Sussex

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-retreats">RETREATS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/LisaCuerdenYoga.jpg" alt="Yoga retreat in Sussex with Lisa Cuerden" class="wp-image-82345" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/LisaCuerdenYoga.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/LisaCuerdenYoga-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/LisaCuerdenYoga-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/LisaCuerdenYoga-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lisa Cuerden retreats</figcaption></figure>



When do your New Year&#8217;s resolutions start to wobble? Research shows some of us will be wavering within the first couple of weeks of January, and most will have given up by February. Sounds about right to Muddy, which is why we&#8217;re excited about Cowdray Hall&#8217;s one-day retreat on 17 Jan. <a href="https://www.cowdray.co.uk/events/grounded-beginnings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Grounded Beginnings </a>promises a restorative immersion in calm, clarity, and renewed energy, using yoga, somatic movement, mindfulness, and restorative rest to help you reconnect with your body and reset your nervous system. Lunch is included and you&#8217;ll leave feeling recharged with a goody bag of treats. While you&#8217;re there, check out Cowdray&#8217;s other offerings, including a <a href="https://www.cowdray.co.uk/events/deep-relaxation-sound-journey-4/2026-01-23/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Deep Relaxation Sound Journey</a> (23 Jan), a <a href="https://www.cowdray.co.uk/events/drumming-circle-with-closing-gongbath/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drumming Circle with Closing Gongbath</a> (22 Feb) and fortnight <a href="https://www.cowdray.co.uk/events/breathe-well-breathwork-class-17/2026-01-15/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Breathe Well</a> breathwork classes, beginning on 15 Jan. 



For another day-long retreat in January, head to the sublime surrounds of The Acupuncturists at New House Farm near Horsham for a <a href="https://www.theacupuncturist.life/day-retreat-events/sunday-january-18th-slow-sunday-session" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Slow Sunday Session –&nbsp;Pilates Brunch Club with Saunas and Cold Plunges</a> (18 Jan). Not ready to take the plunge? They&#8217;re also holding a <a href="https://www.theacupuncturist.life/day-retreat-events/deep-wintering-retreat-nourish-and-nurture" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Deep Wintering Retreat, Nourish and Nurture</a> (24 Jan), which includes yoga, breathwork, crystal bowl healing, with delectable dishes from Boul Kitchen. 



Meanwhile, Lisa Cuerden’s <a href="https://www.lisacuerden.com/new-year-2026-retreat" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Year Yoga &amp; Meditation Retreat </a>(30 Jan–1 Feb) will reaffirm your commitment to all things energising in the tranquility of a private country estate, Fair Oak Farm in Mayfield. Vinyasa flow, candlelit yoga, breathwork, nature walks and a sauna all feature, along with deliciously nutritious food. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Goodwood.jpg" alt="Retreats at Goodwood Hotel in Sussex" class="wp-image-82347" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Goodwood.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Goodwood-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Goodwood-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Goodwood-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Goodwood Hotel retreats</figcaption></figure>



Fancy trying something a bit different? Stunningly located Gayles in Friston are the experts in silent retreats, offering the ultimate opportunity to step back from life&#8217;s clamour and rediscover your core self and inner calm. All sorts of different types of yoga are on offer, as well as meditation, scenic strolls and space for journaling. There are <a href="https://www.retreattogayles.co.uk/product/x-month-year-master-day" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">one-day retreat</a> on 24 Jan and 7 March, and <a href="https://www.retreattogayles.co.uk/product/27th-february-to-1st-march-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weekend-long retreats</a> on 27 Feb–1 March and 17–19 April. 



Step into Goodwood Hotel, and you’ll feel instantly calmer. It’s the perfect setting for a range of holistic wellbeing retreats, including <a href="https://www.goodwood.com/visit-eat-stay/health-wellbeing/wellness-retreats/mood-food-retreat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Mood Food Connection</a> (15–18 March). We’re all more clued-up these days about how gut health influences our overall wellbeing, and this immersive retreat blends nutrition, movement and mindset to rebalance your emotional wellbeing. Highlights include a personal consultation, talks by celebrity nutritionist Stephanie Moore, and one-hour treatment choices like cranial osteopathy and vibracoustic massage – plus wholesome meals at the award-winning Farmer, Butcher, Chef restaurant.&nbsp;You’ll leave with practical takeaways as well as your very own &#8216;Happy Brain Action Plan&#8217;.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-embrace-nature">EMBRACE NATURE </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/David-Plummer-1024x1024-1.jpg" alt="Dusk Safari at the Knepp Estate in Sussex" class="wp-image-82348" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/David-Plummer-1024x1024-1.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/David-Plummer-1024x1024-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/David-Plummer-1024x1024-1-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/David-Plummer-1024x1024-1-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/David-Plummer-1024x1024-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/David-Plummer-1024x1024-1-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dusk at Knepp Estate</figcaption></figure>



Dive in to nature with an <a href="https://goteamup.com/p/7785575-swimtrek-coaching/c/schedule?e=95582241&amp;startdate=2025-12-01&amp;enddate=2026-01-04&amp;venues=&amp;category=&amp;instructors=&amp;offering_types=&amp;age_restrictions=" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Introduction to Cold Water</a> course (28 Feb) at Sea Lanes in Brighton, packed with practical info for anyone who’s ever wondered what it’s all about. Expert coaches will be on hand to perfect your technique and dispense confidence-boosting know-how, as well as all-important safety tips focused on weather systems and tides.&nbsp;



There’s nothing quite like gazing up at a starry night sky to put everyday stresses and strains into perspective. Sign up to a <a href="https://patadventures.com/product/dark-skies-walk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dark Skies Walk</a> (23 Jan&nbsp;and&nbsp;13, 20, 27 Feb) and harness that big-picture outlook while getting your steps in on a nocturnal adventure. They depart from either Bignor or Birling Gap, and an expert guide will be there for insights historical and geological, as well as astronomical. Beginners, couples, solo walkers – all are welcome. Bring a torch!&nbsp;



If you’re rather not be out in the pitch dark, Knepp Estate is your destination for a <a href="https://knepp.co.uk/visit-knepp/whats-on/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dusk Safari</a> (selected dates from 3 April). The pioneering home of Sussex rewilding is has a lively nightlife, and kicking off as the sun sets. Chances are, you’ll deer, longhorn cows, and Exmoor ponies heading to the ponds and lakes for a nightcap, and in springtime, they might just have their young in tow for maximum ‘aww!’ factor. Bedtime birdsong is the cue for nocturnal critters like foxes, bats and owls to emerge, and your expert guide will help you know where to look. It’s a 2.5-hour ramble, rounding off with a glass of wine beneath the stars. For anyone who’s up with the lark, there are Dawn Safaris, too.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/SingingWithNightingales.jpg" alt="Singing With Nightingales near Lewes in Sussex" class="wp-image-82350" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/SingingWithNightingales.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/SingingWithNightingales-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/SingingWithNightingales-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/SingingWithNightingales-768x1152.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Singing With Nightingales</figcaption></figure>



Cowdray Estate’s 2026 foraging programme kicks off on&nbsp;7 March with <a href="https://www.cowdray.co.uk/events/awakening-earth-foraging-early-shoots-and-finding-winter-fungi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Awakening Earth: Foraging Early Shoots and Finding Winter Fungi</a>, exploring early greens like nettles, cleavers, and chickweed, alongside oyster mushrooms and the first flow of birch sap. Afterwards, sip warming wild tea and a enjoy a foraged tasting experience. Other highlights of the series include Taste Trees and <a href="https://www.cowdray.co.uk/events/taste-the-trees-and-learn-wild-foods-of-spring/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Learn Wild Foods of Spring</a> (25 April), which is all about identifying edible saps, shoots, and leaves. Tree canopy or larder?&nbsp;



April means spring over at Wakehurst, too: budding trees, flowering bulbs and… The return of the ever-popular <a href="https://www.kew.org/wakehurst/whats-on/badger-watching-evening" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Badger Watching Evenings</a>. They take place on selected Tues and Thurs evenings from&nbsp;7 April&nbsp;and they book up quick. Pounce on a ticket and you can expect around 2 hours of natural world escapism, watching these characterful nocturnal creatures as&nbsp;they&nbsp;forage, eat and play in their natural habitat.&nbsp;



Spring also signals the start of another year of <a href="https://www.singingwithnightingales.co.uk/tickets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Singing With Nightingales</a> (from&nbsp;9 Apr&nbsp;to the end of May), the hybrid Sussex happening with a cult following. Celebrating the creative connection between musicians and the song of the Nightingale, it fuses after-dark concert with ecology walk, immersive theatre (nature’s the director), and of course bird watching in a secret woodland sanctuary near Lewes. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-express-yourself">EXPRESS YOURSELF </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/10/Chisel-sponge.jpg" alt="Pottery classes at Chisel Pottery, Chichester, Sussex" class="wp-image-81133" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/10/Chisel-sponge.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/10/Chisel-sponge-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/10/Chisel-sponge-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/10/Chisel-sponge-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/10/Chisel-sponge-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chisel Pottery</figcaption></figure>



A pottery class is a great way to combine chatty fun with making something both practical and beautiful. Chisel Pottery in Chichester has a full programme of courses and tasters, covering everything from slab builds to coil pots, but if you’ve never thrown a pot before, consider a <a href="https://www.chiselpottery.com/classes/p/complete-wheel-experience-2-day-weekend-workshop-chichester-studio" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Complete Wheel Weekend</a>. The two-day courses are small, friendly, and you&#8217;ll have something gorgeous and useful to show for it – plus a replenished reservoir of the kind of calm that comes only with intense focus and tactile making. Choose between coffee cups (24–25 Jan, 28 Feb–1 March, 11–12 April) and tapas bowls (14–15 Feb, 14–15 March, 25–26 April). All offer messy mindfulness with a slug of self-empowerment thrown in, and you can find out how Muddy got along <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/clay-date-chisel-pottery-reviewed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.&nbsp;



More crafty contemplation’s to be had over at Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft, where <a href="https://www.ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk/event/weaving-the-downs-a-beginners-weaving-workshop-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weaving the Downs: A Beginner&#8217;s Weaving Workshop</a> (7 March) aims to initiate beginners into the gentle rhythm of weaving, taking the colours and textures of our very own South Downs as its inspiration.&nbsp;



Words more your metier? Where better to head for inspiration than Charleston, the country playground of Virginia Woolf and her Bloomsbury buddies, where you can sign up for <a href="https://www.charleston.org.uk/event/life-writing-spring-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Life Writing: Spring</a>, a 10-week life writing course beginning on 12 Jan and led by Reader-in-Residence and author, Holly Dawson. Packed with guided exercises, activities and inspiring prompts, it&#8217;ll offer an approachable introduction to life writing, and enable you to begin transferring your own story to the page. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/CityofStarsChoir.jpg" alt="City of Stars Choir, Sussex" class="wp-image-82352" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/CityofStarsChoir.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/CityofStarsChoir-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/CityofStarsChoir-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/CityofStarsChoir-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/CityofStarsChoir-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/CityofStarsChoir-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/CityofStarsChoir-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Is it just Muddy or do choirs seem to be the new book clubs? The uplifting power of a good singsong is well documented, and if you&#8217;re out to unleash your shower ballads on the world this year – or even just lose yourself in a solid tune – there are opportunities aplenty. Love musical theatre? Trial slots are available in Jan for <a href="https://cityofstarschoir.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">City of Stars</a> choir. You’ll need a bit of prior singing experience but the only other requirement is keenness. With weekly sessions in Brighton, Hove and Worthing, this is your chance to belt out some show tunes in cracking company.&nbsp;



If you&#8217;re more of a beginner warbler, <a href="https://www.bignoteschoir.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Big Notes</a> choir is a tuneful tonic for music lovers of all ages and stages, meeting weekly in Horsham (Mondays) and Chichester (Thursdays) to explore songs from pop to classical. Break time comes with wine!&nbsp;And for the ultimate no-pressure performing, <a href="https://rockchoir.com/locations-choir-leaders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rock Choir</a>, which has groups across East and West Sussex, and does just what it says on the can without auditions.&nbsp;



Meanwhile, if you’ve always wanted to try gospel, Lifted Up Community Choirs in Bexhill is your group. You can hear them in full-throttle action on De La Warr Pavilion on 17 March when they present <a href="https://www.liftedupcommunitychoirs.com/singinspiration26" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">singspiration26</a>, an uplifting concert featuring 300 voices from age 8 to 80, along with the iGospel ensemble. 



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