***Please note that songs taught on this retreat will be the same as on the Autumn Retreat. There will be dogs present on this retreat***
WHERE
Pickwell Manor
Georgeham
Devon
EX33 1LAhttps://www.pickwellmanor.co.uk/find-us
WHEN
19th - 22nd November 2026
Arrival time: 6pm Thursday 19th November
Departure time: 9:30am Sunday 22nd November
ABOUT
Due to popular demand, we've added a brand new retreat to our 2026 listings. This very special, LUXURY EDITION Winter Singing Retreat will be held at the unrivalled Pickewell Manor next to breath-taking Croyde Bay on the north coast of Devon. This incredible location has been carefully selected to create a cosy hide-away as the days get shorter and winter approaches. Here, you can immerse yourself in singing, all within the spectacular and grand Pickwell Manor. Croyde Bay is a stunning stretch of coastline, a perfect crescent of golden sand framed by rolling green hills and rugged headlands - the perfect setting for a weekend of folk singing.
THE VENUE
Pickwell Manor is an idyllic retreat to escape to for singing! The rooms are contemporary apartments with several rooms with each, set in a grand manor house nestled in six tree-lined acres of garden and grounds, on the edge of the Atlantic. There is a large ballroom where workshops and yoga will take place; a dining area where we will eat together; and a fire-side snug for evening singalongs.
Workshops will take place in a combination of these rooms.
We have a selection of different bedrooms available; you have the option to choose from double occupancy (based on two sharing) or a dorm room.
Our retreats are technology-free so that participants can be present in the moment and create a safe, singing bubble away from the outside world.
We've chosen a location that creates a sense of cosiness within a spectacular, dramatic backdrop, as the temperatures drop and the nights draw in. As always, we create a cosy and safe singing bubble away from technology and the hustle and bustle of daily life.
WORKSHOPS
Workshops will include lots of easy rounds and loop songs, breath explorations and singing technique workshops. You will also learn more challenging, unique arrangements of traditional and contemporary folk songs, written by Julu and Heg, in four part harmony. You are invited to explore your voice in a supportive and safe setting, develop new skills and discover sounds you didn't know you had!
Over the past couple of years we've carefully redesigned the structure of the autumn/winter retreats to reflect the time of year, placing the more energetic workshops earlier in the day, keeping your evenings free for relaxing and enjoying each others company.
YOGA OR BREATHWORK SESSIONS
(yoga OR breathwork depending on which tutors are in attendance - currently TBC)
Yoga/breathwork warm up sessions on Friday and Saturday will be run by one of our experienced teachers. The aim of these sessions is to set your body up for singing, opening up the breath and stretching out the body so that you can get the most out of your voice.
These sessions are designed for complete beginners, so no prior experience is needed to take part. For these sessions you will need a yoga matt and loose fitting clothing.
These sessions create a fantastic balance from the engaging and stimulating singing sessions and are a way to bring greater awareness of your body in preparation for singing.
WALKS
There will be guided walks along the coast path, where you can take in breath-taking views and enjoy the amazing scenery that the Devon coast has to offer. The difficulty level of these walks are moderate, but can be challenging if the weather is wet.
We strongly advise good quality walking shoes and wet weather gear is essential.
We try to cater for all abilities so please speak to one of the team about the walks if you are unsure about the difficulty level. If you prefer not to walk, you are welcome to rest at the house by the fire.
Walks are undertaken at participants own risk.
EVENING SONG SHARES
Evenings are a chance for some fun, informal singing/playing with a drink in hand! Julu and Heg will facilitate song shares and singarounds with chorus-driven songs. Join in, share a song of your own or just sit back and listen and take in the atmosphere. Bring your instruments and song books if you have them!
Remember that our retreats are a no-technology zone so bring paper and pens and print outs of any songs you wish to share.
CABARET
On the final night of the retreat there will be a cabaret where you are invited to share something (only if you want to - there is no obligation to join in). The cabaret has evolved into a beautiful and special part of these retreats, where our participants get to show each other some of the small group songs learnt over the weekend as well as have a go at performing. We encourage everyone to dress up and make this part of the weekend extra special!
ACCOMMODATION
Pickwell Manor offers luxury, modern accommodation split into various apartments within the manor house. We have a range of different room options to choose from depending on whether you are in a group, coming on your own or coming as a pair. If you have accessibility requirements, or you can't see the room option you want from the list, please email us at folksingingretreats@gmail.com
Double rooms have double beds and twin rooms have two single beds.
FOOD
All your meals will be provided for you. Enjoy delicious home-cooked vegetarian food throughout your stay as well as a glass of wine with dinner. Vegan options available. You will need to bring your own alcoholic drinks for the evenings.
IMPORTANT: Please note, because our kitchen is small and we cook communal meals, it is not possible for us to 100% guarantee that all allergies can be catered for. We can usually cater for gluten, dairy and nut intolerances but anyone with severe allergies or anything more complicated than those listed need to contact our team BEFORE booking at folksingingretreats@gmail.com
TEAM
The team for this retreat will be Julu & Heg and Bogi the dog! Additional team members TBC.
INCLUDED
- Three nights accommodation
- Singing workshops
- Morning yoga OR breathwork sessions
- Delicious home-cooked food throughout your stay
- Tea & coffee
- Wine with dinner
- Two stunning guided walks
- Facilitated evening song shares and singarounds
- End of retreat cabaret
NOT INCLUDED
- Travel to and from Pickwell Manor
- Personal travel Insurance
- Alcoholic drinks (apart from a glass of wine with dinner)
- Extra snacks of your choice
If you would like any further information, please email us at folksingingretreats@gmail.com. Full detailed itinerary will be provided on arrival. Essential information including directions and arrival information will be sent out a few weeks before the retreat.
Luxury Winter Retreat 2026 | Croyde Bay, DEVON (from £415)
Customers shall pay Suthering Singing Retreats in full (or use PayPal 'Pay In Three' or 'Pay Later'). £100 of your initial payment is non-refundable and non-transferable, per each person named in the booking.
In the event of cancellation by the customer, regardless of the circumstances, the following refund fees, minus the non-refundable £100, apply:
- Cancellation 8 weeks or less prior to commencement, 0% refund
- Cancellation up to 8 - 12 weeks prior to commencement, 50% refund (less £100) only if Suthering Singing retreats is able to fill your space. If the space is not filled, 0% refund.
- Cancellation more than 3 months prior to commencement, 100% refund (less £100)

