The Big Retreat Festival

Imagine a four-day escape where relaxation and adventure come together. The Big Retreat Festival (22–25 May 2026) invites you to peaceful Lawrenny Park Estate in West Wales, on the edge of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. It’s not your ordinary festival – it’s a genuine feel-good retreat where you can reconnect body, mind and soul in nature. Surrounded by tranquil woods, rivers and rolling green hills, this vibrant community celebration is all about wellness, creativity and fun. Whether you love sunrise yoga, dancing under the stars, or simply lounging in a hammock by the riverside, you’ll feel right at home here.

From dawn to dusk, there’s something for every mood and age. Start your morning with gentle yoga, sound baths or energizing workouts on the meadow. Explore the beautiful woodland grounds at your own pace: you might take a forest walk, join a wild swimming session in the estuary, or try a mindful foraging trip. Creative workshops keep the fun going – you might paint a canvas, drum in a circle, or attend a cooking demo. The festival is packed with hundreds of curated feel-good sessions – from yoga and fitness classes to meditation and breathwork, arts and crafts to nature adventures – so you can mix and match your perfect schedule each day.

When it’s time to refuel, the festival spoils you with choice. Food stalls serve up nourishing meals to satisfy every taste – think farm-fresh salads, comforting soups and stews, gourmet wraps and sweet treats. You can even watch live cookery demos to pick up tasty new recipes. Throughout the day there are plenty of options for drinks, from a strong morning coffee to a refreshing smoothie or herbal tea in the afternoon. As night falls the vendors keep cooking: find local craft beer and cider, warming mulled wine, or try a gin and spirit tasting if you fancy. Sharing food and laughter around the bonfire is one of the simple joys here.

When darkness falls, The Big Retreat shines bright under the stars. The main stage comes alive each night with live music to suit every taste – from acoustic singer-songwriters to lively folk or world bands. Nearby, a silent disco tent invites you to pick your tune and dance the night away. Warm bonfires crackle in the fields, and impromptu drum circles and guitar jams often start among friends. A cozy festival bar offers hot drinks and cocktails in mason jars, so you can sip something special while gazing at twinkling festival lights. These relaxed evenings let you unwind with new friends or simply bask in the happy buzz under the night sky.

All of this takes place in a peaceful patch of the Welsh countryside. Lawrenny Park Estate is a charming farm-and-river setting surrounded by oak woods and wildflower meadows. Each morning the mist from the river floats through the air, and each evening the sunset over distant hills is spectacular – it really feels like a magical escape. When you need a break between sessions, wander along the riverbank or sit quietly in a hammock under the trees. The wider Pembrokeshire Coast National Park offers endless beauty to explore: sandy beaches, hidden coves and ancient castles are all within easy reach, so many festivalgoers arrive early or stay late to see more of West Wales’ rugged coastal scenery.

This is as much a retreat for the heart as it is for the body and mind. Many attendees say they arrive as strangers and leave as friends, because the community vibe is so warm and friendly. Whether you come solo, with family or with a group of friends, smiles and high-fives greet you everywhere – on the yoga deck, along the walking trails, or around the campfire. People cheer each other on during workouts, patiently share yoga mats and art supplies, and even hand out extra marshmallows at the bonfire. In short, The Big Retreat feels like a big friendly family — a supportive community where everyone truly has a chance to relax and just be themselves. By the end of the weekend you’ll head home feeling refreshed and full of joy and new inspiration.