From 2026, The Woods at Oakley is opening its gates to something exciting. Alongside the weddings that have already filled the trees with stories, we are now welcoming retreat groups. If you teach, guide, hold space, or bring people together around an idea, our retreat venue in Wiltshire is waiting for your upcoming event.
Retreats in the woods
Everything at The Woods at Oakley encourages time away from the everyday. Our open glades are ideal for quiet group sessions. Forest paths invite walking and talking. Covered spaces, fire pits, places to eat together and to sit quietly, support community and togetherness.
So in 2026, our estate, which used to hold only weddings, will begin hosting yoga weekends, writing circles, breathwork, sound baths, workshops, shared meals and much more.
We are still a wedding venue. That part of our story stays! But in our new chapter, we will allow The Woods at Oakley to be used in another way; one that is a little slower and connected to nature.
It’s time to welcome retreats to the woods!
What is The Woods at Oakley?
The Woods at Oakley is a 12-acre private woodland estate in Wiltshire that has become known over the years for its flexible event spaces and its strong connection to nature.
Established as a woodland wedding venue surrounded by ancient oaks, hazel and bluebells, the woodland estate provides a magical setting with its woodland paths, cosy fire pits, and hidden features tucked among the trees that make the woods feel alive (more to come on this later!).
Our guests also love that pure spring water drawn from the Stonehenge aquifer runs beneath the site, which even supplies the taps in the woods itself.
But we have more than just woodland here. On the estate is The Nissen Hut, a beautifully modern and renovated WW2-era structure available on Airbnb where guests can stay right on the edge of the woodland.
Plus, in 2026, some exciting new and nature-focused facilities are already starting to entice retreat leaders and practitioners to hold their retreats with us.
What makes The Woods at Oakley the perfect retreat venue?
If you are looking for a place to run your retreat in Wiltshire that sits outside the usual model, The Woods at Oakley gives you an immersive and alternative option to the norm.
At our woodland estate, your sessions, meals, and downtime happen among trees, open grassy spaces, and long forest paths. Guests stay close to the land and closer to the experience you are creating, which makes retreats feel more grounded, and more memorable.
Here’s some useful information that will help you decide whether our retreat spaces are right for your next event.
A stretched-canvas event space
Your main gathering space sits under a stretched canvas amongst the trees, which means you get shelter, light, and air in one place. This space suits yoga and movement, meditation, small circles, talks, and quiet sessions. Plus, your guests could also eat here or simply use it as a relaxing spot for downtime.
Real facilities in the middle of the woods
There are proper toilets on site and a commercial-grade kitchen at the centre of the venue, with a large fridge trailer for all your catering need; whether you’re doing it yourself or working with a supplier. Multi-day retreats are therefore pretty easy to run, with hot meals, easy lunches and late-night teas available whenever you want them.
Power, water, and lighting
Electricity and running water are available across the site, so although things might sound rustic, they’re secretly not! You’ve got everything you need here. And after dark, fairy lights and fixed woodland lighting keep paths and gathering areas visible and safe, which lets evenings run long without losing the atmosphere of being outdoors.
Supplier recommendations you can trust
Our years of weddings have built strong links with local caterers, florists, and producers. You can tap into a network of local suppliers who already know the site and how to deliver and work here, which keeps planning simpler and money in the local area.
Photo by John A Ball
On-site accommodation
Our five fabulous bell tents sleep four each and are set up in a comfortable glamping style in a beautiful part of the woods where views sweep across farmland. Otherwise, we also have the Nissen Hut, which adds a different option; a freshly renovated Airbnb that sleeps four, inside a restored World War II building. More rooms and houses are available nearby if your group needs extra beds.
COMING SOON: natural swimming pool and sauna
This year, we are building a heated natural pool, fed by spring water from the Stonehenge aquifer and cleaned through biological filters. Your group will be able to float and reflect under the trees, in a truly immersive woodland experience. Then, along side it, a pool house with changing rooms will also be built, along with a woodland sauna. This incredible addition to our woodland estate is perfect for retreats, designed as a quiet place for cold dips and reconnecting with nature.
Hidden places in the woods
There are small discoveries scattered through the trees here at The Woods at Oakley that our weddings guests have always loved. We have a woodland swing, the Perch (an elevated seat that looks out across fields and treetops), a network of woodland paths for walking or quiet talks, a wishing tree and fairy doors tucked into trunks and roots. These little details give guests places to wander, pause, discover and come back to themselves.
Your retreat supports the woodland
Every retreat booking helps care for the woods, just as our weddings do. The land is being actively replanted and cared for because of ash dieback, and retreat income goes back into tree planting and long-term stewardship. Your work becomes part of keeping this place alive!
Exploration within reach
Ancient woodland surrounds the venue, with miles of trails for longer walks. Stonehenge is ten minutes away by car, which many spiritual and creative leaders find meaningful for the experience they want to provide.