Look no further than Walnut Barn Estate for a flexible wellness and yoga retreat venue offering space to reset, reflect, and reconnect.
Sometimes, the most nourishing experiences come from simply pressing pause. A yoga retreat doesn’t have to mean chanting at dawn or a week-long juice cleanse. For many, it’s about slowing down, breathing a little deeper, and giving yourself permission to reset — without pressure or perfection.
At Walnut Barn Estate, the landscape lends itself to that kind of reset. Set within peaceful Somerset countryside, our large holiday accommodation offers space to unwind, move, reflect, and just be — whether you’re practising sun salutations at sunrise or listening to owls after dark. Ideal for self-led retreats, group getaways, or quiet weekends, Walnut Barn is a calm and flexible setting for a wellness retreat, meditation retreat, or anyone simply seeking time away.
A Retreat Without Rules
We don’t offer a formal programme or on-site instructors — and that’s intentional. Our guests have the freedom to create a retreat that suits their needs, whether that means rolling out a yoga mat in the morning, meditating in a quiet corner of the garden, or simply walking the nearby footpaths without a phone in hand.The Big Oak Barn, a.k.a. BOB, our largest indoor space, can be reconfigured to suit a group yoga session, mindfulness workshop, or creative gathering. The modular sofas can be moved to create an open practice area — or left in place for laid-back lounging between sessions.
Space to Breathe
One of the unexpected luxuries of Walnut Barn is space — physical, mental, and social. The site is carefully designed so guests can enjoy time together and time apart. Whether you’re here for a celebration, a wellness retreat, or just a reset, you’ll find that the layout supports both connection and privacy.
This means that a group of friends can unwind and have fun without disturbing a solo guest curled up in the reading nook. Each property is self-contained and generously spaced out, and BOB is double-glazed with high-quality insulation — so while we can’t promise complete silence, we’ve done our best to create a calm, quiet backdrop for rest.
Natural Wellness: Saunas, Cold Plunge & Hot Tubs
Our approach to wellness is all about simplicity and comfort. Think less detox bootcamp, more long exhale. You’ll find a Russian cold bucket shower in The Old Dairy, solar-heated hot tubs for stargazing soaks, and soon, a cold plunge pool in BOB to pair with the estate’s sauna — both powered by heat pumps and solar.
These aren’t gimmicks — they’re part of a growing interest in natural wellbeing practices. Whether you’re easing sore muscles after a long walk or inviting in a little calm after a busy season, there’s space here to rest and recover.
Digital Detox & Mental Stillness
One of the biggest gifts of a yoga retreat is time away from digital noise. Walnut Barn invites that pause naturally — not with rules, but with surroundings. Limited phone signal, woodland walks, soft corners to sit and reflect… you’ll find that your screen-time drops without even trying.
There’s no need to go off-grid, but if you’re curious about how a break from tech can support your mental wellbeing, you can read more in our post on why holiday cottages are perfect for digital detoxes.
Reconnect with Nature: Birds, Skies & Somerset Trails
You don’t need an agenda here. Sometimes the most nourishing yoga retreats happen in between the classes — on a woodland walk, sitting in stillness, or watching buzzards wheel overhead. Walnut Barn is home to barn owls, woodpeckers, kestrels, and goldfinches — a haven for birders and nature lovers alike.
By night, things slow even more. Light pollution is low here, and the skies open wide. Wrap up warm, sit by the firepit, and watch the constellations appear. Or head out for a sunset walk along the Mendip Way or Brean Down, letting movement and stillness intertwine.
For Groups, Gatherings & Solo Retreats
Whether you’re looking for yoga retreat venues to host your own retreat or just need a large, beautiful space to bring people together, our spaces can be adapted to your needs. There’s room to spread out — indoors and out — and no expectations to fill every minute.
While we don’t currently offer in-house teaching or structured retreats, you’re welcome to bring your own instructor or simply follow your own rhythm. Many guests enjoy creating their own gentle routine over a long weekend.
A Retreat Space That’s Entirely Yours
One of the most unique things about hosting a retreat at Walnut Barn is the freedom to book out the entire estate. That means exclusive use of everything — from the peaceful Shepherd’s Hut (complete with a stargazing platform and koi pond) to the cosy yurt and our collection of beautifully designed luxury holiday cottages and larger group houses.
Whether you’re planning a self-led weekend or a hosted retreat, this flexibility allows you to create a truly immersive wellness experience, with space to gather, rest, and breathe, without interruption.
Sustainable Wellness
As part of our journey towards Gold status with the Green Tourism Board, we’re focusing on health, wellbeing, and sustainability—not just for the planet but also for our guests.
From low-energy lighting and QR codes (instead of printed leaflets) to supporting local walks, cycling routes, and plant-based options, we’re always working on ways to tread a little lighter. We also invite guests to take our “Sustainable Stay Pledge”: “I will respect and protect nature during my stay.”
It’s a small step that can make a big impact.
Ready to Reset?
If you’re looking for a quiet corner of the countryside to host a meditation retreat, reconnect with friends, or simply spend a few days doing less — Walnut Barn Estate might just be the place.
There’s no schedule to follow. No pressure to perform. Just open skies, warm spaces, and the chance to feel more like yourself again.