Returning to Calm:
A Compassionate Lakeside Retreat
Saturday 18th April 2026 | 10am-4pm
Join us for a one-day, in-person retreat rooted in the foundational mindfulness and compassion practices of the Compassionate Mindful Resilience programme. Held in the peaceful landscape of Exmoor, Somerset.
MindfulnessUK Members
- Members get early booking access and the discounted rate. If you’re not a member yet, you can join to access these benefits.
Non Members
Our first in-person retreat in many years!
What's the day about?
A mindfulness and compassion retreat is a chance to step out of “doing mode” and into a slower rhythm, supported by guided practice and a caring group space. Rather than adding more to your to-do list, we’ll create conditions where calm, steadiness, and self-kindness can land naturally.
This day is rooted in practices from the Compassionate Mindful Resilience Programme, and is aligned with themes explored in Karen’s forthcoming book.
Meet your guides
Karen is CEO of MindfulnessUK and leads teaching grounded in mindfulness, compassion, and trauma-informed sensitivity. She is the creator of the CMR programme and brings a warm, down-to-earth style that helps people practise in a way that feels realistic and supportive.
Angie Ward:
Angie is MindfulnessUK’s Chief Experience Officer, and leads the delivery of the CMR programme. With over 30 years’ experience across education, health, social care and proudly neurodiverse, Angie teaches from lived experience, with sensitivity to different needs, attention spans and ways of being.
Meet your guides
Karen is CEO of MindfulnessUK and leads teaching grounded in mindfulness, compassion, and trauma-informed sensitivity. She is the creator of the CMR programme and brings a warm, down-to-earth style that helps people practise in a way that feels realistic and supportive.
Angie Ward:
Angie is MindfulnessUK’s Chief Experience Officer, and leads the delivery of the CMR programme. With over 30 years’ experience across education, health, social care and proudly neurodiverse, Angie teaches from lived experience, with sensitivity to different needs, attention spans and ways of being.
The Venue
Want to make a weekend of it? Our host, Gillian, has comfortable rooms and a timber cabin available to book separately. It’s a lovely option if you’d like to stay on, bring a loved one, and turn the retreat into a restorative break.
What people are saying about MindfulnessUK retreats
“The retreat was a nourishing and grounding experience. It allowed me to slow down, reconnect with myself, and explore self-compassion in a safe and supportive environment… I’m leaving with a deeper sense of calm and a commitment to care for myself more intentionally.”
“Retreats really give that dedicated time to practice and disconnect from the constant race and pace of life… the feeling of self love and compassion has stayed with me to this day, and… might have been profoundly life changing.”
“Lovely tutors, so kind and compassionate, a lovely warm safe space to practice mindfulness and compassion.”
Benefits for trained & training teachers
Time spent in guided practice, inquiry, and reflective learning can contribute towards ongoing professional development. This retreat can support reflective learning aligned with the British Association of Mindfulness-Based Approaches (BAMBA) Good Practice Guidelines (GPGs).
FAQs
Do I need experience with mindfulness?
What's included in the retreat day?
Your place includes a full day of guided teaching and practice (10am–4pm), rooted in the foundational mindfulness and compassion practices of CMR. You’ll also have time in nature, including an optional lakeside walk, plus a shared lunch and homemade cakes/refreshments. (Accommodation isn’t included and, if you’d like to stay, can be booked separately with the host.)
Will there be silence?
Can I stay overnight?
Yes, accommodation can be booked separately with the host.
What if I have access or health needs?
Do I need to bring anything?
Customer support
CPD Accreditation
CPD Standards Office Provider Number: 50401.