space near Hever Castle (not in the main castle grounds).
The area is flat and accessible for most fitness levels.
Distance walked is minimal and pace is slow.
No prior experience in mindfulness, Qigong, or forest bathing is required — just an open heart.
Toilets are available a 10-minute walk from the site.
All booking details (incl. parking location) will be shared via email upon sign-up.
What to Bring
Warm, comfortable layers + waterproof jacket
Supportive footwear
Blanket for extra warmth
Water bottle (we provide warm drinks + food)
You’re welcome to bring any small personal comfort item (journal, talisman, etc.)
We politely ask that you refrain from wearing any string perfumes or scents on the day.