We can accommodate 1-4 people in our guest suite above the studio. Our calm and simple space has stunning views of fields, sky, and sea – perfect for relaxing, reading, journaling, crafting – or ‘just being’.

• Bed and breakfast is available all year round.
• Half board yoga retreats are available on selected dates.
• Accommodation is available for all of our studio workshops.

We can accommodate up to four people in two or three bedrooms – one double, one single/twin and one small single.

You can use our online booking system to view availability or contact us through the form at the end of this page.

A Space to Be Retreat

Available on Tuesdays and Fridays.

• Arrive with us on Tuesday or Friday from 4pm (earlier on request).
• Evening Yoga starts at 6pm and is a quiet and gentle practice to allow you to settle and relax.
• A two-course vegetarian meal is served after yoga. You can choose join Lucy and others in the kitchen or take your meal to your room.
• Morning Yoga starts at 8am with a short period of silence (we recommend you try to keep silent between waking and joining the class). This class includes simple sun salutations and standing postures to warm up for the day.
• Help yourself to a continental breakfast of freshly baked bread, cereals, yogurt, fruit and juice (gluten free options available).
• Massage or 1:1 Yoga Therapy sessions with Lucy can be arranged during your stay (subject to availability).
• We have three bedrooms which share a private bathroom. If you come alone (‘solo retreat’) you get the whole place to yourself.

Our yoga retreat experience is only available on Tuesdays and Fridays but you are welcome to make the most of our lovely guest suite and stay for longer on a bed and breakfast only basis. We are very happy to recommend local hikes and places of interest or you can make the most of our peaceful space and relaxing views.

A Space to Be Retreat Prices

	First Night (Yoga, Dinner, B&B)	Additional Night (B&B Only)
1 Guest	£95.00	£60.00
2 Guests	£150.00	£80.00
3 Guests	£210.00	£100.00
4 Guests*	£250.00	£100.00

Yoga for You Retreat

Available by request (Tuesday-Saturday).

For those who are seeking a more personalised approach, we offer completely bespoke yoga therapy retreats. The schedule is similar to the ‘A Space to Be’ retreat described above but all of your yoga sessions are delivered 1:1 (or just for your group). Example themes include:

• Stress, Anxiety and Burnout
• Life change, Grief and Loss
• Back pain and Postural Awareness
• Preparation for and Recovery from Surgery
• Well Woman: Periods and Perimenopause
• Pregnancy and Birth
• Postpartum Recovery (babies welcome)
• Restorative Yoga Practitioner Training
• Yoga Teacher Nurture / Mentoring

Yoga for You Retreat Prices

	First Night (Yoga, Dinner, B&B)	Additional Night (B&B Only)
1 Guest	£175.00	£60.00
2 Guests	£220.00	£80.00
3 Guests	£290.00	£100.00
4 Guests*	£330.00	£100.00

Optional Extras

• Early Check-in / Late Check-Out – £20.00
• Massage Therapy – £65.00
• Yoga Therapy / Private Class – £55.00

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Testimonials

Here are some of the things our past guests have said about their stay at A Space to Be

Myself and my sisters went for the Yoga Retreat, with massages. Lucy was friendly and made us feel very welcome, and cooked us wonderful evening meals. The beds were very comfortable and breakfast included home made bread. The yoga sessions were spot on.. We all learnt a great deal from Lucy, a very competent teacher. Her massages were just perfect . Lucy seemed to know the exact parts of the body that required working on.

Greta, September 2022

The restorative yoga, massage and just having time to ‘be’ have been nourishing and healing. I have appreciated the generosity and kindness you have shown me. The food has been delicious and just checking on my wellbeing has been helpful. I can see how much thought, heart and attention you put into your business in your beautiful home. The little touches which make the difference!

Aaron, July 2022

The location of this place is just amazing. Will miss sitting in bed with my cuppa to watch the beautiful sunrises every morning.

Alexandra, September 2021

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The guest suite is clean, uncluttered and has restful views towards the sea. We can accommodate up to four people in three separate rooms. The guest suite includes:

• One double bedroom with study desk, armchair, kettle and sea views.
• One single or twin bedroom with study desk, armchair, kettle and sea views..
• Private bathroom with full bath and shower.
• Small third bedroom with day bed and access to fridge, toaster, and microwave for basic self-catering. This room can also be used as a single bedroom if needed but please note it is cosy!

Guests have exclusive use of the whole suite. If you book as an individual (‘solo retreat’) you have the whole place to yourself.

Yoga

A Space to Be is the home of Lucy Maresh who is an experienced holistic therapist and yoga teacher. She specialises in making yoga accessible to people of all ages and abilities and has almost twenty years of experience.

All our yoga classes are slow and mindful with plenty of options. Evening Practice focuses on relaxation and includes Restorative Yoga postures (using props to get comfortable). Morning Practice typically includes standing postures, slow flowing sequences and breathing techniques.

The maximum group size is six and classes are always tailored skillfully to meet the level of the participants. Everyone is welcome from beginners trying their first class, to fellow teachers looking for a bit of space for themselves. Pregnant women are also welcome in all classes.

Massage

Lucy’s massage training has covered Swedish Massage, Holistic Massage, Thai Massage, Pregnancy Massage, Abdominal Detox, Acupressure and more! She weaves all her skills together with her yoga background to create unique experiences for each client. Specific treatments are described on our Massage page but if in doubt just opt for ‘Therapeutic Massage’.

Meals

Our home cooked food is wholesome, mainly organic, and sometimes home-grown. All our meals are vegetarian by default and can easily be made vegan or gluten free on request (please let us know when you book).

Everything you need for a ‘fix your own’ continental breakfast is provided within your accommodation. This includes freshly baked bread, a selection of cereals, yogurt, fruit, and juice. There are always some vegan and gluten-free options.

There are plenty of lovely places to eat out on your second or third night with us. We particularly recommend our village restaurant Lal Khazana for a delicious Indian meal. You can find fresh seafood at Amble Harbour, pub grub in Alnmouth or Warkworth and many other options for eat-in or take-away in Alnwick. We also have a well-stocked village shop and good old M&S is just a short drive if you want to pick up an easy ready meal to reheat.

Location

Shilbottle is a friendly village located near to Alnwick, Alnmouth and Warkworth. We are just a few miles from the local coast and castles. Pack your hiking boots as there are plenty of great walks for all abilities on the doorstep.

Our building has access straight on to fields out the front and the back, sometimes giving the impression we are in the middle of nowhere. In fact, we are just on the edge of the village, meaning you can easily walk to the shop, post office, pharmacy, pub, cafe, and Indian restaurant. We find it to be the best of both worlds but if you are looking for somewhere very remote this is not it.

Transport

There are local buses to Alnwick, Warkworth, Amble, Felton and further afield to Newcastle or Berwick. Transfer from the railway station at Alnmouth is sadly not convenient by bus, although it is only three miles away. A local taxi will cost about £12.00 (please make sure you arrange this in advance – we recommend Brian at Northumbrian Taxis).

We have secure cycle storage for anyone wishing to travel on two wheels.

For directions from your location, we recommend using Google Maps

Days Out in Northumberland

Northumberland is home to verdant countryside with breathtaking views and scenic hikes to be found all around. There are many lovely walks on our doorstep, including an off-road track that leads you from Shilbottle directly down to the beach between Alnmouth and Warkworth (3.5 miles). Alternatively, you can drive there and explore the Northumberland Coastal Path in either direction.

Nature lovers are well-advised to take a Puffin Cruise from Amble and visit Coquet Island, home to a colony of grey seals and (in the summer months) a breeding ground for many nesting seabirds including terns and puffins. The island can be seen from your bedroom window, but you’ll need to venture closer to get a good look at the wildlife. We recommend Hauxley Nature Reserve for those who love birds but are not so sure about boats (you need good sea legs for the Island trip).

Head to the cobbled streets of Alnwick for lovely independent shops and cafes as well as Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden. We recommend a trip to Barter Books which is housed in what used to be the old railway station. You can also check if the Aln Valley Railway have an open day, or simply enjoy an easy stroll down the old railway line.

Northumberland is home to many impressive castles including Alnwick Castle, Bamburgh Castle and Warkworth Castle. On a sunny afternoon, Warkworth Castle can be seen from your bedroom window here and is only a short drive away. Be sure to pop into Bertram’s for a lovely cuppa and lunch while you are there.

Commanding a picturesque view across the ocean, Bamburgh Castle is a sight to behold, and the nearby beach is glorious. Just a little further North and you can follow in the footsteps of St Cuthbert to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne – just be sure to check the tide times if you don’t want to get stranded there.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is A Space to Be?

We are located in Shilbottle, Northumberland near to Alnwick, Alnmouth, Warkworth, Amble and Felton. Please visit our Google Page for the precise location.

What’s included in the Retreat?

‘A Space to Be’ Retreat includes accommodation, two yoga classes, dinner and breakfast. One night for one person is £95.00. Additional guests, nights and massage or 1:1 yoga sessions all incur extra cost.

‘Yoga for You’ Retreat includes accommodation, two private yoga classes, dinner and breakfast. One night for one person is £175.00. Additional guests, nights and massage or yoga sessions all incur extra cost.

Can I come by myself?

Absolutely, A Space to Be is an introvert’s paradise and perfect for some precious alone time – you’ll have the whole place to yourself.

Can I come with friends or family?

We can accommodate up to four people in two or three bedrooms – one double, one single/twin and one small single.

Can I stay for more than one night?

Yes, you can add extra nights B&B only to your retreat stay or book two retreats together for a 5-6 night stay.

Is the area good for hiking?

Absolutely, yes. Pack your walking boots and explore the splendid countryside on our doorstep. Visit Northumberland’s many beautiful castles, discover wildlife on Coquet Island and the Farne Islands, head into the Cheviot Hills or walk spectacular sections of the Northumberland Coastal Path (we recommend Craster to Embleton via Dunstanburgh Castle).

Can I book a retreat for someone as a gift?

Yes, you can book retreats as a gift and we can send you a gift card to present to them. However, to guarantee availability for specific dates we do recommend you book your preferred date in your own name. This can later be transferred to the recipient’s name once you have presented them their gift. You can also purchase them a Gift Voucher for any amount which they can redeem towards any of our services including retreats. The base cost of all retreats is £95 so that’s quite a nice amount to choose if you are gifting a retreat.

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Request to Book

You can use our online booking system to view availability or contact us through the form below.

We aim to respond to all booking requests as fast as possible. Please check your spam folder or resubmit your request if you have not heard from us within 48 hours.