Tilton House

4 - 7 May 2012

Teacher: Clare Calvert

Cost from £360

Please note this holiday is advertised by YOAS but organised by the teacher. For bookings contact admin@yogaonashoestring.com

Clare Calvert is delighted to be able to teach a long weekend at this exquisite venue. Tilton House is a beautiful, historic Georgian house and retreat centre nestled in the South Downs, near Lewes. With it's far reaching views over the Downs, edged by woodland and in an “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty”, it couldn't be a more perfect place to go on retreat. Accommodation is delightful and sumptuous; the food, wholesome and delicious and there are even welcome gift packs for each guest on arrival. To add to all, there will also be excellent shiatsu and massage treatments available throughout the weekend.

Situated just over an hour from London, and 20 minutes from Brighton, Tilton is easy to get to by both train and car. It is an ideal location to explore the outstanding natural surroundings and to steep in the historic, creative spirit of the place. Walk from the driveway into the network of footpaths leading through the downs; just over the downs will take you to the sea. Charleston House, home to the Bloomsbury artists is 2 minutes down the flint track and 5 mins drive takes you to the historic village of Berwick with its church where Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell painted their renowned panels. Glyndebourne opera house is 10 minutes by car and also the alternative market town of Lewes, which has some great shops, not to mention places to eat!

Times may vary according to the wishes and needs of the group, but this will be the general structure of the weekend: Arrival time is on Friday from 4.30pm. At 6pm there will be a yoga class focusing on relaxing and releasing. Supper will follow at about 7.30pm and after supper we'll have an introductory talk. Saturday and Sunday will start for the 'early birds' at 7.15am with gentle stretches; pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation. Breakfast follows at 8.30am. There is then free time until the yoga class at 11am. Lunch is at 1pm with free time again until the afternoon class at 4.30pm. Supper will follow at about 7pm. Monday follows the same structure as Saturday and Sunday until lunchtime. Departure will be after lunch on Monday.

During the weekend there is plenty of free time to explore the outstanding surroundings. You could take a walk through the rolling downs and to the sea or visit Charleston Farmhouse and garden, home to the Bloomsbury Artists, which is just a 2 minute walk from Tilton. The little village of Berwick with it's historic church where Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell painted their murals is a 5 minute drive away; or if you like alternative shops and eateries, the market town of Lewes is a 10 minute drive. You may like to simply rest and relax, enjoying Tania's wonderful Shiatsu sessions and the delightful atmosphere of Tilton - simply laze and recuperate in a hammock in the garden or in the beautiful and wellstocked library; and, for the more energetic there is an all weather tennis court.

All of the rooms have been recently decorated with natural materials. They have loads of character with gorgeous views over either the Sussex Weald or Downs. They are mostly shared, but there is accommodation for up to three singles. Two of the rooms are ensuite and there are an additional five bathrooms. Towels and welcome gift packs are provided.

Food is delicious, mostly vegetarian and with an international flavour. It is, as much as possible, locally sourced - from the vegetable garden - and organic. Specific dietary requirements can be catered for.