Retreat to Gayles, Friston, East Sussex

Sussex Yoga Retreat

This Sussex yoga retreat at Gayles is one of my favourite retreat venues.  It's set in ten acres of prime Sussex land adjacent to the Seven Sisters Country Park (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), The National Trust Crowlink Estate and Friston Forest.  The surrounding countryside is extraordinarily beautiful, and there are excellent walking opportunities all around.

 

Communal Spaces

With its open fire, high ceiling and refreshing artworks, The Stables is a beautifully converted 1930s stable which provides a warm and practical area for eating, chatting and relaxing. The ground level has an open-plan kitchen and dining room with under-floor heating. Immediately outside there is a large, decked, seated eating area which is wonderful for informal meals on warm sunny days.

We are free to wander through the sensitively managed estate, and encouraged to make use of the private hard surface tennis court and even the open air swimming pool during summertime!

 

Shared Accommodation

All indoor accommodation is in comfortable dormitories or in the main house. The accommodation, studio and eating areas are situated close together around thoughtfully maintained gardens.  The gentle meadows offer stunning panoramic views and allow space between activities to wander and reflect. There are two dormitories, ‘The Studio’ and ‘The Playroom’, which offer comfortable and spacious accommodation for up to seventeen people.

All indoor accommodation is equipped with toilets, showers and washing areas, as well as hot drink making facilities. There are good quality, sturdy single and bunk beds with individual storage drawers. Duvets, pillows, linen and towels are provided.

 

Single / Twin Rooms

In the main house, there is also one double room (suitable for a single) and one twin which is suitable for a couple, or two friends.  Please note that if you book the twin room to share with a friend, there is one double bed and one double sofa bed.

 

Camping

If you choose to camp on this Sussex yoga retreat, you can either bring your own tent or use the tents provided by the venue.  Campers will be provided with pillows and towels but will need to supply their own bedding and sleeping mats.  Campers have their own dedicated bathroom and the much loved "loo with a view".

 

The environment and ambience at this Sussex yoga retreat encourages an open, relaxed and intimate atmosphere that promotes learning and self-development. The venue owners believe that retreats should be fulfilling and inspiring and they do all we can to support you in making the most of your time here so that everybody leaves feeling stimulated, nourished and refreshed.

Sample Sussex Yoga Retreat Schedule

This Sussex yoga retreat is a wonderful chance to relax and unwind.  Enjoy extra long yoga classes which give plenty of time for individual attention, in the beautiful surroundings of the Sussex Downs.

∗  A rural retreat, set deep in the Sussex countryside

∗  Far from the madding crowd, yet easily accessible from London 

This picturesque Sussex yoga retreat centre is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the South Downs, five miles from Eastbourne and fifteen from Brighton. Here rural doesn’t mean hard to reach; there are excellent train services from the nearby towns that provide direct travel to and from London Victoria, Gatwick, Ashford International, Brighton and so on. Gayles is just one-and-a-half hour drive from London and there is a regular bus service that conveniently stops beside the entrance.

For European visitors there is a ferry service to and from mainland Europe from Newhaven, which is only a twenty-minute drive away from the retreat.

Below is a sample daily schedule.

FRIDAY

16:30 .... Arrive at venue

17:00 - 18:30 .... Yoga

18:45 .... Dinner

SATURDAY

08:30 - 09:30 .... Breakfast

10:00 - 11:30 .... Yoga

13:00 - 14:00 .... Lunch

14:00 - 17:00 .... Free time to explore the local area, walk, chill-out and relax by the pool or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings

17:00 - 18:30 .... Yoga

18:45 .... Dinner

20:00 .... Free time

SUNDAY

08:30 - 09:30 .... Breakfast

10:00 - 12:00 .... Yoga

13:00 - 14:00 .... Lunch

14:00 .... Departure

 

Please note that whilst we will do everything possible to adhere to the programme and details laid out above, some things are outside our control, and we therefore reserve the right to make changes if necessary.

Scaravelli inspired yoga is a stress free yoga, that benefits everyone.  Classes are suitable for all ages and all levels of yoga experience, from beginners to those who have been practicing for many years. Regardless of your level of fitness, you will discover a longer, stronger and more flexible spine, a calmer mind, and begin to enjoy increased energy and ease of movement.

Food

Good quality, locally sourced, tasty and nourishing food is served in the relaxed atmosphere of the beautifully converted dining room. If the weather is sunny there is the option of eating out in the open on the terrace. Food is vegetarian and organic and much of it is grown in the centre's own vegetable garden.  It's a highlight of our stay at Gayles.

 If the weather is sunny there is the option of eating out in the open on the terrace. Food is vegetarian and organic and much of it is grown in the centre's own vegetable garden.  It's a highlight of our stay at Gayles in East Sussex.

Dietary Restrictions and Allergies

It is essential that you inform Catherine of any dietary restrictions when you book so that she can liaise with the retreat venue and make the necessary arrangements.

If, for medical reasons, you follow a highly-restricted diet, we advise you to bring with you any essentials you might need for your well-being.  We have our own dedicated kitchen, with a small fridge which you are welcome to use.

If you are prone to a severe reaction to an allergen, for example, a very small amount on a kitchen knife or board, it is essential that we be informed. Please note that we are unable to offer absolute guarantees for such allergic conditions.

Explore

Gayles retreat centre is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the South Downs in Sussex, surrounded by stunning countryside and beautiful coastline.

The Seven Sisters Country Park is on Gayles doorstep.  It’s made up of 280 hectares of chalk cliffs, meandering river valley and open chalk grassland.

Friston Forest offers a number of waymarked routes for visitors to explore the beech woods. Its undulating terrain makes it popular with walkers who enjoy being outdoors.  Quiet valleys within the forest offer sheltered habitats for many species of wildlife. Glimpses of rare butterflies, such as fritillaries, and elusive deer can reward patient observers.

Travel

Getting There

Gayles in East Sussex is situated off the A259, 5 miles from Eastbourne and 15 miles from Brighton and about one mile from the picturesque village of East Dean. It is easy to find and access is excellent.

Dates & Prices

Terms & Conditions

A non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your place. The balance is due no less than 6 weeks prior to the event. You may also pay in full at the time of booking if you prefer. Payment is by bank transfer – we will contact you with bank details on receipt of your booking form. Bookings made less than 6 weeks prior to the event must be paid in full.
All bookings are final, and for this reason we strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance to cover you in the event of any need to cancel. If it is possible to sell your space to another guest, then it may be possible to transfer your booking to another guest. Please note that whilst I will do everything possible to adhere to the programme as given, some things are outside my control, and therefore I reserve the right to make changes if necessary.

Have you ever thought about becoming a qualified yoga teacher?

Take a look at Catherine's BWY accredited Intelligent Yoga Teacher Training course which is supported by renowned yoga teachers Peter Blackaby and Gary Carter.

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