Under the Oaks: A Mother–Daughter Retreat to Connect, Play & Care for Ourselves

Step away from the busyness of everyday life and join us for a magical mother–daughter retreat, created for girls aged 8–13* and their mothers (or a female carer). Set amongst the trees by a beautiful lake in Sussex, we’ll gather in a light-filled yurt, its sweeping wooden beams arching overhead and an opening to the sky above, as well as spending time outdoors on the grass under the oaks.

*  if you have an older girl who you think would enjoy this and be ok with a slightly younger group, please get in touch.

We’ll begin by arriving and settling in, easing into the space and gently connecting as a group. From there, the afternoon unfolds through a blend of playful outdoor moments—little games and a treasure hunt—and more restorative experiences, including a calming child-friendly sound bath delivered by our sound healer, Lou, from Healing Vibes in Sussex, the girls will also get a chance to try out the instruments themselves.

There’ll be time to create and chat as we make bracelets together with beautiful handmade glass beads, open up supportive conversations around self-care - and make our own Alice in Wonderland inspired 'self-care jewellery boxes'. We’ll also stir up a little magic with potion-making (mixing beautiful home-made bath oil with dried flowers), weaving in themes of self-esteem, before sharing a relaxed meal in this peaceful setting.

As the day comes to a close, we’ll gather by the fire for quiet reflection and fireside intention setting, making wishes and taking in the calm of the lakeside.

This retreat offers a chance to reconnect and spend meaningful time together. It’s an opportunity to model gentle, healthy self-care and to share, openly and intentionally, how we look after ourselves as women. Through slowing down, time in nature, play and sound, we step into a conversation that has been passed quietly from mother to daughter for generations.

The day is hosted by Emma Baars from The House Outside, who has over twenty years experience delivering therapeutically-informed events and retreats with young people and families in the outdoors. The idea for this event came from Emma's daughter Ida (10) who will also be there to welcome the group as we settle into our time together. If you have any questions about the day, please get in touch info@thehouseoutside.org.uk - I'd be happy to give you a call to discuss. 

Ticket price is for one pair (mother and daughter) and includes all activities and materials, tea, coffee, squash, dinner - everyone goes home with a hand-made bracelet, a self-care jewellery box and a home-made bath-oil potion. 

Places are limited to 10 mothers and daughters. We hope to meet you and your daughter!

Emma and Ida (10)