Retreats 2025 – Information and Prices
Drop the Rock! Taming the fierce inner critic and growing our relationships
Fri 25th April to Mon 28th April
Led by Alex Raeburn
More info
Do you treat yourself with kindness? Are you often 'striving' or otherwise trying too hard? Treat yourself to this retreat which focuses on learning to be kind to ourselves, relationship building and saying No! to the critical voice which damages our self-esteem and connection with others.
Consisting of individual and group exercises and facilitator input, we will use the beautiful space to discover tools to help become your own loving parent, begin to unlearn old wounds and explore boundaries and relationships in a fun, creative and transformative way. There will be time for slowing down, a beach walk and silent reflection where you can immerse yourself in nature as well as challenge ourselves with movement and discussion.
This three-night retreat is for anyone interested in deepening intimacy and moving forwards to emotional sobriety, the retreat is informed by 12-step programmes, Re-evaluation co-counselling and attachment/trauma models. Please note this retreat is alcohol-free so please do not bring alcohol onto site.
Alex is an experienced group facilitator. She has regularly run sessions and workshops in individual and group development for almost 30 years, specialising in trauma-informed relationship work, addiction recovery, experiencing change and emotional sobriety. Alex is a proponent of body-work, recognising that ‘our issues live in our tissues’. Intimacy and boundaries exploration is also key to how Alex works. Responsive, flexible and creative, Alex’s work is both grounding and inspiring, and informed by many years in 12-Step programmes, and she is trained in Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and Re-evaluation Co-counselling (RC).
Alex lived in a co-housing community for over 10 years and has two adult children. In her 'free' time she loves to sing and dance!
Previous participants describe Alex’s work as:
‘Literally changed my life.’
‘So inspiring – she is amazing to work with.’
‘Made me feel safe and challenged even though I was scared to do (this)!’
‘I’d recommend Alex to anyone.’
songwriting with Johnny coppin
Fri 12th Sep to Mon 15th Sep
Led by Johnny Coppin
![Johnny[1]](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.limehouseandcottage.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/Johnny1-r12iomgzalcn85x93glgc5cunr3xmpb4z66byerzas.jpeg?media=1673186123 "Johnny[1]")
More info
Johnny will work with the songwriters on a one-to-one basis, developing their ideas and creating new material. Each songwriter will have their own room to work in. There’ll be an introduction on Friday evening, an informal session on Saturday evening, a final performance of the songs late on Sunday afternoon, and plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful Pembrokeshire coastline over the weekend.
This course is for people of all levels of experience.
Johnny Coppin is a talented singer-songwriter with over ten years of tutoring at songwriting weekends. Johnny has performed at many festivals, and venues large and small and for over twenty years he presented an Acoustic Music programme on BBC Local Radio across the West.
Johnny’s effortless vocals have graced the folk-scene since the emergence of Decameron in the early 1970s. An experienced solo performer, he is a talented songwriter and a fine interpretative singer. Playing guitar and piano, his songs are always melodic and evocative.
Johnny has recorded over fourteen albums including The Winding Stair, Borderland, Edge of Day with writer Laurie Lee, his latest album River of Dreams, and recently celebrated the 40th Anniversary of the release of Forest & Vale & High Blue Hill – his first album of Cotswold and Gloucestershire songs.
Testimonials:
‘Thank you for creating such a creative working environment. The advice and encouragement helped to make it a great weekend.’
‘Thank you for all your efforts which made for quite a challenging but very helpful weekend. I especially enjoyed the one-to-one sessions - the critical moments when the shape of a new piece starts to gel.’
'Thanks so much for a great weekend - I got so much out of it. You really are inspirational.'
Press quotes:
‘One of the finest voices in the UK.’ Q magazine
‘A gifted songwriter.’ Daily Telegraph
Golden Keys To Wellness
Mon 18th Aug to Sat 23rd Aug
Led by Maggie ‘Star’ Whiteley
More info
Recent scientific studies show that there are practices that change the neurological pathways in our brains and calm our physical systems in a way that increases our well-being and make us happier.
This five-night course will show you how to cultivate and embrace simple mindful, contemplative practices in your life, so that they become easily accessible, even during stressful times.
We’ll discover how these practices uniquely suit us and affirm our connection with the root of goodness inside us. And we’ll look at how to bring these qualities to the wounded places within us and the world, through self-compassion, wonder, forgiveness, gratitude and kindness.
We’ll enjoy the process by sharing the wisdom of the group, heart-opening conversations, deep quiet times, poems, artwork and time outdoors in nature. Expect this soul-fest to be sprinkled with a liberal seasoning of irreverent humour and plenty of time to chill out and relax.
Maggie is a powerful Coach and Educator also qualified as a Spiritual Companion. With a passion for life-long learning, she is highly experienced with a wide range of group methods. She is respected by many for her wisdom, warmth and irrepressibly irreverent sense of humour.
Testimonials:
‘Maggie is a wise and loving soul who has a myriad of helpful insights and knowledge that she willingly and gently imparts. I value her and her wisdom immensely.’
‘Star just manages to read a group and hold the space lightly. I love working with her.’
‘Skilled, compassionate, intelligent, nurturing, completely brilliant.’
‘Even better than I expected. Superb. So expert. So caring.’
Creativity through drama
Mon 15th Sep to Sat 20th Sep
Led by Phil Knight
More info
Do you want to explore your creativity through drama? During the week you will discover stories, find ways to tell them and help others to tell theirs. You’ll share your experiences, stories and memories, explore what you feel about things and find exciting ways of expressing them. As your imagination is set loose and you develop ideas, you’ll find common ground and understanding.
A variety of exercises and techniques will be used to release your ideas and creative potential, including improvisation, drama exercises, devising, movement, yoga breathing, meditation and deep relaxation.
Previous drama experience is not necessary.
Phil Knight studied dance and performing arts at Brighton University and started his career as a performer on the alternative cabaret circuit. To develop his interest in physical, improvised, issue-based theatre he became Artistic Director of Third Theatre; ‘A group with total intuitive understanding,’ according to The Guardian. He worked as a director on several community theatre projects and has been a lecturer in physical theatre, directing improvisation and movement for actors at several colleges. Phil believes theatre has an increasingly important role to play in the digital age as a space for human-to-human interaction.
In 2012 Phil trained as a Zen Yoga teacher and he will be happy to offer some optional yoga sessions during the week.
Testimonials
‘Phil's teaching was excellent, nuanced and heartfelt and took the group to poignant and wonderful places that I did not expect.’
‘Stimulating, interesting and deeply rewarding. Loved it!’
‘Phil enabled us to explore and build a really supportive group.’
