Monday 21st - Friday 25th July 2025
Erth Barton, Cornwall
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Designed with burned-out creatives, leaders and caregivers in mind, this exclusive small-group retreat will help you to rekindle your sense of connection and wonder.
With reflective workshops, windswept walks, centring rituals and creative exercises, this gentle retreat will drop you into a process of personal transformation and repair. We’ll also make sure there’s plenty of free time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
In the tranquil setting of Erth Barton, we’ll create a nurturing environment where you can explore your yearning for deeper experience, working to restore a sense of fascination and flow.
During your time with us, we’ll take great care of you with delicious food, comfortable rooms and daily silent practice, and we’ll even provide a contact number so that you can turn off your phone guilt-free.
All you need to do is come as you are: perhaps tired and jaded, perhaps wondering what on earth comes next, but either way, ready for a better way to walk through this life.
“I had never been on a retreat before and I went fully expecting to have to work hard at relaxing because it’s not something I am very good at. What happened was the opposite. Katherine created a space where relaxing was effortless, calm was everywhere and connection was easy. It was the best thing I have ever done for myself.”
KATY
About You
This is not a writing retreat. It’s open to anyone who would like to spend some time in a nourishing, reflective process, using various creative methods, and melting into the marine landscape. No skills are required, just a willingness to immerse yourself.
With that in mind, we’ll ask you to put your phone away for the duration of the retreat day. We will provide a contact number so that you can safely park that screen for a while.
You’ll need to be comfortable with working with a small group - but introverts and quiet folk will feel at home. We won’t overrun your personal boundaries, and ask that everyone is respectful of personal space. If you need to spend some time alone, that will be totally respected. No group hugs!
Important note: Trans and nonbinary people are welcome here. We are committed to being anti-racist. If either of these values bother you, please don’t come.
If you’d like to give a retreat as a gift, let us know at checkout, and we’ll send you a handwritten card by post that you can present on the big day. (We are subject to the constraints of the postal system - please book early to help us to get this to you on time.)
“Katherine's retreat was a peaceful sanctuary away from the stresses of the modern world. She created a beautiful safe and trusting environment; a tranquil hum of connection and relaxation. I learned, swam, walked, wrote, relaxed and connected with others (and myself) in a deeper way. Thank you Katherine!”
EMMA
About the Venue
Erth Barton is a beautiful old stone manor house on the Rame Peninsula at the border of Devon and Cornwall. Set on a hill in the Tamar Estuary, it is surrounded by water: only a few steps away from the Lynher River, with the Atlantic Ocean beyond.
The house itself was built in the 17th century, and is full of cosy rooms with beautiful views. We will be working together in its mediaeval chapel, a scheduled monument founded in the 13th century.
It is run by Polly Moore and Shaun Treleor, experienced retreat hosts who have recently become custodians of Erth Barton, adding luxe 21st century touches to the ancient buildings, while carefully respecting the extraordinary landscape around it. “It was not just the seclusion that drew us to this spot,’ they say, ‘but also the lack of ostentation, the position of the house on its own peninsula, the vernacular of granite and slate, a sense of solidity and calm here, where space is held in nature as it has been since the medieval period on this unspoilt landscape, - no road noise, no bustle, and surrounded by wildlife.”
There are abundant opportunities for walking in the grounds and beyond, and hardy souls might even consider a dip in the river or the sea.
“Going on one of Katherine’s retreats was one of the calmest, happiest experiences of my life. She’s a truly insightful host, and she creates a feeling of lasting and meaningful community.”
DAISY
Accommodation & Food
The retreat takes place entirely within Erth Barton, with accommodation in the main house and in three elegant shepherd’s huts in the grounds. Every room at Erth Barton has a view of the river. They are warm and beautifully furnished, and full of peace. We have exclusive use of the site.
Some rooms are en-suite, and other rooms have shared bathrooms. It is completely up to you whether you have a room to yourself, or share with someone else. If you are a couple/friends who want to reserve a room together, please email us.
We will provide you with delicious breakfasts, lunches and suppers, and snacks, hot and cold drinks will always be available. We will take careful note of your dietary needs, and there are always great veggie and vegan options. (Please note that we do not provide alcohol. You are welcome to bring your own, but non-drinkers will be in good company!)
“Going on one of Katherine’s retreats was one of the calmest, happiest experiences of my life. She’s a truly insightful host, and she creates a feeling of lasting and meaningful community.”
DAISY
Travel
By Road
Erth Barton is about five hours by car from London, but please be aware that traffic speeds on the Devonshire roads can vary! There is plenty of parking at the venue.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is Plymouth with trains running from London Paddington, including some sleeper train options. Erth Barton is about half an hour from Plymouth Station by road. You can book a taxi here (we recommend booking in advance) or rent a car from Hertz or Europcar.
By Air
The nearest airports are Newquay and Exeter (both around 60-90 minutes away by car) and you can connect internationally via a range of airports in the UK and Ireland. The closest major airport is Heathrow, which is about a four hour drive away.
Terms of booking
Bookings will be subject to a 50% non-refundable deposit.
The balance payment of a further 50% is due by 1st April 2025 and we will invoice you separately for this.
Bookings are non-refundable. We recommend that you obtain appropriate travel insurance to cover you for the activities you plan to undertake and additionally includes adequate cover for travel delay, cancellation and/or curtailment, medical expenses and your personal belongings, particularly if you are travelling some distance. Your policy should also include cover for any medical claim and repatriation due to Covid-19 and trip cancellation due to you falling ill with Covid-19 or being unable to travel.
It is your responsibility to arrange any necessary visas or immigration documentation if travelling from outside the UK. Please be aware that there are some new travel and visa rules in the UK from January 2025.
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We ask that you try to attend all the workshops, but we offer you the opportunity to opt in and out of the other events and activities.
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Yes! We expect that there will be a mix of people attending with a friend or partner, and those attending by themselves.
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We anticipate that there will be between 9-15 attendees, depending on how many people book a room as double occupancy. There are 9 bedrooms at Erth Barton. Our past experiences is that most rooms are booked as single occupancy for our retreats.