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
✔ Self-Catering Space
✔ Holistic Holidays
✔ Self-Catering Space
✔ Holistic Holidays
Pyrénées-Atlantiques, FranceThe Barn Apartment is a charming self-contained apartment, sensitively converted in an old barn building. It is suitable for 2-4 people having two bedrooms - double with shower room and twin with bathroom ...
✔ Retreats
✔ Holistic Holidays
✔ Holistic Holidays
Centre, France‘Opening Space’ is set in the depths of rural France. People come to stay here, from all over the world - they come to this place for many reasons, all of them ...
✔ 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
✔ Self-Catering Space
✔ Retreats
✔ Self-Catering Space
Devon, EnglandA centre for personal growth work located in a seaside village on the edge of Exmoor National Park and close to spectacular coastal scenery and secluded beaches. With a large group room and communal hall, ...
✔ Retreats
✔ Venue for Hire
✔ Workshops
✔ Bed & Breakfast
✔ Alternative Camp
✔ Self-Catering Space
✔ Venue for Hire
✔ Workshops
✔ Bed & Breakfast
✔ Alternative Camp
✔ Self-Catering Space
Warwickshire, EnglandHolycombe is a haven for peace, healing and joyful activities where music, dance song, play, meditation, bodywork and healing can renew energy and well-being. Set in a verdant wooded valley on the edge ...
✔ Venue for Hire
✔ Retreats
✔ Retreats
Suffolk, EnglandThese former stables were converted in 1989 to create a small retreat and spirituality centre with an attractive, restful environment. While conveniently close to the racing town of Newmarket, the house ...
✔ Retreats
✔ Bed & Breakfast
✔ Venue for Hire
✔ Bed & Breakfast
✔ Venue for Hire
Lincolnshire, EnglandEnjoy Time Away at Station House, situated in the heart of rural Lincolnshire, overlooking the River Witham and giving views of the surrounding countryside in all directions. We feel we can share our house, ...
✔ Venue for Hire
✔ Retreats
✔ Workshops
✔ Retreats
✔ Workshops
Herefordshire, EnglandPoulstone Court, a spacious and comfortable Victorian country house, is a residential venue midway between Hereford and Ross-on-Wye. Five minutes’ walk from the River Wye, it lies in lush, peaceful ...
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.