• Beautiful retreat centre in the cotswolds
• Secluded Campsite in stunning surroundsings
• Holiday cottage in The Cotswolds
• Glamping in bell tents, dome or treehouse
• Yoga and pilates classes
• Alternative therapies
• Room hire for therapists and workshops

Welcome

Holycombe is set in a verdant wooded valley on the edge of the Cotswold village of Whichford. A natural stream rises from a holy well in the nearby wood, passes though the grounds and down a waterfall. The sound of running water adds to the sense of peace and tranquillity. A coppice provides shady outdoor space; there's a campfire area and a large stone circle on the castle site. Across a meadow is the ancient Whichford wood with many rare species of trees and plants, an abundance of wood anemones, primroses and bluebells in spring; chestnuts, blackberries and sloes in autumn. Wildlife abounds: everything from Muntjack to polecats and kingfishers.

Built in the grounds of a Norman Castle

Set in six acres, Holycombe is built in the grounds of a Norman Castle, and has a water-filled moat, habitat for carp and dragonflies. Sally and Andy Birtwell rescued the site from 40 years of being a scrap yard, dedicating 6 years of their life to the restoration. They have built a beautiful house and garden to honour the sacred landscape. Archaeologists have excavated a Roman conduit carrying water from the springs in the wood to the site and dowsers and geomancers have suggested it was a sacred site before Roman occupation. They also believe that six leylines converge on the stone circle.

Energy and well-being

The raison d'etre of Holycombe is first and foremost a family home for six children, and numerous grandchildren but our aim is also to provide a haven for self-healing and joyful activities, a retreat where music, dance, song, play, meditation and bodywork can renew energy and well-being.