Welcome to the definitive guide!
For fifteen years, Places to Be has been helping people to find retreats, workshop centres and alternative holidays as well as venues in which they can run their own events.
To the right, you will see a selection of places from the site. To find others, you might like to choose a category from the tabs along the top and then further refine your search in the area below that.
We hope you will find the perfect place to be, and also of course that when you book with them, you mention our site. It will help maintain this service for you, and for all the places you are seeing.
Good luck with your search, and may you have a happy, meaningful and inspiring stay.
| Using the Retreat Seeker
Many traditional establishments cater for retreats but there are also a growing number of smaller venues. Check whether retreats are for individuals or groups and if guidance is available. |
| Using the Workshop Seeker
Search on subject speciality headings. These categories can only be a very crude guide. Often the text on the venue's page is more specific, and do contact them for detailed information. |
| Using the Venue Seeker
If you're looking for a place to run your own event then you'll probably want to search on size and features such as catering options. More detail is given on venues' own pages, but do check info has not changed. |
| Using the B&B Seeker
Many places listed are representative of a new breed of B&B which offer something more. Perhaps it's catering for special diets, perhaps an educational service or healing therapy. |
| Using the Health Spa Seeker
These are retreats that focus on relaxation and on healing the body, mind and spirit. Check for more details on the health spa's own page, and with the establishment itself. |
| Using the Holiday Seeker
Search on broad holiday types. Some operators may use only one venue, some several, while other organise tours. Often the text on the operator's page is more specific, and do contact them for detailed information. |
Eight editions of Places to Be (the book) appeared between 1994 and 2005. Copies of the 2005 book are available while stocks last.
If you'd like to order your own copy click here.
✔ Retreats
✔ Health Spa
✔ Venue for Hire
✔ Holistic Holidays
✔ Health Spa
✔ Venue for Hire
✔ Holistic Holidays
SwedenGreenstones is an eco-retreat centre in the archipelago on the west coast of Sweden. Our vision is to create a down-to-earth, practical and inspiring centre where people can recharge, reconnect, and be ...
✔ Workshops
✔ Venue for Hire
✔ Bed & Breakfast
✔ Venue for Hire
✔ Bed & Breakfast
Cumbria, EnglandNab Cottage is in the centre of the Lake District, overlooking Rydal Water and surrounded by mountains. Originally a farm built in 1556 the flag floors, spice cupboards and log fires remain. There are ...
✔ Workshops
✔ Retreats
✔ Venue for Hire
✔ Holistic Holidays
✔ Self-Catering Space
✔ Retreats
✔ Venue for Hire
✔ Holistic Holidays
✔ Self-Catering Space
Languedoc-Roussillon, FranceRe-energise mind, body and spirit. Walk ancient footpaths, birdwatch, luxuriate in thermal pools(5k) or simply have fun and rest in the beautiful and inspiring landscape of Lavaldieu. With its megalithic ...
✔ Venue for Hire
✔ Retreats
✔ Workshops
✔ Self-Catering Space
✔ Holistic Holidays
✔ Retreats
✔ Workshops
✔ Self-Catering Space
✔ Holistic Holidays
Norfolk, EnglandA grade II listed Georgian manor house nestled in 21 acres of grounds with heritage cottages and barns, woodland, lake, extensive lawns, swimming pool and tennis courts. We also offer glamping in our furnished ...
✔ Workshops
✔ Retreats
✔ Bed & Breakfast
✔ Intentional Community
✔ Venue for Hire
✔ Health Spa
✔ Retreats
✔ Bed & Breakfast
✔ Intentional Community
✔ Venue for Hire
✔ Health Spa
Somerset, EnglandShekinashram is a newly formed community and dedicated sacred space, situated at the base of Chalice Hill, on a pilgrimage route to Glastonbury Tor. There are currently five permanent residents at the ...
✔ Workshops
✔ Retreats
✔ Bed & Breakfast
✔ Venue for Hire
✔ Retreats
✔ Bed & Breakfast
✔ Venue for Hire
Warwickshire, EnglandThe Centre, extended and refurbished in 2007, is in the heart of Warwickshire, set in 7 acres of beautiful grounds enhanced by some spectacular specimen trees.
✔ Venue for Hire
✔ Retreats
✔ Workshops
✔ Retreats
✔ Workshops
Herefordshire, EnglandPoulstone Court, a spacious and comfortable Victorian country house, is a residential retreat centre midway between Hereford and Ross-on-Wye. Five minutes’ walk from the River Wye, it lies in lush, ...
✔ Venue for Hire
✔ Retreats
✔ Workshops
✔ Retreats
✔ Workshops
Powys, WalesIncredibly beautiful all year round retreat let for hire with a complete difference: unusual 16th century oak beamed Quaker meeting house. Can be used as holistic workshop space for meditation, yoga, ...
What’s special about these organisations? This is a selection from the the wonderful places and organisations that we have to offer throughout our site. Refresh in your browser and you’ll see a different choice. How do I get more information about a place listed on this page? Click on the name or picture to see any particular entry, where you will be able to see their full text, address details and more.