Microadventures in Nature
Discover two immersive experiences at Nostell that invite you to slow down, tune in, and explore the magic of nature in the heart of Yorkshire.
You don’t need a weekend away to feel miles from the everyday. These small, intentional escapes offer a simple way to step outside, switch off, and reconnect - with yourself and the world around you.
Nostell Nature Retreat
Saturday 24 May | 10am-2pm | Location: Engine Wood
This nourishing half-day retreat blends gentle movement, creative reflection, and mindfulness practices guided by experienced facilitators.
What’s included:
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Mindfulness walk: Guided by experienced facilitators, we’ll begin with a mindful walk through the forest, allowing our senses to awaken as we journey in silence to a peaceful clearing. Here, we’ll lay down our mats and create a sacred space to connect with ourselves and the world around us.
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Guided meditation: Let yourself be gently led into stillness with a grounding guided meditation. With eyes closed and breath steady, you'll be invited to tune into the subtle sounds, scents, and sensations around you - birdsong, rustling leaves, the scent of earth and air. As awareness settles and the mind quiets, you’ll be guided into a state of deep relaxation, calm, and quiet connection - within and all around you.
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Breathwork: Join our expert facilitator, Aaron, for a calming breathwork session designed to help you gently reconnect with your breath - your anchor, your rhythm, your reset. Through a series of simple yet powerful breathing techniques, you'll learn how to calm the nervous system, release stored tension, and restore your natural flow of energy. This is your invitation to pause, breathe deeply, and return to yourself with a renewed sense of clarity and ease.
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Gentle yoga and restorative movement: Move with ease through a calming sequence of restorative yoga designed to release tension and soothe both body and mind. This gentle practice is fully adaptable to all abilities - no pressure, no strain - just soft stretches, grounding twists, and slow, mindful movement. Unwind tight muscles, create space in the body, and feel your energy begin to flow and expand.
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Immersive sound bath: Sink into stillness beneath the leafy canopy, wrap yourself in a warm blanket, and let the deep, resonant tones of gongs and other healing instruments flow through you. As the sounds ripple across your body, feel your tension melt away and your energy gently realign. A moment to pause, ground yourself, and reconnect - with nature, and with you.
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Fire Ceremony: Reflect, release, and renew in the presence of the flames.
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Nourishment by the fire: After your practice, gather around the fire to enjoy a cup of golden milk - creamy, gently spiced with turmeric, and full of comforting warmth. You’ll also be served hot, wholesome vegetable soup, slow-warmed over the flames. A moment to nourish your body, soothe your senses, and savour simple, grounding goodness.
“I left the event feeling so grounded, inspired, and full of peace. It really was a soul-soothing experience in the most stunning setting - it felt like we had our own little sanctuary. ”
Step into the experience and explore moments from previous retreats
These photos capture the serenity, connection, and nature-infused calm that made the day so special
A moment for mindfulness
Let stillness speak louder than words as you're led into a deeply calming meditation and mindfulness practice.
Frequently asked questions
Guided Dawn Chorus Walks
Saturday 3, 10 and 17 May 2025 | 4:30am - 6:00am | Nostell parkland
Join us for an early morning guided walk as birds greet the day with a rising chorus of song. Our expert will help you tune into the unique voices of spring's feathered performers.
What to expect:
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Mindfull walk at dawn: Begin your day in stillness and wonder as you join our guide for a gentle, mindful walk through the quiet woodland at first light. Moving slowly and with intention, you'll make your way down woodland paths towards the water’s edge, where the wildlife begins to stir. Surrounded by trees and soft morning mist, pause to listen as birdsong builds into nature’s own symphony—the dawn chorus. A peaceful, grounding experience that invites you to connect with the rhythms of the natural world and greet the day with calm.
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Experience the sights and sounds of the woodland: Our bird expert will help you attune your ears to the individual voices within the chorus and identify the species behind the songs. Listen out for the rich, fluting melody of the blackbird, the energetic phrases of the wren, and the cascading notes of the song thrush. You might also hear the cooing of woodpigeons, the drumming of a distant woodpecker, or the chatter of a chiffchaff high in the canopy.
As you reach the lake, keep your eyes peeled for the graceful grey heron, often spotted here in the early hours, still and patient as it fishes for breakfast. The peaceful waters may also draw in mallards, moorhens, and perhaps the flash of a kingfisher if you’re lucky. Take a moment to watch the resident swans as they go about their peaceful morning routine.
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Breakfast is included: After your early start and peaceful morning walk, it's time for breakfast. Gather with us for a freshly made breakfast sandwich alongside your choice of tea or coffee. A comforting pause to refuel, chat, and soak in the calm before heading off into the rest of your day.
“Pure magic. It was like entering another world before the day had even begun.”