Hear FIRST about our retreats & events

Find harmony on this soul-enhancing retreat that blends meditation and singing.

Things are such that someone lifting a cup or watching the rain, petting a dog or singing, just singing, could be doing as much for this universe as anyone
                              - Rumi

Singing can be uplifting, soulful and life-enriching. And like mindfulness, singing can bring us into direct contact with our moment-to-moment experience.

You’ll be group singing, learning songs by ear (so you don’t need to read music) and experiencing the incredible acoustics of Sharpham House’s central oval stairwell. No previous experience of singing is required.

Our experienced leaders will help you explore the unique practice of mindful singing as a way of fostering moment-by-moment awareness.

 Mindful practice and joyful singing was uplifting, engrossing and restorative in the extreme...mindfulness and singing are a great combination.

                                 Review of our Mindfulness Through Singing retreat, Kindred Spirit magazine - click here to see the whole feature

Read on for more details on this retreat and click the Leaders, Schedules and Venue & Directions tabs above for further information.

A communal and heart-warming retreat

You’ll be learning and singing songs from a rich variety of traditions and genres – from gospel, pop and folk to more devotional chants and songs.

You’ll experience singing in harmony as a meditation, whilst exploring your own voice and self-expression.

This retreat is for you if you:

• Want to experience singing as a resource for well-being
• Begin or further develop your mindfulness practice, using breath, sound and song to explore mind, body & spirit
• Are aged 18 and above

There will be a maximum of 20 participants on this retreat.

Like our other retreats, there will be three 30-minute guided meditation sessions a day.

There are periods of silence on each of our retreats and plenty of free personal time for you to settle into your rejuvenation in Sharpham House.

What you’ll experience on this retreat

During this retreat you’ll:

• experience guided meditation and periods of silence and quiet contemplation
• live in community with like-minded people, sharing experiences and some simple everyday tasks, including the washing-up
• be able to explore our tranquil Capability Brownian parkland and our Grade 2*-listed gardens designed by Percy Cane
• have a single-occupancy room and your own space in which to rejuvenate, with free time to deeply rest and reconnect with yourself, far from the busy-ness of daily life. Click here to explore our rooms.
• enjoy delicious, healthy, home-cooked vegetarian food that regularly receives rave reviews and have access to 24-hour hot teas, coffee & infusions in our Toasting Room
• be cared for full-board in a Grade I-listed Georgian House surrounded by history and art, with staff looking after you, in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty close to nature, amid breath-taking scenery on the banks of the River Dart

Mindfulness in nature at Sharpham

When you experience Sharpham's inspiring and nourishing environment, we hope you'll connect spiritually with the natural world, so you’ll:

• become aware of how we are all part of nature - not artificially separate from it
• pay attention to and appreciate the natural world surrounding us
• explore nature through your senses and your natural creativity
• Tread more lightly on our finite planet, developing a respect and reverence for all living things

Click here to read our ethos and principles

What might you bring?

If you decide to stay with us, we’ll send you a list of what you need to bring for this retreat in your Welcome Letter. But you might consider the following:

• Comfy clothes for meditation, movement and relaxation
• Slippers (we supply some, but you might prefer your own)
• A journal or notepad if you want to write or draw during your time here
• Swimming gear – we have a small pool that’s open in summer. Click here to read more
• Walking boots – we have wonderful footpaths and routes to explore
• Running gear if you’re a jogger. Some participants love to run on the lanes and footpaths near Sharpham

Find out more about staying in Sharpham House on our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Our food & your dietary needs

The retreat is full-board with delicious home-cooked vegetarian food. 

In line with sustainable practices across the Estate, our cooks produce seasonal, vegetarian food for our guests. We source food whenever possible from our kitchen garden and support local food suppliers. The Estate's farm tenants produce award-winning wine and cheese as well as organic eggs, meat and vegetables.

Food allergies & intolerances
Please tell us well in advance of your stay of any food allergies or intolerances you may have.

You can tell us this on the Booking Form via a link we send you in your confirmation email.

Your physical and mental health

This retreat is suitable for you if you are new to mindfulness, or seeking to renew or reconnect with your practice.

Although meditation and mindfulness can be helpful in managing stress, depression and anxiety, our retreats might not be suitable if you are experiencing major depression or other psychiatric illness such as bipolar disorder, psychosis or current self-harming. Click here for more information and for our booking process

We have an accessible en-suite bedroom The Clare Milne Room – click here for details on how to book this room

If you have a medical condition that requires you to have an en-suite room, please contact our Programme Administrator on the number below as these rooms are limited and are bookable on a first-come first-served basis.

I really enjoyed the combination of singing and meditation. It was wonderful to be able to sing in such an amazing location - particularly in the stairwell!