What to Pack for a Yoga Retreat in the UK

I'm off on another Sally Parkes yoga retreat this weekend at Brooklands Barn in Arundel, West Sussex- I had an amazing time at the Relax and Restore retreat in March and can't wait to hit the yoga mat, escape to the country and chill out again!

I thought I'd share some of my essential items to pack whilst heading away on a Yoga Retreat. This is based on a retreat in the UK where you won't be sunbathing on a beach, or heading for cocktails in a Spanish tavern, but rather relaxing in an English country garden with a cup of tea and a good book!

My packing list is all about comfort- wide waistbands, soft fabrics and cosy hoodies to slip on and enjoy an evening stroll. Suitable walking shoes, and layers are all important! I recently picked up some awesome baggy yoga pants in the Sweaty Betty sale, and will be packing this great zip-up hoody from Trespass- it's so soft!

Slip-on sandals or flip-flops are good for walking to and from the yoga classes, as you can easily take them on and off. These SOLE flips are super comfortable with a moulded cork footbed that cushions your feet and arches much better than normal flat sandals.

When I say "respectable PJs" I mean ones that won't shock your room-mate or fellow yogis while visiting the bathroom (if you have to share)! And reading material is always an essential item on my packing list - take some time away from your phone and laptop and catch up those books you've been meaning to start for ages! I'm currently reading Wild by Cheryl Strayed on my Kindle which I'm really enjoying.

I'll be taking my camera - the Olympus E-PM1, an older version of the PEN compact system cameras - to snap some shots of sunsets and sun salutations (not during classes though obviously) and I'm lucky enough that the place we're staying has an indoor pool too, so the swimsuit has been added!

What would you pack for a yoga retreat or a relaxing weekend away? Something which I haven't included on the list, but you might want to take along would be a water bottle, especially if the weather is warm, and any favourite snacks or treats. The last retreat I went on was so well catered that I didn't feel the need! It's also worth checking if you need to provide your own mat or props - all of these are provided at Sally Parkes' retreats, right down to scented lavender eye pillows, omm....

Have a great weekend 🙂

Beki x

*I was sent the SOLE flips and Trespass hoody to try, but all opinions are my own and I would definitely be packing them anyway!