Details:

Date: Friday 31st July – Monday 3rd August

Retreat Leaders: Olivia & Louise

Requirements: Suitable for children aged 5-16 years

Cost: Generosity Model – Donation only (by clicking the ‘Donate Here’ button below). Land of Joy provides: All meals, accommodation, workshops, materials and good firewood for soulful nights.

Format: Onsite only / Retreat begins: 6pm on the 31st July/ Retreat ends: with lunch on 3rd August

Recommended arrival: 3pm – 5pm on the 31st July to join for supper and get settled into the space

Accommodation: Families are allocated their own rooms and will not be asked to share with other families

Booking process: To help create space for a range of families to attend, we are moving away from a first come, first served system this year. Instead, we invite you to register your interest, and we will be in touch to confirm whether your family has been offered a place by the end of April. As we have rooms of different sizes, this approach allows us to thoughtfully allocate spaces and support as many families as we can to enjoy the retreat.

About the Retreat

Our Family Retreat is a special opportunity to step away from the busyness of everyday life and reconnect with what matters most — each other. Set within the peaceful and spacious surroundings of Land of Joy, this retreat offers a nurturing environment where families can slow down, share meaningful experiences, and explore simple, practical ways to cultivate kindness, resilience, and positive family dynamics.

Blending time in nature, creative activities, and gentle reflection, the retreat is designed to support both joyful connection and deeper understanding within family life.

What to Expect

Over the course of the retreat, families will enjoy:

  • Exploring our beautiful grounds on relaxed nature walks
  • Creative arts and crafts, such as making prayer flags inspired by qualities like kindness and compassion
  • Fun and games with plenty of time to play and unwind
  • Age-appropriate guided meditations for children and adults
  • Dedicated adult-only sessions to reflect on family life and share insights with others

There is a balance of structured activities and free time, allowing space for rest, spontaneous fun, and simply being together.

Who Is This For?

This retreat is for families of all shapes and sizes who would like to spend meaningful time together in a supportive and welcoming environment. Whether you are already familiar with mindfulness or meditation, or completely new to it, the retreat is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable for everyone.

Why Attend?

Family life can be full and busy, and it’s not always easy to pause and reconnect. This retreat offers:

  • Quality time without everyday distractions
  • Practical tools to support positive communication and emotional wellbeing
  • Opportunities to nurture compassion, patience, and understanding
  • Shared experiences that create lasting memories

Most of all, it’s a chance to strengthen your family bond while enjoying the beauty, warmth, and community of Land of Joy.

A Way to Say Thank You

To Land of Joy…

Our generosity model means we do not charge for any teachings, accommodation or food. We are therefore 100% dependant on donations to help us cover our £90,000 a year running costs.

You are therefore invited to give what you can as a thank you for the organisation and hosting of the retreat, including the food and accommodation provided if you stayed onsite.

You may also like to make a regular contribution to the centre by becoming a Branch of Joy. This kind of support gifts us a steady and ongoing income, which in turn provides the confidence and means for us to continue to flourish for many years to come.

Everything given will ensure Land of Joy continues to be offered as a precious place for retreat.

To The Teacher…

Teachers and retreat leaders practice generosity by freely offering their time to Land of Joy. We cover their travel expenses but do not pay them for the teachings they give.

You are therefore invited to make an offering to the teacher as a thank you for the time and knowledge they share.

To The Volunteers…

Our retreats are supported by our wonderful team of volunteers, some of whom you will meet during your time at the centre. Those who live onsite offer their time, expertise and dedication in return for food and accommodation. They do not receive a wage or stipend. Unfortunately, we are only able to accept offerings for them in cash, so if you would like to thank them for their service, please do so by bringing cash with you to the centre and placing it in the volunteer collection pot.