A Space to Be is a yoga studio, therapy space and place of retreat in Shilbottle Northumberland. Our calm and simple guest suite has stunning views of fields, sky, and sea and is just a few miles from the coast. Escape the busy-ness of every day life and step into our quiet corner of calm.
Join us for a scheduled yoga retreat or book a self catered stay in our guest suite. 
Double bedroom at A Space to Be 
Single bedroom at A Space to Be 
Relaxation room or extra bedroom if needed. 
Private bathroom with full bath and shower. 
Morning light in the yoga studio – Evening Classes are at 6pm, Morning Classes at 8am. 
Enjoy Restorative Yoga with an experienced teacher. 
Greet the morning with our 8am yoga class. 
Visit the beach just 3.5 miles from A Space to Be (a short drive or lovely long walk) 
The perfect pose after a long walk. Evening Yoga is 6pm 
Our studio ready for a massage therapy session. Please schedule your massage when you book to guarantee availability. 
Lucy Maresh is an experienced holistic yoga teacher and complementary therapist. 
We are human beings, not human doings. Refill your cup at A Space to Be. All are welcome.
A Space to Be Retreat (Midweek)
Our midweek retreat includes yoga and half board (dinner and breakfast). It is suitable for one or two people. Yoga classes are taken alongside our local students. Additional private yoga classes and/or massage sessions can be added to your stay.
Available Tuesday-Thursday on selected dates.
Weekend Workshop Retreat
One weekend every month, we offer a full board retreat package suitable for one or two people. This coincides with our monthly workshop, which is usually the first or second Saturday of the month.
Available Friday – Sunday once a month.
Yoga for You Retreat
This is for individuals or groups of up to four people who want a more personalised approach. Yoga classes are kept private for you as an individual or for your group. Available by request midweek and at weekends. For further information or to discuss your requirements please contact us.
Self Catered Stays
When the guest suite is not in use for yoga retreats it is available for self catered stays for up to four people. You can check our availability on Airbnb but it is always cheaper to book with us direct. Please contact us.
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
Accommodation
Our guest suite is clean, uncluttered and has restful views toward the sea. We have two bedrooms which share a private bathroom with full bath and shower. A third room contains a day bed and dining area. There is also a fridge, kettle, microwave and single hob for your use. Please note there is good wifi, but no television.
A Space to Be Guest Suite:
- One double bedroom with study desk, armchair and a sea view.
- One single bedroom with study desk and field view.
- One multi-use relaxation room containing a day bed, dining table and chairs and kitchenette.
- Private bathroom with full bath and shower plus downstairs toilet with additional shower.
Guests have exclusive use of the whole suite, so even if you book as an individual, you will have the whole place to yourself, and a private bathroom.
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 seven 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 describes her hands-on treatments as ‘Massage Therapy’. She listens to your body and is guided in her work by what she hears. There are no set routines or sequences, each treatment is unique and individual. Sessions begin with a relaxing foot bath and consultation so that the treatment can be tailored to your needs.
Appointments fill up usually several weeks or even months in advance so please contact us as soon as possible if you want to schedule a treatment.
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 locally. 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 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 RSM 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 safe crossing times if you don’t want to get stranded there.
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.
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. However, please note we only have two spaces available for our scheduled retreats. If you are a group of three or more please ask us about a bespoke ‘Yoga for You’ retreat.
Can I stay for just one night?
We recommend staying for at least two nights to make the most of your retreat experience at A Space to Be. We do allow one night only bookings if we have availability at the last minute (within one month).
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.