The Grief Space
cornwall, england
Caring, compassionate grief retreats in a historical, riverside setting
Based at the oldest house in Cornwall, this deeply nourishing, transformative retreat on the River Lynher is a space where grief is welcomed, honoured and integrated into our lives. Curated and led by founder Nici Harrison, who is supported by an empathetic, experienced team, retreats will help you acknowledge the magnitude of your loss and express your emotions. The schedule includes workshops, bodywork, a grief ceremony and a seasonal, organic menu, and is followed up with post-retreat sessions.
our Reviewer ‘Rosie’ says:
‘I discovered that grief and love are like the wings of a bird – you can’t have one without the other, painful as grief is. When I left the retreat, I was a different person. I can’t pinpoint exactly what changed in me, but I feel lighter, and I no longer see life as dark, unfair and cruel’
Queen of Retreats says:
‘‘Nici puts her heart and soul into her retreats and her empathy and compassion are second to none. Your emotions will feel raw and sometimes unmanageable, but if you trust the process and go with it, you’ll turn the corner you’ve been searching for. Being in a group, albeit small, you’ll realise you’re not alone with your pain’
Experiences
The signature retreat is Grief Alchemy, a life-shifting experience centred around grief in all its forms. Through group workshops, embodiment practices, one-to-one therapy and individual treatments, you’ll build a new relationship with grief, create the space to feel it and bring about change.
As well as practising gentle yoga and trauma-releasing experiences, you’ll discover new life and freedom through breathwork. You will also sit in ceremony and grief circles to honour loss in a community. Expect to emerge with a deeper connection to yourself and life.
The core team includes Nici, who holds the grief-tending workshops, and is on hand to support you throughout the whole retreat, and healer Veronica Stanwell, who has a master’s degree in Transpersonal Psychology, and will lead you towards connection, healing and growth. They’re joined by Charlie Gavins, a certified coach with a passion for nurturing our inner creative.
You’ll be taught tension and trauma release exercises by Deborah Maddison – these will help regulate your nervous system, release tension and connect you more deeply with yourself and life.
Walk in the 300 acres of healing nature around you and swim in the sea along Whitsand Bay, or in the river around the island. Spot wildflowers, buzzards, skylarks, swallows, geese, egrets and fallow deer in the woodlands.
Spaces
The retreat is held at Erth Barton, a historical, organic, ethical house, and elevated on Erth hill. It’s set on private, healing lands on the peninsular. There’s a comfy large sitting room with four sofas.
Yoga and sound healing are held in a beautiful, charming 13th century chapel, while a large yurt is used for yoga, wellbeing practices and workshops.
A main room with a wood burner and views towards Dartmoor is used for groups of up to 20. There are also plenty of spaces, such as lawns and paddocks, for outside group work.
Choose from nine different accommodation options, ranging from singles to super-king rooms. There are six beautiful bedrooms in the house, three with en-suites, and three with shared bathrooms - all with country home décor.
A short distance from the house, in the paddock, there are two more options – Lynher, a super-king or twin room, and Cabin, a twin. Both have views across the river.
Sustenance
The menu features organic, seasonal produce from local suppliers and vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available. The retreat needs to know of other intolerances in advance.
For breakfast you’re offered overnight oats with berry chia jam, warming granola and almond butter, and sourdough toast with folded eggs and broad bean guacamole. There’s also fresh fruit, bread and jams.
Lunch and dinner might be spiced beetroot dhal with spinach and goat’s milk kefir flatbreads or a foraged mushroom and miso soup with homemade buckwheat and quinoa-loaded toast. Desserts include lion’s mane chocolate truffles and Snickers slices with ceremonial-grade cacao. Fish and free-range chicken are served on two nights.
Snacks include salted brownie bites, lemon and rosemary cake, cardamon and blackberry muffins and fresh, organic smoothies.
Hot hibiscus and rose tea and turmeric, coriander, cinnamon and honey chai are served. The retreat is a no-alcohol venue.
