Join Tansy Dowman and Katie Hill for a calming and nourishing midsummer retreat set within the beautiful woodland surroundings of Hever Castle, designed to soothe the senses and restore inner balance.
The afternoon begins with gentle Qigong — a series of slow, flowing movements and breathwork practices to help participants arrive fully in the body and settle into the present moment. There is nothing to achieve and no previous experience required, only an invitation to soften tension, slow down, and reconnect with a natural rhythm.
From here, the group moves into a guided Forest Bathing experience through the woodland. Through sensory invitations, mindful pauses, and periods of quiet reflection, participants are gently encouraged to slow their pace and notice the subtle details of the natural world in midsummer.
This is a season of fullness — long light, abundant growth, and richness in every direction. The retreat offers space to pause within that abundance, and to experience it not through rushing, but through presence.
Later, the group gathers around the fire circle for a relaxed homemade feast, featuring fresh seasonal food, herbal teas, and sweet treats. The afternoon continues with gentle reflection, poetry, and meditation as the day softens toward evening.
As golden hour approaches, participants are invited to settle into a deeply immersive outdoor Sound Bath led by sound healer Katie Hill. Wrapped in blankets beneath the canopy of trees, rest unfolds as sound and nature intertwine in the fading light, supporting deep rest, integration, and nervous system restoration.
The retreat closes with a gentle gratitude circle before leaving the woodland at dusk.
Please note: the nearest toilets are a 10-minute walk away at the Golf Club, which is also the meeting point. Facilities are available before entering the woodland; after that, the trees tend to take care of things.
Gift vouchers are also available for this event.
Places are limited and cost £75pp including food and refreshments.
A discount code is available for attendees for entry into Hever Castle if you wish to make a day of it and head there after the workshop. Great if you are coming with friends, family or partners.
For Forest Bathing
Sensible, warm and comfortable clothes and supportive shoes
Waterproof jacket advisable in case of light showers
Water to stay hydrated
A blanket for extra warmth and sitting round the fire
A light lunch and snacks are provided but you are welcome to bring additional food
Waterproof sit mats and ponchos are provided for extra coverage if you wish.
For the Sound Bath
Yoga mat or similar
Sleeping bag & or blankets – the cosier the better!
Pillow
Eye mask
Always check the latest details before travelling. Hever Castle reserves the right to close all or part of the Castle, grounds, catering outlets and activities. Please note that use of partner offers may be restricted on some dates, please check before booking.
Book your visit to Hever Castle & Gardens.
Within the grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, there are two opportunities for you to stay the night with us.
Hever Castle has played host to many important events and celebrations for over 600 years. In 1903 when William Waldorf Astor set about restoring Hever Castle to its former glory, he added the Astor Wing, to accommodate his family and guests, before creating a lake and the spectacular Italian Garden to house his impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman statuary.
There are multiple places to eat & drink across the Hever Castle Estate. Select between the Castle & Gardens and Golf Club below to discover more.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, Hever Castle Golf Club is a 27 hole Kent golf course that will encourage and inspire all golf enthusiasts.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, the Wellbeing Centre consists of five smart treatment rooms.
