DivineSource:
Mara Branscombe is a yoga and meditation teacher, author, artist, ceremonialist, and spiritual coach, who finds great joy in leading others along the path of self-transformation
Teaching for twenty years, she runs international retreats, corporate leadership programs, and online spiritual guidance programs
She is the author of Ritual as Remedy, (Findhorn Press, 2022) and Sage, Huntress, Lover, Queen, (Findhorn Press, 2023) Mara lives with her husband and two daughters in Vancouver, Canada.
Abouttheretreat
Join Mara Branscombe, international mindfulness guide and ceremonialist, on a sacred pilgrimage through the mystical landscapes of southwestern England.
Ignite your connection to the divine through ritual, sacred movement, and ancient wisdom teachings as you explore the enchanting sites of Glastonbury, Stonehenge, and Dartington Hall.
Receive sacred rites and healing transmissions to expand your radiance and discover deep connection to source.
Ourjourney commencesin Glastonbury
Glastonbury – The Heart of Avalon
Begin your adventure in Glastonbury, a realm rich in legend and lore, where history whispers from every hill Ascend Glastonbury Tor, where the veil between realms thins, and immerse yourself in the healing waters of the Chalice Well Gardens Here, clarity and inspiration await
Onarrival
Monday 21st July
8am Check-in to Middlewick Estate in Glastonbury
Welcome to Glastonbury! Our staff will be in the reception of Middlewick Estate to welcome you to the first stop of our retreat
On arrival you will be shown around and given some time to get your bearings before our first session with Mara
The stunning Middlewick cottages are in full view of our first pilgrimage site - The Tor.
The quaint, country-style cottages feature oak-beamed ceilings, exposed stone walls, kitchens and lounges with wood-burning stoves and of course full WIFI
You are invited to settle in, have breakfast before session 1
Youraccomodation
The Middlewick Estate has been at the base of Glastonbury Tor since 1656 The site was a working farm up until the 1980s, when it was converted to holiday accommodation. Over the years the pre-existing farmhouse, barns and outbuildings have been converted into stunning self-catering holiday accommodation cottages.
The Middlewick also boasts an on-site farm shop, café and a well-equipped spa with uniquely converted shepherd’s hut treatment rooms, indoor swimming pool, steam room, yoga building and event space.
Set within our grounds you will find the award winning café. The Middlewick Café serves local, seasonal, homemade meals 7 days a week
FirstSession-11am
In this first session, we will open sacred space for our time together, including introductions and intentions
Today includes:
Guided Meditation
Breathwork
All levels Yoga Practice focusing on grounding, releasing, and clearing energy centres to fully receive the sacred pilgrimage
Experience a guided shamanic journey, acknowledge support from your guides, and awaken your intuition
Lunch
2pm - 3pm
Lunch in the Cafe + Farm Shop
Set within our grounds you will find the award winning café
The Middlewick Café serves local, seasonal, homemade meals 7 days a week
Breakfast is from 8 30am until 11 30am and lunch is served from 12pm until 3pm
The Farm Shop is open daily from 8 30am until 4pm, selling local produce, beer, cider and wine as well as barista coffee and homemade cakes
There is plenty of indoor seating or enjoy food outside on the patio or in the gardens
3pm - 7pm
This iconic and evocative landmark offers magnificent views of the Somerset Levels, Dorset, Wiltshire and Wales
Steeped in history and legend, excavations at the top of the Tor have revealed the plans of two superimposed churches of St Michael, of which only a 15th-century tower remains.
Glastonbury Tor is known as being one of the most spiritual sites in the country
Experience the Tor through sacred intention, honouring the ancestors of the land, and welcoming in your own ancestral lineage. Receive the “Rite of Source” to anchor you to the magic of the Tor while deepening your connection to source
After our excursion we will have dinner together at Middlewick
"Thereisnoquestion thatthereismagic hereandallkindsof magic"
John Steinbeck
Tuesday 22nd July
8.30am Session with Mara
Start the day with Mara leading you through Guided Meditation, Breathwork, Chanting and Movement practices to invoke the Divine Feminine through sacred female archetypes
We will prepare for the healing waters of the Chalice Well.
10.30am Chalice Well and Lunch
Experience the Chalice Well with sacred intention Receive the Rite of the Womb - a potent transmission to connect to your highest truth and deepest sense of love and joy
Chalice Well is an ancient holy well surrounded by a beautiful garden It has been a place of pilgrimage for thousands of years It is a World Peace Garden and the sacred waters with their unique vibration, flow through the tranquil garden
The Chalice Well is a place of pilgrimage, healing, and peace It is associated with the Holy Grail, which is said to have been buried in the well by Joseph of Arimathea
We will have lunch near the Gardens and then return to Middlewick to meet the transfer for the afternoon excursion
"Bitterthewatersof grief;butsweetis theWell-spring"
-The Coming of Bride
Tuesday 22nd July
2pm Excursion to Stonehenge- A Gateway to the Timeless
We are just one hour’s drive away from Stonehenge A private coach will take us to our next pilgrimage site where we will spend the afternoon.
Our sacred journey peaks at Stonehenge, where ancient stones stand as timeless guardians of mystery and magic. In their presence, feel the powerful energies and connect with ancestral wisdom, awakening a sense of purpose and gratitude deep within
Uncover the incredible story of one of the world’s most famous places. This mustsee monument is a powerful testament to human ingenuity, imagination and creativity
With Mara as our spiritual guide - receive the Rite of Ancient Wisdom at Stonehenge. We will weave our prayers, wishes, and dreams into the sacred stones, through Ritual, Song, and Stillness
"...theimmemorial graypillarsmay servetoremindyou oftheenormous backgroundoftime" Henry James
6.30pm Meditation with Mara
We arrive back at Middlewick and in the hour before dinner we will have an integration session with Mara.
Experience a guided Yoga Nidra practice, which is a deep form of meditative relaxation We will integrate our work at the sacred sites through mind-body-spirit wholeness, softness, and receptivity
We will have dinner together and enjoy the grounds for one last time before we move to our next location
“Weliveinthe worldwhenwe loveit.”
Rabindranath Tagore
MEDITATION
Ourjourney continuesto
DartingtonHall AHavenofCreativityand
Wednesday 23rd July
Stillness
We set off from Glastonbury at 9am (after breakfast) and will be transferred via private coach to Dartington in Totnes Set amidst Devon’s lush beauty, Dartington Hall is a sanctuary for the soul Wander through serene grounds, meditate in ancient gardens, and embrace the transformative stillness that has flourished for centuries This sacred site encourages creativity and renewal, guiding you towards your truest self
In Dartington we will stay on the Dartington Estate, noted for it's rolling green hills, country air and somewhere you can remove yourself from the hustle and bustle of modern life
Youraccomodation
The famed Dartington Estate is a stunning centre of heritage, culture and entertainment, A beacon of innovative sustainability - it is set in rolling south Devon parkland near Totnes
The history of Dartington has drawn spiritual seekers to its grounds for over a century The roll-call of outstanding people involved in the Dartington experiment includes Rabindranath Tagore, Jacqueline du Pré, Igor Stravinsky, Benjamin Britten, Ravi Shankar, George Bernard Shaw, Bertrand Russell, HG Wells, Aldous Huxley, James Lovelock, Rupert Sheldrake and Vandana Shiva
Centred around the medieval Great Hall, Courtyard and Grade II* Listed Gardens, there is so much to see and do - from fabulous food & drink to Deer Park trails, cinema and wild swimming
We will incorporate everything the site has to offer in our time here, including a trip to the Cider Mill where you can pick up a souvenir from local artists and craft makers
Mara’sSessionsatDartington
Wednesday 23rd July
We start the day at 11am with Mara. Experience a Silent Meditation, Ground into the Land with an Elemental Moving Meditation, and Discover your “Sacred Spot” while exploring the land and gardens at Dartington
In the afternoon receive an all levels yoga practice, followed by nourishing breath-work and a shamanic journey, closing with a guided journal exercise
Thursday 24th July
We start day at 10am Today includes:
Receive the Rite of Freedom at the healing waters of the Dart River
Chanting Circle and Guided Movement for Mind-Body Liberation in the gardens of Dartington
Community Altar Creation, Guided Creative writing/drawing -receive your current “Soul Codes”
Restorative Yoga + Yoga Nidra for Deep Peace
Friday 25th July
10am Closing session with Mara - Integrating Our Journey Together
Closing Ceremony: Receiving the Rite of Soul and Talking Circle
Our days in Dartingon will have the breakfast, lunch, dinner and coffee breaks scheduled together in the Estate The session on Friday ends at 1pm for our final lunch before departure
Invitation
This is a retreat of self-discovery, devoted practices, and deep nourishment - held in sacred intention by the wisdom of Mara Branscombe, teacher and guide of the healing arts for 25 years plus.
Embark on this homecoming journey of the soul, where sacred sites hold the key to your evolution, and the divine source beckons you to rise in body, mind, and spirit
Logistics
For the 4-night retreat
What's included:
All accomodation and breakfasts
Daily classes with Mara
All excursions and internal transfers
All workshop materials and resources
Certificate of Completion
What's not included
Lunch and Dinners
Air and ground transportation to and from Glastonbury/Dartington
Once your place has been confirmed, we will advise you on travel to Glastonbury and onward travel from Dartington
Booking includes a physical copy of both of Mara's books which will be sent to you on booking Join the discovery call on the 27th January for a very special price offer!
Please email info@alternatives org uk with any queries - happy to help!
Travelinformation
The retreat takes place in two locations: Glastonbury and Dartington Hall.
Inbound Travel: Getting to Glastonbury
The nearest international airports are Bristol and London (Heathrow/Gatwick) You can also travel by car, train, bus, or coach. If arriving by train, the nearest station is Castle Cary, from which you will need a taxi to reach the estate.
Before booking, we can advise on the best travel routes and provide various options, including additional nights of accommodation if required.
Departure from Dartington Hall
The retreat concludes at Dartington Hall The nearest train station is Totnes, and the closest airports are Exeter or London (which offers more flight options)
Once you have booked, we will contact you to arrange travel and accommodation details, ensuring you arrive comfortably and on time
+2bonuswebinars
Enhance Your Retreat Experience with Exclusive Online Sessions
Two Weeks Before the Retreat:
Join Mara for a 90-minute live preparation call designed to set the foundation for your journey Connect with Mara and your fellow participants and engage in simple yet powerful tools and practices to align yourself energetically before the retreat begins
Two Weeks After the Retreat: Reconnect with Mara and the group for a 90-minute integration session to deepen your experience This is your opportunity to reflect, ask questions, and solidify your practice, ensuring the retreat’s benefits continue to unfold in your daily life
These sessions provide invaluable support to help you maximize the impact of your retreat before, during, and beyond!
Testimonials
“This retreat was a deep remembering, reminding, and rekindling for me It was an honour to be there as one of the elders, it was similar to being a grandparent rather than a parent .... I have finally grown into my own skin, heart and soul, and also largely, spiritually because of your beautiful open hearted teachings Thank you, with deepest deepest gratitude” - Badge Bourcier
“I had truly a live changing spirit wash over me while on Retreat with Mara. I am so very thank full for you and the incredible space that was held in paradise!!” - Shannon Carnazzo
“Thank you so much for your offerings and making them so accessible. Your teachings resonate so deeply, and the wisdom you share always ignites sparks of epiphanies and deep understanding of the human experience” - Flora Petri
“Mara is an extraordinary teacher and healer. During Mara’s ability to elevate and move from a place of intuition in supporting those she works with is magic” - Jennie Bilteck
ANYQUESTIONS?
This retreat is hosted by Alternatives in London We are an events company based at St James's Church in Piccadilly, London since 1982 Our mission is to inspire heart, mind, and soul. St James's is a Christopher Wren Church and the baptism place of William Blake.
For over 40 years, we have hosted major contemporary spirituality and wellness teachers in London, including Ram Dass, Thich Nhat Hanh, Eckhart Tolle, Tara Brach, Satish Kumar, Byron Katie, Robert Holden, Ajeet, Tracee Stanley and Deepak Chopra.
Our team will be there to support you on this journey. Please call or email us at anytime and we can answer your queries
info@alternatives org uk
+4420 7287 6711 alternatives org uk
