The Grief Retreat
Make room for grief, together
Grief is given room to be felt here, rather than treated as something to hurry past. Founded by Iola Kreizman and Olivia Wood, The Grief Retreat brings people together for five-day gatherings, workshops and online circles shaped by somatic practices, sharing, ritual and ceremony. The setting is a peaceful country manor near Canterbury, with a light-filled studio for movement and group work, cosy communal rooms and nature close at hand. Private rooms, shared rooms and cottages give guests a choice of how much company they want outside the sessions. Meals are treated as part of the care, with vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free options listed. A pool and hot tub add space to unwind between activities. The retreats are intended for people who would rather meet grief in community than carry it alone. They run by donation; ask the hosts about upcoming dates, places and what each retreat includes.
Highlights
- Five-day retreats founded by two somatic facilitators with personal experience of grief
- A light-filled studio for movement, sharing circles and ceremony
- Private cottages alongside private and shared rooms
- Meals with vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free options
- Pool and hot tub for unwinding between sessions
Good for
Setting
The retreat takes place at a country manor in Wickhambreaux, just outside Canterbury. Surrounded by nature, the property has a light-filled studio for group sessions and movement, plus cosy communal spaces for time together between practices.
The practice
The approach is somatic, meaning attention is brought to bodily sensations and feelings as part of making space for grief. Sessions may include guided movement, sharing circles, ritual and ceremony, with the aim of acknowledging what each person is carrying rather than rushing to resolve it. No meditation background is indicated as a requirement; ask the hosts what to expect at a particular retreat.
A typical day
Daily structure varies by retreat. The programme may include somatic practice, movement, sharing circles, ritual or ceremony, with meals and time in the manor’s communal spaces and surrounding nature. Ask the hosts for the schedule of the retreat you plan to attend.
Accommodation
Guests can choose between comfortable private or shared country rooms, with private cottages for more space and privacy. Ask the hosts about room options for your dates.
What to bring
Bring comfortable clothes for movement and sharing sessions, along with layers for time outdoors. The annual average temperature is 11.5°C; June to August are warmest, while January to March are coolest, and rain is possible even in summer.
How to get there
The venue is on Seaton Road in Wickhambreaux, just outside Canterbury. For driving directions, use The Quaives on Google Maps and look for the gated entrance beside the children’s playground; check that you are on Seaton Road, as the postcode is shared with a neighbouring property.
Nearest airport: London Southend Airport (SEN) (42 km)
London Southend Airport (SEN) is approximately 42 km from the retreat. Arrange onward transport such as a taxi, and check the route and availability before travelling.
Nearest city: Southend-on-Sea, Essex
Public transport: The nearest stations are Canterbury West and Canterbury East, with about a 10-minute taxi ride from Canterbury West to the venue.
Contact the hosts directly to ask about dates and reserve a place.
The retreats run by donation, with no fixed fee stated. Ask the hosts what contribution is appropriate and what it includes.
Climate
Climate Zone: Temperate
Best Months: Apr, Mar, Aug
Avoid: Jul, Jan, Oct
The area has a mild climate, averaging 11.5°C annually. June through August are warmest, while January through March are coolest; rainfall can occur year-round, with wetter periods in July, January and October.
Location
Frequently asked questions
What happens during a five-day retreat?
Retreats use somatic practices, sharing circles, ritual, ceremony and time in nature. Ask the hosts for the schedule and details of a specific date.
Do I need experience with meditation or somatic work?
The retreat is centred on making space for grief through guided practices and community. Ask the hosts if you have questions about whether a particular programme is right for you.
What food is available, and can dietary needs be accommodated?
Meals are part of the retreat, with vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free options listed. Confirm your requirements with the hosts when booking.
How do I get to the manor by train?
The nearest stations are Canterbury West and Canterbury East. From London, trains to Canterbury West run from St Pancras or Stratford; the venue is about a 10-minute taxi ride from the station.
How can I reserve a place?
Contact the hosts directly to ask about upcoming dates, availability and how to book.
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