Location

Gayles is a picturesque retreat centre ideally situated in outstanding countryside on the South Downs, five miles from Eastbourne and fifteen from Brighton. Here rural doesn’t mean hard to reach; there are excellent train services from the nearby towns that provide direct travel to and from London Victoria, Gatwick, Ashford International, Brighton and so on. Gayles is just one-and-a-half hour drive from London and there is a regular bus service that conveniently stops beside the entrance. For European visitors there is a ferry service to and from mainland Europe from Newhaven, which is only a twenty-minute drive away from retreat.

The environment and ambience at Gayles encourages an open, safe, relaxed and intimate atmosphere that promotes learning and self-development. The owners Derry and Roz believe that retreats should be fulfilling and inspiring; unobtrusive but available. They do all they can to support you in making the most of your time here so that everybody leaves feeling stimulated, nourished and refreshed.

Gayles is set in ten acres of land with beautiful sea views from the cliffs; adjacent to the Seven Sisters Country Park (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), The National Trust Crowlink Estate and Friston Forest.

With its open fire, high ceiling and refreshing artworks, The Stables, a beautifully converted 1930s stable and adjoining property, provides a warm and practical area for eating, chatting and relaxing. The ground level has an open-plan, well equipped, kitchen and dining room with under-floor heating. There is a separate stereo system with a CD player, DAB radio and amplifier (with an iPod connection cable) which you may wish to use to enhance your own ambience. Immediately outside there is a large, decked, seated eating area which is wonderful for informal meals and gatherings in more clement weather.

There is extraordinarily beautiful countryside, seaside and excellent walking opportunities all around.

Accommodation

All accommodation is in comfortable dormitories, with one single and one double room available and also four camping spaces. Please note that accommodation with covid precautions in place may mean this differs from the description here - please contact Charlotte for more current details. 

The accommodation, studio and eating areas are situated close together around a thoughtfully maintained garden next to gentle meadows offering stunning, panoramic views, allowing you space between activities and room to wander and reflect. There are two recently renovated dormitories, ‘The Studio’ and ‘The Playroom’, which offer comfortable and spacious accommodation for up to seventeen people.

The dormitories are equipped with toilets, showers and washing areas as well as hot drink making facilities. There are good quality, sturdy single and bunk beds with individual storage drawers. Duvets, pillows, linen and towels are provided.

For the camping option, single person tents are provided and set up for you. You will have the use of the ‘Royal Horsebox’, an ingeniously converted pony trailer which has an excellent shower and a separate washroom. A pillow, towel and torch is provided. You will need to bring a sleeping bag and mat. If you wish to bring your own tent you may but it must be reasonably small, one room and designed to sleep no more than two people.

Apart from the sensitively managed estate in which students are free to wander, there is also an open air pool that you are welcome to use in warmer months.

 Food

Good quality locally sourced food is tasty and nourishing and is served in the relaxed atmosphere of the beautifully converted dining room. If the weather is sunny there is the option of eating out in the open on the terrace. Food will be vegetarian and organic and Charlotte works alongside the chef to ensure it follows her exacting nutritional standards! Any food intolerances can be accommodated and you will be asked for details on the booking form.

Weekend Sample Programme (each retreat content may differ):

All activities are optional but it is best for the group if you try to participate in most, especially the yoga sessions. Content and times will vary according to the weather and the group’s needs, so more cosy in winter and evening meditations may be outside whenever weather permits – and warm blankets enable! There are plenty of nooks and crannies at Gayle’s for you to retreat whenever you need and the studio will be available as a silent space between classes. There will also be an optional nutrition talk on Easy Energy and Release from Cravings.

Friday

4pm – arrival and tea

5.30–6.45pm yoga – somatic, releasing and opening through to restorative

7pm – dinner

9-9.30pm – restorative yoga and mindfulness meditation

Saturday

7.30-8am – meditation (non-guided, silent sitting)

8–9am – breakfast

10am-11:30am yoga – energising, heart-opening and rejuvenating

1-2pm – lunch

2-5pm – free time to explore, walk, chill out – includes optional 3-4pm silent walk

5.15-7pm yoga – mindful, active relaxation and restorative

7.15pm – dinner

8.30-9.30pm – Soundbath with Ruth Summers

Sunday

7.30-8am – meditation (non-guided, silent sitting)

8–9am – breakfast

10am-11:30am yoga – energising, heart-opening and releasing

1-2pm – lunch

2.3-3pm – simple qi-gong practice to close

3.30pm – departure

Payment terms and booking

Prices:

• Standard rate £340 for 2 nights
• One single room available for £420 for 2 nights
• One double room available for £470 for 2 nights for one person / £420 per person sharing double for 2 nights
• Camping available for £300 for 2 nights - single person tent provided, plus pillow, towel and torch
• Book early as less places available than usual, with some covid measures still in place.

Included: all food, yoga, soundbath, silent walk & accommodation

Not included: travel

A non-refundable deposit of £70 is required to confirm your place (Note: change requests - if I can fill your place, the deposit can be transferred to a future retreat). The balance is due no less than 6 weeks prior to the event and can be paid with credit or debit card or by any of the methods below. You may also pay in full at the time of booking if you prefer or in installments if arranged. Bookings made less than 6 weeks prior to the event must be paid in full.

Download the driving directions here:

Retreat to Gayles Directions

Coming to Gayles by public transport

Eastbourne Station transport map