The Big Retreat one of the UK’s most uplifting and nourishing festival experiences is proud to announce the launch of a new Cambridgeshire edition for 2026, alongside its much-loved return to Pembrokeshire, Wales.
Rooted in movement, creativity, nature, food, music and meaningful connection, The Big Retreat has grown into a standout festival for those seeking a feel-good escape, and now, with a second locations, its positive impact is set to reach even more people across the UK.
The Big Retreat Cambridgeshire taking place 11-13 September 2026, held within the picturesque Abbots Ripton estate, offering a late-summer countryside escape. This new edition mirrors the festival’s core ethos, allowing guests to build their own version of a feel-good experience, shaped by choice, blance and joy.
The launch coincides with new research findings carried out at the 2026 festival by Professor Joyce Harper of University College London, which explored the impact of attending the The Big Retreat on mental health and physical wellbeing. The study noted that:
- Over 80% of attendees reported imporved mental health
- Nearly 80% reported increased happiness
- With many others noting the positive effects on their physical wellbeing.
- A full research study is to be released mid-2026 with further findings into the festival’s benefits to wellbeing.
Professor Harper said: “In today’s society, where work-life balance is increasingly difficult and stress levels are high, events like The Big Retreat offer a valuable opportunity to reset. Over 80% of people in my study said their mental health improved from attending, with many also reporting physical benefits. The combination of movement, nature and connection played a key role in those outcomes.”
Cambridgeshire, like Pembrokeshire, is designed so guests can build their own version of a feel-good escape. Mornings might start with a strong fitness class, a calm breathwork session or a creative workshop. Days flow into talks, movement, hands-on activities, nature experiences, relaxed food moments and live music—allowing everyone to choose their pace and follow what feels right.
From 22-25 May 2026, also returns to its spiritual home in the coastal village of Lawrenny in the picturesque landscape of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, The Big Retreat Festival throws open the doors to summer offering a full weekend of live music, outdoor adventure, wellness, creativity and simple, soulful living. As one of the first major festivals of the year, it sets the tone for the season: a celebration of sunshine, connection and “feel-good your way”, with headliners DJ Fat Tony, Rebecca Ferguson, Catrin Finch, Dr Peter Lovatt and more.
Both festivals share the same guiding message: Feel Good Your Way.
Whether your perfect moment is a powerful workout, a quiet meditation, a talk that shifts something inside you, a craft you’ve never tried before or dancing as the sun goes down—there is a place for it here.
Hailed as a life-changing experience by former retreaters, this truly is a festival like no other. Now in its seventh year, the festival is known for its distinctive mix of retreat, wellbeing experiences and uplifting festival energy, a place to step away from everyday pressure and rediscover what it feels like to simply enjoy being alive. The Big Retreat is built around more than 300 curated “feel-good” experiences spread across a dozen immersive zones, all accessible with a festival ticket.
Long established as one of the leading UK wellness retreats & festivals, The Big Retreat offers a restorative escape for wellness enthusiasts, families and anyone seeking space to breathe and recharge. Its programme of speakers, experiences and evening music creates an atmosphere designed to inspire, encourage connection and genuinely uplift.
Live music adds to the feel-good atmosphere of The Big Retreat, with evening performances from Rebecca Ferguson, Women of Rock, DJ Fat Tony, Jack Broadbent and Craig Charles on the main stage. Some artists will also join the Talk Tent to share their personal stories alongside Rachel Peru, The Gavin Sisters and Kate Rowe-Ham. Across the site, quieter musical moments—acoustic sets, kirtan and singalongs—give guests space to relax and connect in their own way.
By day, the festival invites you to reconnect with body and nature through yoga, wild swimming in open water, breathwork, meditation, fitness, arts & crafts and personal development workshops. If you prefer to move fast and feel the adrenaline, the “Fitness Field” delivers high-energy workouts and dance-based fitness. For those seeking calm, there’s the gentle flow of yoga, sound healing and restorative sessions, all set against the tranquil estuary and woodland backdrop.
For those wanting a deeper reset, the festival’s spa-style “Woodland Spa” offers soothing massages, Wood-fired saunas, hot tubs and restorative moments of relaxation — an opportunity to unwind, recharge and simply be.
Food enthusiasts also have a treat in store with culinary talks and demos from Kwoklyn Wan, Jenny Tschiesche, Tonia Buxton and more. For those looking for adventure, there’ll be wild swimming and paddleboarding on the beautiful Cleddau estuary.
For those seeking adventure, highlights include wild swimming and paddleboarding on the Cleddau Estuary, alongside inspiring talks from adventurers in Darwin’s Den and thought-provoking sessions on how to look after the natural world
For guests looking to try something new, the Feel Good Field is a place to loosen up, connect and discover what truly lifts you. From laughter yoga and healing sound sessions to comedy improv and our Xanadu workshops exploring intimacy, pleasure and personal expression, this area invites you to step into experiences that are empowering, inclusive and completely judgement-free
As one of the first major festivals of the year, The Big Retreat brings together fresh air, early summer warmth, natural beauty and a wide-open offering of activities and escape. It doesn’t just mark the start of festival season — it defines it: as a time for reconnection, renewal, celebration, and mindful fun. With hundreds of experiences, a stunning location, and a vibe that’s relaxed, inclusive and intentionally feel-good, it invites visitors to begin the summer with intention, community, and joy.
