Dwell Escapes…
The Grounding Retreat:
A Little Space to Find Your Footing
October has a habit of creeping up on us, doesn't it? One minute we're enjoying the last of the summer sunshine, the next we're digging out the wellies, wondering where the year has gone and trying not to think about how many weeks there are until Christmas.
So, what if we pressed pause for a few days? Not to catch up on emails, tackle the to-do list or get ahead for the festive season, but simply to enjoy being somewhere else for a while…
…and without even having to leave Devon?
Enter The Grounding Retreat, a four day seasonal escape taking place at ANRÁN on the edge of Dartmoor.
It’s giving…
Big Devon countryside energy, with a thoughtful dose of luxury, seasonal living and the sort of fresh air that makes you want to take the long way home. Think: kitchen gardening, wild walks and a generous helping of country house comfort - it all sounds rather lovely, doesn’t it?
The dwelling
Taking place from 27 - 30 October 2026, The Autumn Grounding Retreat is hosted at ANRÁN at Tidwell Farm, a beautiful private estate near Ashburton, on the edge of Dartmoor.
ANRÁN takes its name from the Chinese characters ān and rán, meaning peace and tranquillity, which feels rather apt for a place designed to offer a little breathing space from everyday life.
The estate combines historic country house charm with understated luxury. Accommodation is spread between the Grade II listed Manor House, built in 1840, and beautifully converted courtyard barns dating back to the late eighteenth century.
But The Grounding Retreat is about more than a beautiful place to stay. The idea is to bring together the setting, the people, the food, and a carefully curated programme of experiences that encourage guests to get closer to the surrounding landscape.
And you won't just be admiring it from the window.
Getting your hands dirty
Fancy getting closer to nature than simply admiring the view? The Grounding Retreat offers the chance to get stuck into the kitchen garden, learn something new and discover more about what grows here and why.
And you’re in good hands.
Head Kitchen Gardener Jenny Thompson came to horticulture after a career in hospitality, with an allotment she took on in 2016 sparking a passion that eventually led to what she calls her dream job at ANRÁN. Today, she grows everything from 36 varieties of tomato to 12 varieties of basil, combining a genuine love of growing with a Permaculture Design Certificate from the Apricot Centre and a commitment to regenerative gardening.
Joining her is Camille van Hoegaerden, founder of Heartlands & Wild Edges, who brings her own wealth of experience in yoga, creative workshops, food and guiding women along the South West Coast Path. Inspired by a life-changing solo pilgrimage along the coast, Camille has since created opportunities for people to connect through wild swimming, social walks and community flower picking.
What’s lovely is that both women practise what they preach. Their knowledge is grounded in real experience, from nurturing the land to bringing people together outdoors, and their shared enthusiasm makes this about much more than a gardening workshop or walking holiday. You don't need to be a keen gardener or a seasoned walker, just come with an open mind and a willingness to give things a go.
So, what’s on the agenda?
If you're wondering how to spend four days at The Grounding Retreat, expect a lovely mix of fresh air, hands-on experiences and time to simply enjoy being somewhere different.
Days might begin with mindful movement and a silent dawn walk before heading to the kitchen garden to learn about seasonal growing, get involved with the harvest or create something using flowers and herbs.
There's, of course, also Dartmoor to explore, with its golden bracken, granite tors and big autumn skies. And after a good stomp across the moor, what could be better than returning to the estate for a herbal infusion, a sauna and a soak in the hot tub?
Fresh air and muddy boots followed by a little warmth and indulgence? We’re listening.
As evening draws in, guests can gather around the firepit for botanical drinks and conversation beneath Devon's dark skies, before coming together for a seasonal feast celebrating the garden's produce.
It's a thoughtful balance of activity, good food and downtime, with everything taken care of so you can simply enjoy being there.
The sleep score
After a day spent outdoors, eating well and exploring the estate, a comfortable bed is non-negotiable.
With beautifully restored accommodation in the Manor House and courtyard barns, ANRÁN offers the sort of country house setting that lends itself to a cosy autumn stay. Think crisp linens, considered interiors and a comfortable base to return to after a day on the moor.
And while there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in the programme, this isn't a retreat where you need to be busy from breakfast until bedtime. There's room to enjoy the facilities, spend time with fellow guests or simply appreciate the luxury of having a little time to yourself.
Bringing a little of it home
While a four-day countryside escape might feel like a real treat, perhaps the best part is what you bring home with you.
That's part of the appeal of The Grounding Retreat. Alongside a well-deserved break, you might come away with a new appreciation for seasonal food, the confidence to grow a few herbs or simply the inspiration to get outside more, whatever the weather.
It doesn't have to mean making grand changes, either. Think bringing a few branches indoors, taking the time to cook something slowly or noticing the autumn colours on your usual dog walk. Sometimes, it's the simplest things that help us feel a little more connected to the world around us.
With knowledgeable hosts, a beautiful setting and like-minded company, The Grounding Retreat offers the chance to explore those pleasures without any pressure to achieve anything. Whether you're drawn by the gardening, the walking, the food or simply the thought of a few days away from the everyday, there's space to make the experience your own.
And that feels like a pretty good reason to go.
The details
The Autumn Grounding Retreat takes place from 27 to 30 October 2026 at ANRÁN, Tidwell Farm, near Ashburton.
The three-night retreat costs £1,595, including accommodation, food and retreat activities.
The programme includes kitchen gardening, seasonal harvest workshops, Dartmoor walking, mindful movement, a silent dawn walk, sauna and hot tub time, firepit gatherings beneath the stars and a final seasonal feast.
It's a considered investment in a few days away, combining a luxurious country house stay with the chance to explore seasonal living and enjoy Devon's great outdoors in good company.
Can't make autumn? A Spring Grounding retreat is planned for 13 to 16 April 2027, offering the opportunity to experience the estate as the landscape begins to bloom again.
For the full programme and booking enquiries, hit the link below. To discover more about the setting, head to ANRÁN.
Image credits: Edwin Ho
Food photography credit: Hannah Thomas
