Nurturing Grief Retreats in North Yorkshire.
Space for reflection & connection.
Grief is hard work.
It can be emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausting. Even though it is a natural process, grief can feel overwhelming, unpredictable, and confusing. And you may sometimes find yourself wondering whether your experience is 'normal'.
Too often, people can feel rushed through their grief by well-meaning loved ones, employers, strangers, and society in general, often because people don't understand it, or it may feel too difficult to talk about. We can judge ourselves and others with thoughts like, "I should be over this by now".
Sometimes, what we need most is a pause - a safe space to simply be with our grief, to sit with it without expectation in a way that feels safe and supported. This is why I created my grief retreats.
You don't need to wear your brave face.
It's ok to talk about grief, loss, and death at a grief retreat. It's a place safe from judgement. You are free from the worry of feeling you're burdening your loved ones. You can share your grief, and share stories and memories of your special person. You are welcome if your loved one died many years ago, and you are welcome if you are more recently bereaved too. There is no time limit on grief.
‘Sitting with the Beast’ Grief Retreat
Hampsthwaite Village Room, Hampsthwaite, Near Harrogate
Sunday 22nd March, 2026
10:00am to 4:00pm
Bookings for this retreat are now closed.
I’m planning future dates for Sitting with the Beast later in the year.
If you’d like to know about new retreat dates, please join my waiting list:
This gently held, day-long retreat, has been carefully designed and facilitated to support you to sit with your grief in a way that feels safe, non-judgemental and compassionate. Guided by my experience and training in arts psychotherapy, grief support, and creative practice, I provide a safe, nurturing space where your grief is seen and held.
Before the retreat, we’ll have an online one-to-one session to talk through what you are hoping to get from the day or what drew you to book, and what you might need to make the day comfortable for you. You’ll also have the option to schedule a post-retreat one-to-one session to reflect and integrate your experience.
The day follows a clear rhythm, with time to arrive, settle, explore, and reflect. I guide the process throughout, prioritising your emotional safety, choice, and respect for where you are right now.
You’ll be invited to engage with the ‘beast’ as a metaphor for grief, offering a way to relate to your experience with curiosity, creativity and care, rather than pressure or overwhelm. This allows space for reflection while maintaining a sense of safe distance and containment.
There will be moments of personal reflection, creative engagement, and moments of shared presence with others who are grieving too. You can take part in ways that feel right for you - quietly, creatively, reflectively - with no expectation to share unless you want to.
The retreat ends thoughtfully, with care taken to help you transition back into the outside world feeling grounded and supported, carrying something with you from the day - whether that’s an insight, a connection, or simply the knowledge that you and your grief were met with kindness.
Your Comfort
Breaks
I understand that grief can be tough, so your comfort is priority. The day is intentionally paced to include regular breaks, giving you time to pause, reflect, or simply be. You can top up with tea and cake and connect with others if you wish. There are also opportunities to sit in quiet solitude knowing that support and connection are always close by.
Refreshments
Whilst we nourish our souls, it’s important to nourish our tummies too! Nourishing yourself - inside and out - is an important element of the day. A selection of teas (including Yorkshire tea!) and refreshing cordials will be available throughout. Locally made cakes and treats will also be provided for those small moments of comfort.
Lunch
Lunch is provided so you don't need to worry about bringing food. I'll be offering a fresh, nourishing lunch during the retreat, including a selection of sandwiches and salads from a local bakery. If you have any dietary requirements or allergies, please let me know when booking so I can make sure you're looked after.
The Village Room is your cosy sanctuary for the retreat. A warm, comfortable and fully accessible space in the heart of Hampsthwaite. The charming village of Hampsthwaite is just 5 miles from Harrogate, in glorious Nidderdale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Hampsthwaite Village Room
High Street, Hampsthwaite
Harrogate
North Yorkshire
HG3 2EP
5 miles from Harrogate
Nearest Train Station: Harrogate
Booking & Fees
The retreat fee is £175, which includes:
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The full day of facilitated support, and creative and reflective activities
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All creative resources
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Lunch, refreshments and treats for your comfort
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A pre-retreat one-to-one online session
Spaces are limited to ensure a small group for your comfort so early booking is recommended. In order for you to feel the benefits of being in a group, minimum numbers are required for retreats to go ahead.
How to Book
If your heart feels drawn to sit with your grief in a safe, supported, and creative space,
I’d love to welcome you. Please contact me to book your place.
Booking Process
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Email me at info@louisebloomfield.co.uk or use my contact page to let me know you’d like to join.
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I’ll send you a short pre-retreat intake form along with payment instructions.
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Once your form and payment are complete, your place is confirmed.
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We’ll arrange an online one-to-one session 1–2 weeks before the retreat, to talk through your needs and help you feel prepared and comfortable for the retreat.
If you have any questions at any stage, or need support with the form, please just let me know - I’m happy to help.
Your Pre-Retreat 1:1 Session
To ensure the day is as safe, supportive, and tailored to your needs as possible, the retreat fee includes a pre-retreat one-to-one online session with me to discuss any needs you may have, and answer your questions about the day - to help you feel prepared and supported before the retreat begins.
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Scheduled 1–2 weeks before the retreat
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Duration: 30–60 minutes
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Included in your retreat fee
Optional Post-Retreat 1:1 Session
After the retreat, some people find it helpful to reflect further and integrate their experience with a one-to-one online session. You might find it helpful to have additional personal support, reflection, and guidance after the group day - but this is completely optional. My fee for post-retreat one-to-one sessions is £60 (1-hour).
Accessibility & Inclusion
Grief is universal. Everyone is welcome at my retreats, regardless of background, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The retreat is neuro-inclusive and accessible, welcoming to everyone, including those with visible and invisible disabilities.
The retreat takes place in a single, ground-floor room, with a small kitchen and an accessible toilet. The room is fully accessible with level entry, but if you have specific mobility or support needs, please let me know when booking so I can make necessary arrangements.
Please feel free to bring items that help you feel comfortable and supported, such as a cushion, blanket, fidget tools, or your own mug. While we will have regular breaks, feel free to move around at any time if you need to.
I strive to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, but please let me know if something isn’t clear or if you require information in a different format. My goal is that everyone feels included, safe, and supported throughout the retreat.
