Yoga & Swimming,
Lake District
Four autumn nights at a Georgian manor on the shore of Windermere, with sunrise swims, a lakeside sauna and slow days by the water.
- Three guided wild swims, plus unlimited dips from the shore
- A two-hour lakeside sauna and guided walks
- Eight yoga sessions and plant-based food by chef Kelly Mason
This retreat is full. Places remain on our 3-night retreat, 1 – 4 October.
5.0 on Google · 3,000+ guests since 2011This Lake District Yoga & Wild Swimming retreat is for you if:
- You’re craving space to properly switch off and reset
- You want more than a holiday and are seeking a restorative wellness retreat
- You’re curious about wild swimming and want to feel safely guided
- You feel drawn to nature, open water, sauna, and slower days outdoors
- You value calm, thoughtful experiences over busy schedules and packed itineraries
- You want to reconnect with yourself in the breathtaking scenery of the Lake District
Real people. real stories.
Over 20 years of experience, trusted by thousands of guests.
A gorgeous location, incredible plant based food and some of the best yoga I’ve experienced! Also the wild swimming spots were so so beautiful, if you’re in need of a reset then this retreat is just the thing. I went solo and met some amazing people too.
Heather and I had the most wonderful and enriching time at Zest Life's yoga and wild swimming retreat in the Lake District. Laura is a truly inspiring yoga teacher and retreat leader, who combined mindfulness exercises with challenging and varied yoga sessions. Beautiful walks and hikes took us to stunning swimming locations.
I’d never gone cold water swimming and was terrified. And it was cold. But Laura and her team gave me the confidence and gentle push to try it, and by our third swim after a breathtakingly beautiful hike I felt invincible. I’m so grateful I went and would absolutely do it again!
PRICES & ROOMS
Twin/King Ensuite - shared - woodland view - £1,285
Twin/King Ensuite - shared - lake view - £1,415
Premium Twin/King Ensuite - shared - lake view - £1,545
King Ensuite - solo - woodland view - £1,665
King Ensuite - solo - lake view - £1,835
Premium King Ensuite - solo - lake view - £2,005
All rooms have ensuite bathrooms.
Secure your place with a £250 deposit.
Choose to pay the remaining balance in monthly instalments, or in full when you book.
Limited spaces to 12.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 4 nights accommodation.
- Yoga equipment use - mats/blocks/props.
- Breakfast, lunch, afternoon cake and dinner - wholesome and plant-based.
- Unlimited fruit, organic teas, coffee and fruit water.
- 8 yoga sessions.
- 3 guided wild swims
- 1 sauna experience - 2 hours.
- Guided walks.
- Unlimited lake dips.
- Linen, towels and toiletries.
- The friendly host service of the team throughout your stay.
DATES
SETPEMBER 27-1 2027
Our September swimming retreats are a chance to reset and re-energise as summer turns to autumn.
This is the perfect time to slow down and reconnect through wild swimming, yoga, sauna, and time outdoors (warm water, golden light, quieter days), helping you feel grounded, clear and restored after a full summer.
A few days to breathe deeply, rebalance, and ease into the new season feeling steady and renewed.
Prefer a shorter stay? 3 nights available October 1-4
STAY
Set on the shores of Lake Windermere, Silverholme Manor is a private lakeside residence surrounded by woodland and open grounds, with direct access to the water for wild swimming and cold water therapy. Grand in scale, yet calm, comfortable and deeply homely, the house offers a warm, welcoming space to fully switch off. Bedrooms are thoughtfully designed, many with lake views or outlooks across the grounds, creating a peaceful place to rest and restore.
ACTIVITY
WILD SWIMMING
From sunrise swims in Windermere to guided adventures beneath waterfalls and in crystal-clear mountain waters, swimming is at the heart of this retreat. Over the weekend, we’ll take you to some of the Lake District’s most breathtaking wild swimming locations, places chosen not just for their beauty, but for the feeling they create. Expect fresh air, dramatic scenery, invigorating cold water, and the simple joy of being immersed in nature, all safely and thoughtfully guided.
YOGA
Open to all levels, each day includes a morning vinyasa flow to gently awaken the body, and an evening restorative session to help you unwind.
The yoga on this retreat is led by Zest Life founder Laura Bell, who brings over 20 years of teaching experience.
Rooted in Ashtanga, her approach has evolved into a fluid vinyasa style, focused on building strength, creating space in the body, and helping you feel grounded and present.
Always guided and held, never pushed.
WELLNESS
SAUNA
Overlooking the lake and nestled in the trees, the on site sauna becomes a place to slow down and fully unwind.
In the afternoon, you return to your private sauna session. Much needed warmth after the cold water, allowing your body to soften, your breath to deepen, and your whole system to reset.
EAT
This retreat features a plant-based menu designed to support recovery and nourish your body after each day.
To ensure the highest standard, our Zest Life chef Kelly Mason will be joining us, preparing fresh, seasonal meals that are both delicious and energising.
Expect vibrant dishes that refuel you after time outdoors. All of our retreats are alcohol-free. All meals are included on this retreat.
TYPICAL DAY
7:00 — Rising (optional lake dip)
8:00 — Yoga
9:30 — Slow breakfast
11:00 — Guided wild swimming
13:00 — Lunch
14:00 — Free time, sauna, massage
16:00 — Cake and juice
18:00 — Evening Yoga
19:30 — Dinner
20:30 — Relax
GETTING THERE
CAR
The retreat is situated near the village of Ulverston, Cumbria.
TRAIN
The nearest station is Oxenholme, with direct links from London and major UK cities, followed by a short taxi transfer to the house.
AIR
Nearest airport is Manchester Interantional (MAN).
FAQ'S
Is this retreat suitable for beginner wild swimmers?
Yes. This retreat is open to all levels, including those completely new to wild swimming and cold water. All swims are thoughtfully guided, with a focus on enjoyment, confidence, and the wellbeing benefits of cold water rather than distance or performance.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
No. Many guests come for gentle dips and shorter swims rather than longer distances. You are always encouraged to go at your own pace, and there is never any pressure to swim further than feels comfortable.
Can I swim in Lake Windermere by myself during the retreat?
Yes. With private lake frontage on Windermere, guests are welcome to enjoy additional swims throughout the retreat. We simply ask that all solo swims are done sensibly and within your own ability and confidence levels.
What should I bring for the swims?
We recommend bringing swimwear x 2, swim shoes, warm layers for afterwards, and a reusable water bottle. Many guests also like to bring a woolly hat and gloves for after the colder swims.
Are wetsuits required?
No. Wetsuits are completely optional. Many guests choose to swim without one, particularly for shorter dips, while others prefer the extra warmth and comfort for longer swims.
