Solitaries

Disclaimer

The information about these solitary venues is offered in good faith but neither GoingOnRetreat.com nor the European Chairs Assembly (which administers this site) can accept responsibility for any harm or disappointment you experience. Please read the information carefully and view all pictures to assess their suitability for you.

Eastern England

Southwest England

Southeast England

Scotland

Wales

Ireland

New Zealand

Spain

Sweden

5 solitary retreat cabins at Sudarshanaloka

126 Victoria Street, Thames, Waikato PO Box 538

Our five different solitary retreat cabins offer a variety of choice spanning from the conveniences of modern living like hot showers to a more rustic and simple NZ bach set back in the bush. (sorry the map is not immediately helpful but click the minus button at the bottom-right of the map to zoom out)

New Zealand

Aniccaloka - Solitary retreat hut Norfolk

Summer Barn, Mill Road, Hardingham, Norwich, Norfolk NR9 4EH

A retreat hut that is quiet and isolated in the Norfolk countryside and is used only for solitary retreats. The hut is built from recycled and natural materials; very well insulated, bright and spacious with plenty of room for yoga. It offers comfort and simplicity, living facilities and proximity to nature, and is half an hour drive south of Norwich and 2 hours from London.

General information

A pick-up and drop-off at Wymondham station can be arranged, and a stop off at Waitrose supermarket if you want to buy in supplies. There is a place near the Hut for extra supplies to be left by arrangement during your stay.

The hut has a 2-ring electric hob, toaster, kettle, small fridge (no freezer), cutlery, pots, pans, tea towels, and some basic provisions including herbs, spices, pepper, salt. There is a first aid kit, bin liners, washing up items, matches and torch.

Cold mains running water and electricity are provided, and an electric heater and wood burner with wood. Fire lighting paper can be white lining paper.

There is a single bed with a comfortable mattress, warm duvet and blankets and a laundry pack containing a fitted sheet, pillowcases and a duvet cover.

Sanitation is an outside compost loo (loo roll provided) that works with sawdust and will happily digest anything natural.

For study there is a desk, wooden chair, comfortable reading chair and reading lamps. The Hut has a shrine, puja book, meditation mat, cushions, yoga blocks, some candles & incense, candle stick holders but no pictures or books.

There are some good public footpaths and quiet roads. Wellies/ boots are recommended as the long grass can be quite wet whilst out walking.

Please bring your own towel.

LOCATION

Street view photo of car park entrance 

Close-up map of location

Eastern England

Avasatha

Dymchurch, Kent

Avasatha means ‘place of rest’ or ‘dwelling’ in the Pali language.

Avasatha is a comfortable self-catering, 6 berth, static caravan situated at the New Beach Caravan Park in Dymchurch Kent. It is fully double glazed and centrally heated. The holiday park is a popular destination, especially during school holidays, therefore can be busy at times. A beautiful area for group or solitary breaks and family holidays, with access to miles of gorgeous coastline and the Romney Marshes. Ideal for cycling, walking, exploring, historical days out and enjoying nature and the seaside. Reasonable rates for off season bookings. Pet friendly. great for families. No smoking. 

Avasatha is a not for profit venture, run by two mitras in the ordination process, in Croydon. It is available for hire from the beginning of November to the end of March. Any profits will go to the Triratna Surrey Charity, for the continuing development and modernisation of the Croydon Buddhist Centre.

Please help support us by sharing our page and photos and booking a break with us.

For more info and details and what to bring please see https://avasatha.wordpress.com/information/

Southeast England

Castell

Corwen, Denbighshire

Castell cottage in North Wales has been set up specially for solitary retreats: it is remotely located without being far from the A5 and fitted out very comfortably whilst retaining the simple charm of a Welsh stone cottage.

Wales

Cotna Eco Retreat, Cornwall

Cotna Barton, Gorran Churchtown, PL26 6LG

Cotna is set in a beautiful south-facing valley on the south coast of Cornwall, an organically managed 14-acre smallholding about a mile from the sea. You can walk down through our woodland or along quiet lanes to the South West Coast Path and the peaceful beaches of the Roseland Peninsula. It’s ideal for a nature- based retreat, walking and wild swimming.

Accommodation
We have 3 options in spring, summer or autumn for retreats or quiet holidays. Please note that we live in a very natural environment with woodburners, outdoor washing up sinks and relatively posh compost loos, so it would suit anyone happy with that rather than wanting a more cosy indoor type of retreat.

Jasmine Roundhouse is set up for solitary retreats in its own raised garden area overlooking the valley. It has cooking facilities, a woodstove and double futon bed with a shrine, meditation cushion and mat. The main toilet and shower facilities are just down the slope. 

In spring and autumn we offer the Roundhouse in conjunction with Ismay Shepherd’s Hut to sleep in, in case of wet or wild Cornish weather. Ismay is cosy with a double bed, electric heater and a kitchen shed across the stream.

There is also lovely Gilliflower Yurt down by the woodland which is larger and more luxurious with all facilities. This is generally a secluded and peaceful spot in its own orchard, but the other two yurts are in the adjoining field so absolute seclusion cannot be guaranteed.

Food is central to Cotna, so we have organic fruit and vegetable gardens we can provide food from or you can pick your own if you are familiar with that. We also offer food hampers with sourdough and home-made jams, muesli etc for breakfast, Italian, Indian and garden hampers, as well as anything you need from the wholefood store.

Travel directions on website. We can pick you up from bus at Gorran Churchtown.

Southwest England

Cuil: isolated cottage in Western Highlands

Main Street , Acharacle , PH36 4JL

Cuil is a small cottage in a very isolated and beautiful part of the West Highlands, on the north shore of Loch Shiel. It is about a mile from its nearest neighbours. It is off grid but has a solar generator and gas-fired cooker and fridge. The water is heated by a stove (coal and wood supplied) which also warms the house. It has no Wi-Fi but there is a pretty good mobile signal within less than 100yds of the house – and also a landline for emergencies. The water supply is 'natural' (no mains). It is approached by a mile of fairly rough, but perfectly drivable, track and has a fully fenced garden.

Location and access. Cuil is in Moidart about 5 miles from Acharacle (so map below just shows Acharacle) – where there is a good shop and a Wi-Fi café. It is about 50m from Fort William. It can be accessed by public transport – although that involves a walk-in or by taxi. (Or by boat). A car or bike definitely helps!

For those who don’t know the Rough Bounds of Lochaber – this is still a very isolated area of Scotland. There is great hill walking from the cottage door, it is possible to book a boat on the loch and there is very rich wildlife – deer, pine marten, bats, sea eagles, etc.; ancient woodland, and accessible loch side bathing.

There is one step up to the front door and otherwise the cottage is all on one level – but it is probably a retreat for the physically able – e.g. the coal and wood has to be brought in from the barn. In emergencies the neighbours (a local farming family) have been wonderful, but...

For further details or to discuss a booking email cuilbookings@gmail.com. Or phone 01581 600334 - be ready to leave a message - I don’t always answer, but will get back to you. 

Wales

Dhanakosa: Crotha Bothy & Vajra Sheilin

Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, FK19 8PQ

The Crotha Bothy retreat hut is situated at an altitude of 1,300 feet in Crotha Glen, behind Dhanakosa. There are no roads or houses visible from the bothy and access is by foot or quad bike only. The bothy provides a more remote solitary retreat facility for those experienced with solitary retreats and looking for a secluded space to do a longer retreat.

The Vajra Sheilin retreat hut is an excellent facility both for those familiar to retreat practice, and for those who are looking to undertake their first solitary retreat. You can book for one to two weeks at a time, see availability on our webpage.

Scotland

Gribbles Shepherds Hut, near Higham, Colchester

Details on booking, but near Manningtree

Gribbles is a bespoke shepherds hut ideal for a solitary retreat set in beautiful Suffolk countryside halfway between Ipswich and Colchester. Although only 30m from a single bedroom cottage it is private and quiet. Gribbles inside is heated and has a separate toilet, basin and shower, mains pressure hot water is provided by an LPG water heater. There is a very comfortable double bed, a writing desk and chair, a small armchair and shelving for a shrine. We now have a good range of meditation mats and cushions. There is ample room for private meditation and prostration either under cover or outside. The informal garden is surrounded by woodland.        

Gribbles has a well equipped covered kitchen with hot and cold running water, a two ring gas hob, small electric oven and a fridge with a small freezer compartment. Bed linen and towels are provided.

There is free access to an 8 acre Chestnut woodland, ¾ mile of the River Brett and a further 12 acres of land undergoing rewilding, and a beautiful ancient oak! Miles of public footpaths are accessible from the doorstep.

There is ample off road parking. The nearest train station is Manningtree which has a large co-op and the excellent Whole Food Store. There are also several local taxi companies.        

For availability please contact cathmarno1@gmail.com

Eastern England

Guhyaloka

03516 Alicante, Spain

Guhyaloka men's retreat centre in a remote Spanish valley hosts three beautifully located solitary chalets, each with a subtly different character of its own. All of the chalets have a water supply, a gas stove for cooking and a supply of vegetarian food. Guhyaloka is a magical place that provides a beautiful natural setting in which to deepen one's experience of meditation.

Spain

Mokshavana

Gelli, Llanfachreth, Dolgellau, LL40 2DS

Gelli is a grade II listed cottage located in Snowdownia national park. It sits within its own grounds and is surrounded by mountain views and no near neighbours. The entrance way opens to a comfy lounge with  fireplace, a well fitted kitchen and a modern bathroom. Upstairs consists of the master bedroom which overlooks the gardens and a shrine room or second bedroom with valley views. 

Gelli is located next to a spring water stream outside the village of Llanfachreth, which is accessible by car or public transport. National walking trails including the Precipice Walk can be started from the doorstep. The closest town is Dolgellau which has amenities and transport connections to the rest of the UK.

Main features:

  • Grade II listed stone character cottage
  • Mountain views with a tranquil stream side location and no near neighbours
  • 3/4 acres of private grounds and mature gardens
  • Comfy lounge with wood burning fireplace, well fitted kitchen and modern bathroom
  • Master bedroom and shrine room / second bedroom
  • Natural spring water supply / biofuel
  • Central heating and Wifi
  • Accessible by public transport
  • Close to national walking trails and Dolgellau

Wales

Oakhill Wagon

Oakhill Wagon, Wigmore, Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 9UH

Situated in rural North Herefordshire, with footpath access to the surrounding hills and valleys, Oakhill Wagon sits on top of a sloping field with spectacular views towards the hills of south Shropshire. 

Oakhill Wagon has a gas hot water system, shower, woodburner and indoor compost loo. In the kitchen area is a double gas hob, sink, toaster and quiet fridge. There is a double bed, sofa seat, table, and space for meditation, yoga and prostration. The wagon is connected to our solar array, providing lighting and plug sockets for charging devices. Water is from our bore hole. Outside the wagon there is decking with seating. Parking for 1 car is 15 metres away. Access into the wagon is via steps.

The location of the wagon is at the top of a sloping north facing field. Although you don’t see the sunset, you do catch the incredible changing light across the valley. You can watch the sunrise from the decking. The wagon is at the top of a high hill, and so the village of Wigmore is visible when standing near to the hedgeline. Due to the village being in a valley, and the wagon on top of a hill, sounds of the school can be heard at playtimes. However, from the wagon, and around the wagon, no buildings are visible. In the adjacent field there are usually sheep grazing. 

Our house, not visible from inside the wagon, is located 150 metres away, on the other side of a lightly wooded area. There is a family of 4, a couple, and a quiet dog living there. The sound of children may be heard at times, but the wagon and surrounding area is not accessible to them. The track that runs alongside the field where the wagon is situated is a public footpath, but very few walkers use it. The track is also used by cars accessing our house. Currently, while the hedgeline grows up, you can see the cars coming up the track from the wagon. 

The adjacent footpath gives access to beautiful walks through the north Herefordshire valleys and hills. It is rare to encounter a walker on the 2 hour loop of the valley. Wildlife is abundant in the area, and red kite nest in the treetops nearby.

What we provide:
Pick ups from Leominster or Ludlow train station can be arranged in advance
A trip to a supermarket on arrival if arranged in advance. There is a bin near the Wagon for extra supplies if needed, by arrangement, during your stay.
Cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery
Tea towels
Toilet roll
Bedding & towels 
Washing up liquid and cleaning stuff
Hand soap
Salt and pepper
Blanket
Hot water bottle
Fire bowl (not for use on the decking)
Firelighters and some kindling
Basket of wood 
Basic first aid kit
Meditation mat and cushions if coming by public transport - please ask in advance
Veg oil
Plain tea bags
Sugar
Cider Vinegar (from our orchard)

Not provided
Clothes washing facilities or washing powders
Body wash and shampoo (water waste goes into our soakaway - we ask you to bring non toxic products with you where possible)

We recommend bringing:
Torch
Slippers - the floor can get cold

Can be purchased from us
Extra wood at £5 per sack, for indoor wood burner or outside fire bowl. We will stock the wagon up for your arrival for free.
Extra firelighters 
Extra kindling 

About us
We are Muditajina and Rosie, we have 2 young children, and live next door to Rosie’s parents. The wagon is situated on the edge of 11 acres of land, which we have stewarded for wildlife and biodiversity. We have a small flock of Jacobs sheep grazing the pasture. The wagon has been built from wood; cut and processed on site by Muditajina. Where possible we’ve used reclaimed and recycled materials in the build and finish. Among other things, we both work for Buddhafield Charity. Through the summer months we rent the Wagon out to holiday makers and walkers. We feel deeply nourished by the landscape, the wildlife and the quiet of this area.

With Thanks
Rosie & Muditajina

Southwest England

Rivendell Solitary Chalet

Rivendell, Chillies Lane, High Hurstwood, East Sussex TN22 4AB

The Chalet is secluded in part of the Rivendell Retreat Centre grounds. Food and supplies are delivered. The chalet has heating, a silent fridge, a gas cooker, a flush toilet and electric shower. There is also a shrine with meditation mats & cushions. Rent from Friday to Friday.

Southeast England

Shepherd's Hut at Alfoxton Park

Coach House 2, Alfoxton Park, Holford, Bridgwater, Somerset TA5 1SG

Our Shepherd's Hut is an exceptionally well situated solitary venue; set in a secluded area that leads directly up through ancient woodland onto the Quantock moors with their many miles of quiet footpaths and bridal ways. The woodland is home to herds of red deer, badgers, foxes, squirrels and delightful bird life, as well as horses that roam across the moors. The hut has been purpose-built for solitary retreats: it is well insulated and has all amenities to make it comfortable in both summer and winter.

The hut has mains water, a wood stove, gas cooking facilities, solar power and an adjacent hot shower and compost toilet. There is a comfortable bed, writing desk, meditation mats and cushions, an armchair and a selection of Dharma books. It also has beautiful views across the Bristol Channel towards Wales.

The hut is well separated from Alfoxton House and its community and retreat activities.

Please visit the solitary retreats page on the Alfoxton website for full details including availability, facilities, food, accessibility and travel.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions or go ahead and submit a booking request using the form on the webpage!

Southwest England

Silvermine Lodge, Wexford

Wexford, Ireland

Silvermine Lodge is a 2-bedroom apartment overlooking Bannow Bay in South County Wexford, Ireland. If you are looking for a quiet location for a break from city life, or a solitary meditation retreat, it offers lovely views and oceans of peace and quiet.

We offer a weekly rate of £290 from early November to the end of February. We will deliver groceries to your door on request.

While the property is in a very quiet location, it is not completely isolated – it is next door to our family home, but is not overlooked or disturbed by it. We can guarantee you will be left to your own devices as much as you wish for the duration of your stay.

Contact Ruth on + 353 (0)86 1916 599 or Jyotika on +353 (0) 83 8611 787 or at dhjyotika2000@gmail.com to book or for further details.

Property can also be viewed (with more pictures) at https://abnb.me/0a1ncSwy2ib

Ireland

Solitary cabin at Suryavana

Calle Extramuros, 2, Masia Novales, Jérica, Castellon 12450 Spain

Suryavana Retreat Centre is located in the hinterland of the Valencia region. On the local train line from Valencia, itis very easy to get to. Situated between the mountains or Sierras, Calderona and Espadán in a beautiful natural landscape. Wehave a spacious wooden cabin completely independent from the the main house in amongst our Almond groves.

Spain

Solterreno

Partida Ereta, 4 03791 Benimaurell- La Vall de Laguar Alicante – Spain

We are located in the Vall de Laguart, a beautiful valley surrounded by almond and cherry trees, with amazing views back to the Mediterranean Sea. It is located between Valencia and Alicante, in the Marina Alta very close to Denia, Jávea, Calpe and Altea and its magnificent beaches.

We provide supportive conditions for individuals and groups to practice Self Retreats.

This might take the form of a self-catering stay in the hexagonal Wooden Cabin.

Spain

The Eniya Barn, North Wales

The Eniya Barn is tucked peacefully away on a mountainside within Snowdonia National Park North Wales, UK. It is located about 15 minutes from Caernarfon and about 20 minutes from Bangor. Details of how to get there will be sent with your booking.

It lends itself perfectly for solitary silent retreats due to its secluded location. Please visit www.eniyatree.com for more details & booking.

Please note that the availability calendar used is quite basic so always wait for confirmation before assuming your preferred dates are secured.

Wales

The Weaving House

Charlottenlundsvägen 4, 178 92 Adelsö, Sweden

The Weaving House at Samting, Adelsö is a large, well insulated and comfortable one-room wooden cabin in 10 hectares of garden, meadow and forest, on the island of Adelsö in Lake Mälaren just to the west of Stockholm. Though it's near the end of a bus route to the city, it's surprisingly remote, on a private road with no passing traffic.

You are welcome here for a retreat or holiday, on your own or with a friend or partner at any time of year. One Order member who did a six-week solitary here in the snowy depths of winter said it was her 'favourite place on earth'!

The cabin has a single bed, double sofabed, toilet, small kitchen, woodburning stove, electricity and hot water, and the glass porch is a sunny place to sit. There's a shower in the adjoining building; also an outdoor shower during the summer months. You can meditate in the cabin but an outside deck or our large shrine room may also be available.

The cabin is on a walking trail around the island and bicycles are available. There's plenty of lake swimming and a very good food shop is just 10 minutes' cycle ride away.

Another (very small) cabin next door may be available should you wish to come with a friend, sleeping in separate cabins but sharing the Weaving House kitchen facilities.

Munisha and Pavarabodhi may sometimes be in their cottage next door. 

See it on the map below and here's the local tourist map, with Samting right in the middle, at the crossroads on the blue trail.

https://www.adelso.se/adelsokartan1.jpg

(If you arrive in Stockholm in the morning you can get here the same day by public transport.)

Sweden

Tirylan House Retreat Centre Annexe

Our annexe (converted barn) is primarily set up for small group retreats, or to provide further accommodation for retreats in the house. However, most of such retreats take place at weekends, so we would like to make use of the annexe on weekdays to offer 5 day solitary retreats from Sunday to Friday. To encourage people to book solitary retreats during that time we are offering a special deal of £100 basic payment to cover five days for one person (as usual we’d then like to encourage an additional donation at the end if you can afford it and were happy with your stay).

‘Solitary retreat’ here means a time set apart for one person who is primarily intending to engage in practice or practices: for instance meditation, study, the arts, writing, or body work. We can’t guarantee that you will never meet anyone during your solitary retreat, but we will leave you undisturbed, and (if you prefer) not speak to you if we meet you outside. We will normally be available in the house (or on the phone) in an emergency.

The annexe includes everything you are likely to need on a solitary retreat, including a self-catering kitchen with a stove and fridge-freezer, and a bathroom with independent hot water. There is a wood stove and electric radiators to keep you warm in winter. Please see our Independent Group Retreats page for more about the annexe and its facilities, including more pictures.

If you want to book the annexe for a solitary retreat, please contact us first to check that your preferred dates are available, then submit a booking form and basic payment from our costs and booking page. In the ‘name of retreat’ section please write ‘solitary retreat in the annexe’, and if you want to take advantage of the special five day deal, just write in the dates for your five day period but pay for four days. Please note that if you want to book any other period than Sun to Fri, it will cost the normal £25 per night self-catering basic rate, and that we don’t accept any bookings for solitaries over weekends more than 2 months in advance (to allow independent group bookings that will make better use of the accommodation).

Wales

Ty Brethyn

Fron Bache, Llangollen, Wales , LL20 7BS

Ty Brethyn Retreat Space is located in the grounds of a housing co-operative, situated in a secluded quiet valley, down a track from the road, so there's no traffic noise and it's away from other properties. The Retreat Space is in a separate building not overlooked by the community, above a garage with its own entrance and lovely views, adjacent to an artist's studio/workshop. There is a space outside where you can sit. 

The community consists of five households of 10 adults and 5 children, with two cats, chickens and a few sheep. We have five acres of land, including a stream, gardens, fields and woodland. The community is often gently active around the grounds and there may be activity in the artist's studio/workshop. Therefore, we ask guests to appreciate that whilst we are a quiet, peaceful group of people in a quiet, peaceful place, we don't guarantee silence all the time. 

We have positive feedback from people who have found the space suitable for meditation, reflection, restfulness and creative practice. We welcome contact beforehand to check out the suitability of the space for you, especially for longer stays or if you are concerned about noise or toilet facilities.

Llangollen town centre is a 15-minute walk down the hill and has a full range of shops. There is a Co-op, an Aldi, a greengrocer, a deli, an excellent whole food shop and lots more. 

Here's a description of what the Retreat Space provides and some suggestions of things you might like to bring:

There is a double bed with bedding and bed linen; a shrine with rupa, candles, incense, lighter, vase, meditation cushions, mat and blankets; a sofa; table and chairs; fully equipped kitchen with cooker, fridge, kettle, toaster, tea towels; cleaning equipment; electric oil radiator; toilet paper. There is a kitchen sink with cold water only, but no bathroom - there's a compost toilet outside. There's a yoga mat and plenty of space indoors and out for yoga. You can have access to a washing machine if needed.

You will need to bring your own towels and toiletries, food and drink. 

There are lovely places to walk around Ty Brethyn and we provide a local map and books about walks - wellies or waterproof shoes are advisable, especially in wet weather.

If you'd like to borrow any dharma books, just let us know.

Find more photos on Facebook: Ty Brethyn Housing Co-op. 

For more info email tybrethynretreat@gmail.com

Wales

Vajrasana

Vajrasana Retreat Centre, Potash Farm, Walsham le Willows, Suffolk IP31 3AR

We have two identical huts at our retreat centre, Vajrasana:  Han Shan and Ryokan. Each hut for retreats in 2024 costs £295 (full) or £230 (concession) per week, running Friday to Friday, with basic foods provided. Click here for more information (including food list, facilities and travel instructions).

To book, please check for the availability of the week/s you're interested in and then call us on 0208 709 9978 (10am-5pm weekdays). Please note that a booking is not confirmed until the full amount has been received and that we do not take deposits for solitary retreats.

You can find the availability calendar here

Booking Conditions:
Solitary retreats must be paid for in full at the time of booking. If a solitary retreat is cancelled more than two months before the start date, a full refund will be given minus a £10 administration fee. If cancelled more than one month before the start date, a 50% refund will be given. If cancelled less than one month before the start date, no refund will be given. For single week bookings we can't guarantee which of the huts you'll be in, though we can make a note of your preference if you have one.

Eastern England

Wild Geese Acres Solitary Caravan

Wild Geese Acres, Greenham Reach, Greenham, Wellington,T A21 0JY United Kingdom

Solitary accommodation available in a beautiful setting on the Devon /Somerset border a 5 minute walk from the Grand Western canal. The caravan is well maintained and comfortable with it’s own oven, hob, fridge, shower, (pull out) double bed and an outside composting toilet. Our 6 acre smallholding is leased to us from the Ecological Land Coop and is rich in wildlife. A large wildlife pond faces the caravan in a secluded part of our smallholding with it’s own private access off the site.

Staples will be provided (oats, rice, pasta, chick peas, oil, seasoning) and cut flowers from the smallholding too. Organically grown vegetables and fruits can be included at an additional cost and supermarket shopping can be arranged for those coming on public transport along with a lift from and to Tiverton Parkway station.

Available to book between April 1st and October 1st. Please contact us for availability. For more details and additional photos contact Sukamala on sukamala19@gmail.com or phone 07928081430. Thanks

Southwest England