Yoga & Forest Bathing Day Retreat: Stonerocks Farm

Yoga, forest bathing, foraging and a guided walk through ancient woodlands with a BBC naturalist

A four-hour outdoor wellness retreat at Stonerocks Farm in South East England combines yoga, qi-gong, forest bathing and a foraging walk led by naturalist Steven Homewood across over 100 acres of private land with ancient woodlands, rolling meadows and resident deer. The retreat ends near Bolney Wine Estate, a 30-minute walk away, so you can extend the day at the vineyard if you choose. Minimum age is 12. A moderate level of fitness is needed for the walking and forest bathing components.

The experience

The day starts with outdoor yoga and qi-gong in a weatherproof tent, then moves into forest bathing (a practice of slow, mindful walking through woodland) across fields of wildflowers and ancient trees. Steven Homewood, a naturalist who has appeared on BBC Springwatch, joins to teach you about the birds, butterflies and edible or medicinal plants you encounter. The farm sits on over 100 acres with no artificial noise, so you're likely to spot birds of prey and the resident herd of deer as you move through the landscape.

The foraging walk is hands-on: you'll learn to identify plants you can actually eat or use, guided by someone who knows the land intimately. The retreat is designed for all fitness levels, though the walking and forest bathing do require moderate fitness. Everything happens outdoors in the open air, with fire pits and weatherproof areas available if the weather turns.

After four hours, you have the option to walk the 30 minutes to Bolney Wine Estate, one of England's established vineyards, and spend the rest of your day there. Many people do. It's a natural way to extend a morning retreat into a full day out.

What’s included

• Outdoor yoga class.
• qi-gong session.
• forest bathing walk.
• foraging walk with naturalist Steven Homewood.
• guided exploration of 100 acres of private woodland, meadows and wildflower fields.
• use of the weatherproof yoga tent and fire pits.
• live guide in English.

Before you book

Days and timesSundayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by BrightonYoga ltd

Is this one for you?The four-hour commitment leaves your afternoon free if you want to return to nearby towns, or you can walk to Bolney Wine Estate and spend the rest of the day there. Book this if you have a morning or early afternoon available and want to move slowly through woodland rather than cover ground quickly.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is forest bathing, and is it the same as hiking?

Forest bathing is slow, mindful walking through woodland. You're not covering distance or climbing. You move at a pace that lets you notice details: birdsong, light through leaves, the texture of bark. The foraging walk combines this with learning to identify plants, so you're moving through the landscape but stopping often and paying close attention to what's around you.

Will I see wildlife, or is that not guaranteed?

Stonerocks Farm has a resident herd of deer and abundant birds, including birds of prey. The 100 acres of private land with ancient woodlands and open fields creates the habitat for them, and the lack of artificial noise means they're more likely to be active. You're not guaranteed a sighting on any given day, but the conditions are set up for it.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The retreat is entirely outdoors, but the farm has a cosy yoga tent and fire pits to shelter under if needed. Weatherproof wellness areas are being added to the site. You should dress for the weather and be prepared for an outdoor day in the English countryside.

Can I go to Bolney Wine Estate after, and how does that work?

Yes. The walk from Stonerocks Farm to Bolney Wine Estate takes about 30 minutes and is part of the experience many people choose. You finish the retreat and then walk to the vineyard on your own. Entry and any food or drink there are separate bookings and costs.

Is lunch included, and what should I bring?

Lunch is not included in the retreat. You should bring water and snacks if you want them during the four hours. If you plan to walk to Bolney Wine Estate afterward, you can eat there.

What's the minimum fitness level, and can I do this if I'm not very active?

The retreat requires at least a moderate level of fitness because of the walking and forest bathing components. The pace is gentle and mindful, not strenuous, but you'll be on your feet for four hours moving through woodland and fields. The minimum age is 12.