Earlier this spring, in March 2026, I spent three nights in the Yorkshire Dales on a retreat with Zest Life and it turned out to be exactly the kind of reset I didn’t realise I needed. Having just relaunched my style with anita membership, I was spent! Very tired and craving the outdoors and wholesome food.
The retreat took place from 6-9 March at Telfit Farm in Swaledale, a beautifully restored farmhouse set within acres of peaceful countryside. Early spring is a wonderful time to visit the Dales, the first signs of green returning to the hillsides, lambs appearing in the fields and that crisp, clear air that makes everything feel fresh and alive. We were lucky with the weather.
Getting there
I travelled by train from London to Darlington, which took around 2.5 hours. From there it’s a 25–30 minute taxi ride to Telfit Farm, which costs about £38.
If you’re driving, there’s plenty of parking at the farm, although it's a bit off-road and gravelly for the last couple of miles, but it’s an easy journey either way.
What I particularly loved was how simple the travel was. This was actually my first retreat in the UK and there was something incredibly refreshing about not having to deal with airports, luggage allowances or queues. Just a train, a short drive and suddenly you’re surrounded by rolling countryside.
The setting
Telfit Farm feels wonderfully secluded but still comfortable and welcoming. The cottages have been thoughtfully restored to a very high standard, blending rustic charm with modern comforts. I travelled on my own and shared a cottage with two other lovely guests and it worked perfectly. There were no issues at all with showers or space and it actually added to the relaxed community atmosphere.
It felt cosy and peaceful from the moment we arrived.Telfit Farm feels wonderfully secluded but still comfortable and welcoming. The cottages have been thoughtfully restored to a very high standard, blending rustic charm with modern comforts. I travelled on my own and shared a cottage with two other lovely guests and it worked perfectly. There were no issues at all with showers or space and it actually added to the relaxed community atmosphere.
It felt cosy and peaceful from the moment we arrived.
The yoga (truly special)
The retreat is run by Laura, the owner of Zest Life and I can honestly say she is one of the best yoga teachers I’ve ever experienced. Her sessions were beautifully curated. The music was always perfect — calming but uplifting and many of the classes began or ended with a short poem or thoughtful reading, which immediately created a reflective atmosphere. One such reading did make me well up, as I felt very grateful to be in a position to experience this.
One of the most memorable touches was that Laura would gently move around the room, offering everyone a mini express head massage using beautifully scented oils. It was such a simple but luxurious moment that instantly helped you switch off.
Another aspect I really appreciated was that Laura encouraged silence until the end of the morning’s yoga session. This quiet time allows everyone to fully relax into the practice and stay in their own thoughts without the usual background chatter of daily life. It might sound small, but it made a big difference. The mornings felt calmer, more intentional and deeply restorative.
The evening yoga sessions were particularly magical. The studio had a wood-burning stove, filling the room with warmth and that comforting, cosy scent of wood. After a morning spent walking in the Dales, practising yoga there felt incredibly grounding. There was plenty of downtime in the afternoon. Some of us went swimming in the nearby stream, others had a dip in the hot tub, went for a walk or had a cheeky snooze in their room.
Walking in the Yorkshire Dales
Walking is a big part of the retreat and the Yorkshire Dales provide the most beautiful backdrop. Each day, we headed out for a guided walk through the surrounding countryside with a local expert, from gentle riverside strolls to paths that climbed slightly higher with sweeping views across the valleys. Being outdoors in that landscape really clears your mind.
The food
The retreat is fully catered and the plant-based food was fantastic; varied, nourishing and absolutely delicious. Every meal felt thoughtful and satisfying, and there was always tea, coffee and cake or cookies available in the afternoon, which quickly became a favourite daily ritual. After a long walk in the fresh air, that cup of tea and slice of cake felt especially well deserved. Kim, our chef is so talented and I loved it all!
What a typical day looks like
One of the things I loved most about the retreat was the gentle rhythm of the days. Everything was well structured, but never rushed. There were lots of beautiful spaces to sit and relax, just sipping in the beautiful vista.
Friday: Guests arrive from 4 pm, settling in with tea, juice and cake before the first evening yoga and meditation session, followed by dinner and a relaxed welcome chat.
Saturday and Sunday: The main retreat days followed a lovely routine:
Morning begins with yoga and meditation from 8 am to 9.30 am.
Breakfast is served afterwards before heading out for a guided walk through the Yorkshire Dales from around 10.30 am until 1 pm.
After lunch, the afternoon is intentionally slower with time to relax, read, enjoy a massage (optional and extra) or simply take in the peaceful surroundings.
At 4.30 pm everyone regroups for tea, juice and cake.
The day finishes with another evening yoga and meditation session, followed by dinner at 7.30 pm. One evening, by way of thank you to Laura and the guests, I did an hour's colour talk, which was well received.
Monday: A morning yoga session, breakfast and a closing chat before departures around 10 am. By the end of the retreat, I felt noticeably calmer and refreshed.
What I packed for a UK yoga and walking retreat (early spring)
If you’re heading to a countryside retreat like this one, comfort and layers are key. The weather in the Dales can change quickly, especially in early spring.
Here’s what I packed:
Yoga & movement
• 2 yoga outfits
• A warm layer for yoga (sweatshirt or fleece, which I also wore for walking)
• Warm socks or non-slip socks (optional for yoga)
• Comfortable trainers (for transit), walking shoes/boots and cosy slippers (essential)
• Lightweight waterproof jacket
Walking & outdoor time
• 1 pair walking leggings or trousers
• 1 base layer
• 1 warm fleece or sweatshirt
• 1 pair walking socks
• Hat or cap
• Scarf and gloves
• Sunglasses
• Small backpack for walks
• Reusable water bottle
Relaxation & evenings
• Cosy loungewear (not essential, as most of us wore our yoga kit)
• Book, kindle or journal
Toiletries & extras
• Basic toiletries, including sun cream
• Phone charger
One of the joys of a UK retreat is that you don’t need to pack ultra-light and there’s something lovely about travelling without worrying about airport baggage limits.
A special offer
Laura runs a variety of retreats throughout the year and the dates and durations vary, so it’s worth exploring the options on the website. If you’re tempted, Laura has kindly offered £75 off any retreat booking using the code: ANITA75
You can explore upcoming retreats here:
https://www.zestlife.co.uk/explore-retreats
If you’re looking for a few days to properly switch off, move your body, eat nourishing food and spend time in nature, this retreat is a truly special experience.
I would absolutely go back and I've just got to find the time to carve this out in my diary.
