West Dorset Yoga and Walking Weekend
3rd - 5th October 2025
A long weekend of movement, nature and beauty for rejuvenating and resting the mind and body.
Flexible 3 day menu of activities includes mindful yoga, gorgeous coastal and rural walks, swimming, beachside sauna and fossil hunting. Do as much or as little as suits you.
For more info and to book please get in touch
Location
We are staying in the historic village of Whitchurch Canonicorum midway between Lyme Regis and Bridport.
Our cosy eco-retreat centre is just 2 miles from Dorset’s dramatic Jurassic coast.
The South West coastal path and seaside village of Charmouth are within easy walking distance along the river or via quiet country lanes. The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre on the foreshore houses recent fossil collections and offers top tips on how to fossil hunt.
In the other direction the south coasts’ highest cliff, Golden Cap, offers panoramic views. Beyond lies Seatown where a river mouth winding its way through the sandy bay makes the perfect backdrop for a beach sauna and/or a dip or two.
Accommodation and Facilities
Bonhays Meditation Retreat Centre offers simple, accessible ground floor accommodation with a choice of sharing or single occupancy. All bathrooms and toilets are communal.
We will practice yoga in the cosy straw bale studio and eat together in the conservatory or around outdoor picnic tables, with scenic views into the fields and hills beyond.
The icing on the cake is a small, indoor heated swimming pool with underfloor heating surround included as part of our accommodation..
Sustenance
Expect home cooked 3 course vegetarian dinners Friday and Saturday nights based on organic, locally sourced food - all made with love and care by the in-house cook Evie.
Breakfast each morning is a help yourself buffet. Lunch is flexible - for those who want more of a rest and to enjoy the on site facilities and /or gentle stroll, you can have lunch at the Centre. For people heading out on longer walks, packed lunches will be available.
Optional extra: Sunday lunch at a highly recommended, ancient Dorset country pub via a gentle rural walk in Marshwood Vale where we are based (one hour to stroll there or taxi). Menu includes Sunday roast (with nut roast option), seafood and various tasty dishes.
Teas and coffee are on tap throughout the weekend - just help yourself in the kitchen areas.
Vegan, gluten-free and other dietary needs on request.
Provisional Programme
All activities are entirely optional, It’s up to you, for example, whether you join any group walks, prefer to do your own thing or simply rest and enjoy the onsite facilities or explore the historic village.
Friday
Arrive 12.00 onwards
Lunch at the retreat centre 1.00 p.m.
Free time for swims, walks, siestas etc/optional group walk to Charmouth and the sea along the river (1,5 hours) or country lanes (1 hour)
Early evening Gentle Yoga 6.00 p.m.
Dinner at the Retreat Centre 7.15 p.m.
Saturday
Morning Rise and Shine Yoga 8.15 - 9.30 a.m.
Buffet breakfast 9.45 a.m.
Free time/optional group walk to Seatown (2 - 2.5 hrs with 2 steep climbs one a country lane, the other across fields)
Beachside sauna at Seatown
Lunch - either packed lunch for walkers or eat at the Centre
Early evening Restorative Yoga 6 p.m.
Dinner at the retreat centre 7.30 p.m.
Sunday
Rise and Shine Yoga 8.30 a.m.
Buffet breakfast 9.45 a.m.
Pack and vacate rooms by 12.00 (luggage can be collected late afternoon)
Local rural walk in Marshwood Vale (1 hour) with Sunday lunch at country pub (optional)
NB. Timings, walking routes etc. may be subject to change according to variables such as the weather.
The Yoga
This weekend offers you a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in embodied mindfulness as you practice yoga in rural peace and quiet.
Mindful Yoga* gives you to time to feel into your body and notice your experience with curiosity and non-judgement, whatever inner weather you encounter.
You will enjoy Rise and Shine Gentle Flow Yoga in the mornings, Restorative Yoga in the early evening before dinner.
There will be options and alternatives for everyone within each session. You will be supported to choose what works best for you as you take care of your body and nurture your mind.
Beach Sauna (optional)
Serendipity has it that at nearby Sea Town a wood-fired sauna has magically manifested on the edge of the beach.
The contrast between the heat, the salt water and sea air offers a refreshing way to decompress and relax.
Sarah Higgins and team of Haus Sauna are wonderful hosts and even if saunas are not your thing. the beach is long and lovely for a wander, a swim and/or a bit of fossil hunting.
Conveniently, there’s a charming seaside inn for those who fancy refreshments before heading back.
Travel
By train: the nearest station is Axminster with direct trains from Waterloo if you’re travelling from London.
The retreat centre is about 15 minutes away by road with a taxi costing £20 - £ 25. You may well be able to share a ride.
By Car: if you are driving please consider giving others a lift, who in turn can contribute to your journey costs.
Prices
4 x double rooms: single occupancy £475; 2 people sharing £375 per person
2 x bunk bed rooms: £425 single occupancy; 2 people sharing £375 per person
4 x small single rooms (with single bed): £400
1 x twin room (one single bed and one double bed) 2 sharing: £375 per person
A £150 deposit secures your place. Balance due 1st July 2025
What’s included
3 days at the Centre, with 2 nights of accommodation
4 yoga classes
2 breakfasts
2 lunches (with packed lunch option)
2 dinners (3 courses)
2 - 3 group walks (for those who wish)
Beach sauna entrance fees
1 yoga mat per person plus cushion
Tea, coffee, fruit and biscuits
All bedding and towels
What’s not included
Transport from your home to the venue and back
Any taxis or buses you use to/from local beaches, walks, sauna etc.
Pub lunch (optional) and any food, drink, fares and fees on excursions
