Lots of hostels have ideal locations for organised retreats; quiet, remote and in stunning scenery.
A few other very special places provide an atmosphere where sole travellers can take time out to focus among like-minded new people or simply enjoy being alone.
Often these hostels will be close to religious sites or pilgrimage routes and some are run on ethical ground by religious organisations.
Whether you join an organised retreat or visit an awe inspiring place alone, a retreat gives you the chance to take a break from your everyday life.
Retreats with accommodation
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Knoydart Bunkhouse
Knoydart is a remote peninsula on the west coast of Scotland reachable only by boat or long hike. Community run, the Bunkhouse uses hydro electricity & promotes responsible tourism. Set amid wild, remote terrain overlooking a mesmerising beach. Ten mins' walk to pub, PO, shop & ferry at Inverie. 3 bedrooms and comfy communal areas. Ranger service & deer stalking available. Stunning dark skies, so bring a torch!
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Hebden Bridge Hostel
Expect a warm welcome at Hebden Bridge Hostel. Comfy and welcoming, with private rooms and dorm beds from £15. Nestled into woodland only a short walk from the town centre, and less than 500m from the Hebden Bridge Loop on the Pennine Way, the hostel makes the perfect base for hiking, sight-seeing, relaxing or experiencing Hebden Bridge's vibrant café, music, arts & culture.
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Badrallach Bothy and Campsite
On the tranquil shores of Little Loch Broom overlooking one of Scotland’s finest mountain ranges, Badrallach Bothy and Campsite offer a fine base for walking and climbing. Fish in the rivers, hill lochs and sea or simply enjoy the flora and fauna. Hot showers, spotless accommodation, an unbelievable price and total peace make the Bothy and Campsite a firm favourite. There is also a holiday cottage for hire.
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New Ing Lodge
This 10-bedroom, 10-bathroom B&B & hostel offers comfortable, friendly, accommodation with delicious food. Shap is in the Eden Valley, just off the M6, on the edge of the Lake District National Park. The Howgills & the Pennine Fells are close by. On Wainwright's Coast to Coast, the Westmorland Way & the Miller's Way it's perfect for large groups or individuals.
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Rhossili Bunkhouse
Rhossili 4* Bunkhouse is situated at the end of the Gower Peninsula, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is within easy walking distance of three glorious beaches, (including Rhossili Bay voted the best beach in Europe and in the top ten in the World 2017). Ideal for families and groups and perfectly located for a wide range of outdoor activities including walking, surfing, cycling & climbing.
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Highland Haven
The Highland Haven is new and offers unique group accommodation in the far north of Scotland. Its stunning location on the NC500 enjoys magnificent views over to Orkney and Dunnet Head. A perfect base for cyclists, walkers. families and friends. The Highland Haven provides everything you need to relax & recharge and perfect dark skies for star gazing. Experience the ultimate group getaway - affordable & luxurious.
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Skiddaw House Hostel
The highest hostel in Britain! Escape the crowds at this remote mountain hostel. No roads, no other buildings, no phone signal, just views of beautiful mountain wilderness. But there’s no need to compromise on comfort, with wood burning stoves, hot showers, a well-stocked bar and full bedding provided. An easy walk or mountain bike ride from Keswick or Threlkeld.
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Old Red Lion
The medieval walled town of Castle Acre is on the Peddars Way ancient track/long distance path. This former pub, continues to serve travellers who seek refreshment and repose. Stay in private rooms or dorms (bedding/linen supplied). There are quiet communal areas and 2 large areas suitable for group activities.
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Tarset Tor Bunkhouse and Bothies
In the heart of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park and close to the Pennine Way. These striking timber eco-buildings integrate into their natural surroundings making the most of this remarkable location and providing the perfect base for outdoor adventures. The bunkhouse and bothies provide stylish, modern, versatile & comfortable self- catering accommodation which can be used for events, conferences & parties.
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Monkton Wyld Court
This Victorian neo-Gothic mansion in Dorset’s AONB has easy access to the Jurassic Coast at Lyme Regis as well as the Wessex and Monarch’s Way long distance footpaths. Guests can use the vegetarian self-catering kitchen to prepare their own meals or vegetarian meals can be pre-booked. There is also camping in the grounds. Run by a charity that promotes sustainable living. Fruit and vegetables are grown in the organic garden and Jersey cows provide the dairy products.
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Ceridwen Centre
On an organic farm in the Teifi Valley this award winning eco-sensitive location is ideal for holidays, courses, retreats, events and weddings. Accommodation includes; Ceridwen an old smithy sensitively converted into high quality group accommodation for 19, Yurts, Eco Pods, B&B rooms, an up-cycled static caravan, a Romany caravan, a double-decker bus and spaces for tents and caravans.
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Yealand Old School
Yealand Old School Hostel, reopening in May 2019, is a stroll from Warton Crag for views across the sands of Morecambe Bay. In early summer hunt out a host of wild flowers on the limestone scenery at nearby Gaitbarrows NNR and Hutton Roofs crags. Kids will enjoy Lakeland Wildlife Oasis, a small zoo close by. The New Inn is only 300m away. Relax in the grounds of the adjacent Quaker Meeting House. Groups only at weekends, except last minute.
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Iona Hostel
Tucked into the rocky outcrops on a working croft, Iona Eco Hostel has spectacular views of the isles and mountains beyond. The land has been worked for generations, creating the familiar Hebridean patchwork of wildflower meadow, crops and grazing land. It offers quiet sanctuary for those that seek it, within easy reach of island activities. Whether travelling on your own, with friends, or as a group, Iona Hostel promises a warm welcome. Tourist board 4 star. Green Tourism Gold.
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Bunkhouse at the Workhouse
The well equipped, community run bunkhouse at Y Dolydd Llanfyllin Workhouse is handy for Welshpool & Shrewsbury and close to the Berwyn Mountains. With access to a wide range of adventurous activities including Lake Vyrnwy, Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall (the tallest in the UK) and Revolution bike park. Venue hire for events welcomed, catering/bar available by arrangement. Visit the free History Centre to learn more about the building and the people who lived and worked in it.
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Coll Bunkhouse
Coll Bunkhouse 5* self-catering hostel accommodation is a mile from the ferry terminal & close to local amenities. Ideal for groups or individuals, short or longer stays. A half hour from the mainland by plane, under 3 hours by ferry. This beautiful Hebridean island is ideal for walking, stargazing, wildlife, cycling, water sports or chilling amidst stunning scenery. Visit quiet and beautiful spaces and beaches and enjoy fine island hospitality. A warm welcome awaits you.
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Hagg Farm Outdoor Centre
Situated in the Peak District’s Woodlands Valley, Hagg Farm offers comfortable accommodation for up to 44 people with an additional 18 beds in the John Hunt Base next door (also in this Guide). Part of Nottinghamshire C.C’s Environmental & Outdoor Education Service, Hagg Farm is available for private hire by groups, families, clubs & charitable organisations. It can be booked on a self-catering or catered basis.
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Achaban House
On the beautiful Ross of Mull, Achaban House is perfect for those wanting luxurious B&B on the Ross of Mull with the option to self-cater. Close to the Fionnphort ferry to Iona & day trips to Staffa, Lunga & the Treshnish Isles. Ideal for walkers, cyclists or wildlife lovers. Rooms are en suite or with private bathrooms, breakfast is included. Larger groups welcome at the Ross Of Mull Bunkrooms next door (also in this guide).
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Corris Hostel
Perfect for group & family celebrations, Corris hostel is a haven from the stresses of the outside world; with its homely & inspiring atmosphere, caring staff & cosy wood fires. Enjoy the gardens with BBQ & campfire areas. In the Dyfi Biosphere & Snowdonia National Park & close to Cadair Idris and Centre for Alternative Technology, it’s a walkers & cyclists paradise. On the Mach Loop with a CAMRA pub close by.
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Outdoor Alternative
This purpose built 4* centre is quietly tucked away in Rhoscolyn, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Anglesey Coast. Just 5 mins' walk to the sandy beach at Borthwen and a stone's throw from the Anglesey Coastal Path. Perfect for friends & families, outdoor groups, schools and universities. Your ideal base for kayaking, climbing, sailing, walking, bird watching or beach holidays. Careful energy use is encouraged, with composting and recycling. Nearby Holyhead has ferry links to Ireland.
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Airton Barn
A friendly welcome awaits you in a unique setting at Airton Barn. Adjacent to the 17th century Friends Meeting House, Airton Barn is a simple bunkhouse sleeping up to 18 people over two floors, with storage space for up to 5 bicycles. Located on popular walking and cycling routes, and surrounded by some of Yorkshire's finest tourist destinations, the Barn is ideally placed for walkers and cyclists as well as small group getaways.
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Ninebanks Youth Hostel
Book a bed, a room, a Chalet room or the whole hostel. Ninebanks 4* Hostel, in stunning rural Northumberland, has en-suite bedrooms, a sitting room with log-burner and a spacious dining room. In the Chalet are two high quality studio rooms, fully self-contained and separate from the hostel. Dogs welcome with prior notice on sole use or in the chalet. In the North Pennines close to Hadrian’s Wall and on Isaac’s Tea Trail.
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Lots of hostels have ideal locations for organised retreats; quiet, remote and in stunning scenery. A few very special places provide accommodation with an atmosphere where sole travellers can take time out to focus among new people or simply enjoy being alone. Self catering facilities and communal meals at these places provide opportunities to focus on new relationships. Often these hostels will be close to religious sites or pilgrimage routes and some are run on ethical grounds by religious organisations.
At the end of the pilgrim route on Mull, just a short ferry ride away from the Isle of Iona, Achaban House has comfortable soft carpeted rooms and large airy social spaces imbibed with a tranquil atmosphere. It is set in a natural environment surrounded by wildlife. Achaban House is a much loved place by guests looking for peace, simple companionship and an easy daily pilgrimage to the monastic isle.
Iona Hostel is on the island itself, close to Iona Abbey, started by St Columba in the 6th century, and now home to the Iona Community. A contemporary take on pilgrimage is as ‘transformational journeying’ and Iona Hostel has offered warm and homely sanctuary to individual travellers and groups of pilgrims for many years. Iona is described as a ‘thin place’ between the physical and spiritual and travellers come from around the world to experience its unique quality and astonishing beauty. Transformation needn’t be big and momentous but can be gentle and warm, like sitting on the beach below Iona Hostel and watching the sun sink quietly over over the Western Isles.
The Old Red Lion in Norfolk enjoys the special atmosphere of Castle Acre village, once a medieval walled town, which lies within the outer bailey of an 11th century castle. On the Peddars Way ancient trail the Old Red Lion carries on the tradition of serving travellers who seek refreshment and repose. There are quiet areas for reading and meeting and the flint and timber-walled pub cellar and garden room are used for regular yoga classes and organised retreats.
Knoydart Bunkhouse is on a remote peninsula on the west coast of Scotland and is accessible only by boat or a long hike. People who reach this wild location jutting out on the Atlantic coast say “just to be there is good for the soul”. Surrounded by sea and rugged, mountainous terrain and a National Scenic Area of mountains, glens and coast , Knoydart is a haven for wildlife. Bring walking boots and binoculars and you’re set for a retreat to remember !
Hebden Bridge is an old mill town reclaimed by artists, writers and green & New Age practitioners of alternative therapies. Hebden Bridge Hostel reflects its host town and is often used by yoga and zen groups for retreats and workshops.
Monkton Wyld Court in Dorset has a history of well-being education and is run by an eco community who promote self sufficiency in an idyllic setting.
Ninebanks hostel in the North Pennines host retreats organised by Buddhists, artists and well-being coaches. Organisers find the friendly feel of the building, the social atmosphere of the living space, the peaceful rural location and the wonderful view all combine to engender a feeling of fulfillment.
Badralloch Bothy is home to the EarthMind Fellowship, which runs nature-oriented workshops for health and wellness. This social enterprise organises workshops for exploring nature, both inner and outer, incorporating herbal medicine and nutrition, health and wellness, stress-management, HeartMath, Wilderness Therapy and creative approaches such as dance, music, art and writing.
Llanfyllin Workhouse, home to ‘the Bunkhouse at the Workhouse’ is owned and run by the local community. It uses a holistic and sustainable approach to provide valuable learning experiences for all ages including green crafts, gardening, creative arts and performance skills.
Corris hostel is a renowned haven from the stresses of the outside world; with its homely atmosphere, friendly staff, inspirational library and cosy wood fires. The hostel has a holistic focus and an interest in the ‘healing arts’. The garden is terraced up the hillside with a range of ‘nature-scaped’ themes and places of meditation and solitude and beyond the boundary there is deciduous tree forest continuing up the mountain and accessible. This retreat has a great ’spirit of place‘ and connection to nature.
Skiddaw House, one of the UK’s remotest hostels, have hosted laid-back weekends of walking and talking with like-minded adventurers. Called ‘Mind Over Mountains’ these weekends promote the benefits of UK mountains for mental and physical health. By climbing mountains, and sleeping on the side of one at Skiddaw House you can escape from modern life and make time for your mental and physical well-being.
Yealand Hostel and Airton Barn have peaceful locations and a Quaker connection. Yealand is close to three very small villages with little through traffic and good transport links.