FIND ALL YOUR TRAVEL INFO AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BELOW
Getting to The Big Retreat - Lawrenny -Pembrokeshire - SA68 0PP
By Car - Post Code is SA68 0PP From Direction Bristol, Swansea --- Follow the M4 till the end then go through Carmarthen - picking up signs to the A477:
From the A477 coming from Carmarthen:
Turn Right to the B4586 at traffic lights at Broadmoor & go to Cresselly. You will pass St Ostwalds School. Keep on this road and you will arrive at a T Junction with a river ahead of you (the Cleddau) turn Right. Follow this lane and signs to Lawrenny. Drive down Broadlane (SA68 0PP) and you will see a WELCOME sign on the right had side, before you get into the village - follow the back round behind the back of the village and you will be directed straight to the car park
From A477 coming from Pembroke/Pembroke Dock
At the Carew roundabout take the exit for 'Carew & Haverfordwest’. Go over the millpond bridge and along the road & turn left at the 'Whitehill / Lawrenny’ sign. Go through Cresswell Quay, over small stone bridge and uphill to the crossroads where you turn LEFT signposted to Lawrenny. Follow this lane and signs to Lawrenny. Drive down Broadlane (SA68 0PP) and you will see a WELCOME sign on the right had side before you get into the village - follow the back round behind the back of the village and you will be directed straight to the car park
From the A4075 Take the 'Canaston Bridge' exit.
After passing Oakwood, take the first turning right, signposted 'Lawrenny'. Follow straight on, then, just after a sharp left hand bend, take left fork at cottages, signposted 'Lawrenny'. At 'T' junction turn right, at crossroads go straight over. Follow this lane and signs to Lawrenny. Drive down Broadlane (SA68 0PP) and you will see a WELCOME sign on the right had side - follow the back round behind the back of the village and you will be directed straight to the car park
Drive Times
From Swansea 1 hour 20 mins; From Bristol 2hrs 32 mins; From Birmingham about 4 hours. London 4hrs 30mim.
By Train
If you don't fancy driving, come by train - nearest station is Narberth. You can pick up a cab in Narberth to take you to Lawrenny which is about 15 min drive.. Narberth Taxi number is 01834 860297
PARKING
Please make sure you purchase a Parking Ticket
Please follow the guidance and advice of our Stewards on Parking for Weekend Parking and Day Parking.
CHECKING IN & CAMPSITE RULES
If arriving by CAR -
Once Parked up, follow the directions from the Stewards to the Check in area. There will be trolleys available to take your things to the campsite. No cars are allowed in the camping area. It's just a short walk but our experience is that sometimes the Kitchen Sink seems to make it onto a Camping trek!
Have your tickets, Email reference or Booking Number, You will be asked to read and sign a copy of our Terms and Conditions and given a wristband.
If Camping - head on to the Campsite Please follow the signs to the right Camping Area (Family or General or Campervans or Belle Hotel Please be mindful of your neighbours in regard to noise - all on-site noise to finish by 11pm. If you wish to carry on partying - please join us on the Energy Fileds! See here for Campsite Rules
If arriving in a CAMPERVAN/CARAVAN follow the directions of the Steward. Check in and get your Wristbands for the Weekend. Then drive on to the Festival Site and then into the Campervan zone (as marked). Please do not pitch tents any closer than 2 metres for Fire Safety Regulations. Click here for Campsite Rules
Reception Opening Times:
Friday 10.00am - 10.30pm. Saturday. 09.00am - 8.30pm Sunday. 09.00am - 8.30pm If you arrive outside of these hours, we have 24hr Security who will be able to assist. Please aim to arrive by 10pm on Friday if coming for the Weekend. You will not be able to take your car to the Campsite to unpack.
CAMPING RULES
Our Campsite Opens at 10.00am on Friday
The Marshalls will help you find the right camping area. Please help us by following instructions from the Marshalls - the rules are to help everyone have a super (and safe) weekend.
Please note there are No Dogs are allowed at the Festival or the Campsite*
1. Camping is strictly subject to the purchase of a camping add-on which can be booked via the ticket page.
2. On Arrival at the Campsite - Please look out for the signs for the Designated areas & pitch at the Appropriate spot.
FAMILY.
CAMPER VANS
GENERAL CAMPING
BELLE HOTEL
QUIET CAMPING
3. Campers should pitch tents as directed by the Marshalls & Event Stewards in designated camping areas only and stay out of fire lanes and other working areas. Please respect your neighbours - leave a distance
Cars are not allowed onto the campsite. We will have assistance for you to move luggage from the Car Park. Parking on the Campsite is a definite no-no.
Tents must not be pitched on the fire lanes and must be a responsible distance away from neighbouring tents
Only vehicles with fitted sleeping, cooking and or washing facilities may use these fields
Trailer tents must be purpose-built, manufacturer-made trailer tent. You will need to purchase a caravan/motorhome pass.
Caravans and Motorhomes are allowed on the Campsite in limited numbers - if you haven't advised us of your intention to bring such a vehicle you may not be allowed in .
VW Campervans and similar . You must highlight your intention to bring a camper van to the Event organisers at the time of booking your ticket. Failure to do so may lead to you not being allowed on the campsite due to space restrictions
The Fire Officer will not allow ticket-holders to camp beside campervans due to the risk of contiguous fire, but it is permitted to camp behind them
Fireworks, generators, glass containers, drones, potential weapons, portable laser equipment including laser pens or any illegal or offensive items or substances are not permitted in these fields and will be confiscated. No animals (except guide dogs) are permitted anywhere at the Festival.
4. You should bring a tent that is sized for the amount of occupants. We reserve the right to refuse to allow any structures which are too large or which we believe may cause a health and safety risk. 5. We will not be liable for any failure to provide any advertised facilities within the camping area. 6.All items are brought and left at your own risk.
7. You are allowed to bring your own supply of food into the campsite for personal consumption only. Please don't bring it into the Main Festival site - ditto Alcoholic Drinks. We ask that you support our vendors on the Festival site whose prices really are reasonable.
8. You are permitted to cook solely within the campsite using either gas camping stoves, using canisters of no more than 450g. or a legged BBQ. Strictly no fires on the grass areas.
Don't dispose of hot BBQ's or hot coals in the grass or recycling bins.
DO NOT take your legged BBQ into your tent under ANY CIRCUMSTANCES - even if it's cold. It gives off carbon Monoxide. Just don't do it.
All fires in the campsite must be extinguished by MIDNIGHT and will be checked by security
9. You are permitted to bring alcohol for your own consumption. Strictly no re-sale. The Event Official will have the right to determine the levels of alcohol that constitute a ‘reasonable amount’ for personal consumption. Any alcohol above a ‘reasonable amount’ will be confiscated by the Event Official (and they’ll probably drink it… in front of you) PLEASE DO NOT BRING OWN ALCOHOL ON TO THE MAIN FESTIVAL SITE. And finally - You must take everything home with you and leave no trace.... clear up rubbish, recycle what you can. Pack up your tent check that all litter has been removed.
You will be asked to sign our Terms & Conditions at Reception and agreeing to these is a condition to entry. If you would like a full copy of our T&C's - please get in touch!
*Guide and Assistance Dogs excluded. Please do not bring your Pet - you will be turned away and, in this instance, no Refunds are available.
Camping Tickets
3 Nights Camping Pitch
Hot Showers
Wash Stations
Over 200 activities and experiences
Non Camping Tickets
Over 200 activités and experiences
Classes, Workshops and Experiences including:
All fitness classes and workshops, all yoga classes in the Shakti and Shiva Tents, All arts and craft activities (apart from jewellery sessions) Music and Comedy, Gong Baths, Forest bathing taster sessions, Spoon Caving, Foraging, Nature Walks, Triathlon Club (apart from one to one sessions) Nutritional Workshops, All workshops and talks in the Talk Tent, Darwins Den, Roaring Fire Pit and the Mind Space
Car Park Pass
Campervan Pass
Hot tubs and Ice Baths
Massage and Treatments
Fire Walking
Acro Yoga
Paddle Boarding Lessons
Jewellery Workshops
2 hour Forest Bathing Experience with Gong Bath
Cacao Ceremony and ecstatic dance
Due to health and safety we want to be clear about live in vehicles allowed on site.
A live-in vehicle is one that is specifically adapted for sleeping, such as a camper van or caravan; strictly no cars are allowed onto the campsite unless they are towing a caravan
Max pitch size is 9m x 6m
Larger pitches are not available. If you have space on your pitch for 1 x awning next to your vehicle, no tents are allowed next to live in vehicle.
On arrival, all live-in vehicles will be allocated to the next available pitch by our team; unfortunately we can't pre-allocate or reserve spaces so please arrive together if you want to be with friends.
Campers should pitch tents as directed by the Marshalls & Event Stewards in designated camping areas only and stay out of fire lanes and other working areas. Please respect your neighbours - leave a distance
This area is used as farmland for the rest of the year so please be aware there are no power hook-ups; however, it is lit with garland lights with taps for drinking water, showers, toilets and toilet-emptying facilities.
Please be aware that the land is uneven grass and it is the owner’s responsibility to decide whether the vehicle is suitable for the terrain in varying weather conditions.
Cars are not allowed onto the campsite. We will have assistance for you to move luggage from the Car Park. Parking on the Campsite is a definite no-no.
Tents must not be pitched on the fire lanes and must be a responsible distance away from neighbouring tents
Only vehicles with fitted sleeping, cooking and or washing facilities may use these fields
Trailer tents must be purpose-built, manufacturer-made trailer tent. You will need to purchase a caravan/motorhome pass.
Caravans and Motorhomes are allowed on the Campsite in limited numbers - if you haven't advised us of your intention to bring such a vehicle you may not be allowed in .
VW Campervans and similar . You must highlight your intention to bring a camper van to the Event organisers at the time of booking your ticket. Failure to do so may lead to you not being allowed on the campsite due to space restrictions
The Fire Officer will not allow ticket-holders to camp beside campervans due to the risk of contiguous fire, but it is permitted to camp behind them
Fireworks, generators, glass containers, drones, potential weapons, portable laser equipment including laser pens or any illegal or offensive items or substances are not permitted in these fields and will be confiscated. No animals (except guide dogs) are permitted anywhere at the Festival.
Our Campsite Opens at 10.00am on Friday
The Marshalls will help you find the right camping area. Please help us by following instructions from the Marshalls - the rules are to help everyone have a super (and safe) weekend.
Please note there are No Dogs are allowed at the Festival or the Campsite*
1. Camping and Glamping is strictly subject to the purchase of a camping add-on which can be booked via the ticket page.
2. On Arrival at the Campsite - Please look out for the signs for the Designated areas & pitch at the Appropriate spot.
FAMILY.
CAMPER VANS
GENERAL CAMPING
BELLE HOTEL
QUIET CAMPING
3. Campers should pitch tents as directed by the Marshalls & Event Stewards in designated camping areas only and stay out of fire lanes and other working areas. Please respect your neighbours - leave a distance
Cars are not allowed onto the campsite. We will have assistance for you to move luggage from the Car Park. Parking on the Campsite is a definite no-no.
Tents must not be pitched on the fire lanes and must be a responsible distance away from neighbouring tents
Only vehicles with fitted sleeping, cooking and or washing facilities may use these fields
Trailer tents must be purpose-built, manufacturer-made trailer tent. You will need to purchase a caravan/motorhome pass.
Caravans and Motorhomes are allowed on the Campsite in limited numbers - if you haven't advised us of your intention to bring such a vehicle you may not be allowed in .
VW Campervans and similar . You must highlight your intention to bring a camper van to the Event organisers at the time of booking your ticket. Failure to do so may lead to you not being allowed on the campsite due to space restrictions
The Fire Officer will not allow ticket-holders to camp beside campervans due to the risk of contiguous fire, but it is permitted to camp behind them
Fireworks, generators, glass containers, drones, potential weapons, portable laser equipment including laser pens or any illegal or offensive items or substances are not permitted in these fields and will be confiscated. No animals (except guide dogs) are permitted anywhere at the Festival.
4. You should bring a tent that is sized for the amount of occupants. We reserve the right to refuse to allow any structures which are too large or which we believe may cause a health and safety risk. 5. We will not be liable for any failure to provide any advertised facilities within the camping area. 6.All items are brought and left at your own risk.
7. You are allowed to bring your own supply of food into the campsite for personal consumption only. Please don't bring it into the Main Festival site - ditto Alcoholic Drinks. We ask that you support our vendors on the Festival site whose prices really are reasonable.
8. You are permitted to cook solely within the campsite using either gas camping stoves, using canisters of no more than 450g. or a legged BBQ. Strictly no fires on the grass areas.
Don't dispose of hot BBQ's or hot coals in the grass or recycling bins.
DO NOT take your legged BBQ into your tent under ANY CIRCUMSTANCES - even if it's cold. It gives off carbon Monoxide. Just don't do it.
All fires in the campsite must be extinguished by MIDNIGHT and will be checked by security
9. You are permitted to bring alcohol for your own consumption. Strictly no re-sale. The Event Official will have the right to determine the levels of alcohol that constitute a ‘reasonable amount’ for personal consumption. Any alcohol above a ‘reasonable amount’ will be confiscated by the Event Official (and they’ll probably drink it… in front of you) PLEASE DO NOT BRING OWN ALCOHOL ON TO THE MAIN FESTIVAL SITE. And finally - You must take everything home with you and leave no trace.... clear up rubbish, recycle what you can. Pack up your tent check that all litter has been removed.
You will be asked to sign our Terms & Conditions at Reception and agreeing to these is a condition to entry. If you would like a full copy of our T&C's - please get in touch!
*Guide and Assistance Dogs excluded.
Please do not bring your Pet - you will be turned away and, in this instance, no Refunds are available.
We are monitoring updates daily from the Welsh and UK Governments and from Public Health Wales. As you can appreciated, the situation remains dynamic regarding large events and gatherings and any decision we make will be governed first and foremost by the Welsh and UK Governments or from Public Health Wales.
Should the Big Retreat Wales be postponed until a later date, any fully purchased tickets will remain valid and rollover for our next get together.
You are part of the Big Retreat family now and we want to keep in touch, to keep sharing the positivity and ensure our little community sticks together through some challenging times ahead.
The Big Retreat team are working hard to make the festival as accessible as possible. If you have any suggestions or have any questions about accessibility at the festival, please don’t hesitate to email hello@thebigretreatwales.co.uk
We have accessible parking on the main site along a hardstanding road. To reserve an accessible parking space, please contact amber@thebigretreatwales.co.uk . You must display your blue badge in your car upon arrival and throughout.
We operate a free personal assistant ticket. You are automatically eligible for this scheme if you can supply one of the following:
Front page of DLA / PIP (no specific rate required)
Front page of Attendance Allowance letter (no specific rate required)
Evidence that registered severely sight impaired (blind)
Recognised Assistance Dog ID card
If you would like to book a free personal assistant ticket, please book the rest of your tickets as normal on the website and email hello@thebigretreatwales.co.uk and we will send you a form to fill in
We provide an accessible camping area very close to the main festival site. The area is grassy but firm and close by to a hard standing roadway, (which continues onto the main site and back down to reception). We will send out car passes to anyone that has booked accessible camping 2 weeks prior the festival.
This camping area will open at 9am (one hour before the standard opening time, so you can set up and relax for the festival).
You will be able to pitch your tent to the left of your car. This area will also have a accessible toilet and water point close by.
Both the festival entrance and First Aid are manned 24 hours a days, so there will always be someone close by if you need assistance.
Yes
No we are really sorry - we are set on an organic farm and we cannot allow dogs. We do have a really lovely boarding kennels right in the Village - To Book contact Broadlane Kennels, Lawrenny SA68 0PS or call 01646 651049.
No cats, parrots, lizards, hamsters or other pets either -- much as we love them, this event is not for them.
The big retreat is great for the solo traveller as you have a fantastic opportunity to make some new friends and share some fantastic memories.
We have set up a Facebook group so you can connect before the festival please feel free to join and start chatting to fellow guests.
Click here
We have organised 2 catch up sessions in 2020
7.00pm on Friday 22nd May
12.00pm on Saturday 23rd May for late arrivals
This will be held on "The Feel Good Field" at the central giant tipi/information point (next to the 2 yoga tents).
Come along for met the group we will show you round the site and you can ask any questions you have and more importantly get to know the rest of the group.
We are family friendly. Under 5's can come for Free and 6 -15 year olds have their own concession ticket. Under 14's will not have access to some of the fitness & wellness classes but there will be kids yoga, theatre, circus skills and other activities for our younger guests, as well as classes you all might like (eg Bushcraft, spoon carving etc.) Strictly over 18's in the Gin Sessions! We may ask to see ID's to verify ages of under 12's.
Pack you sense of adventure, a yoga mat, a jumper (it might get chilly) a waterproof (it might rain) and some some sun cream (it might be sunny) Wellies (it's a Festival!) May weather is normally lovely down here but it pays to be prepared. No Drones allowed - we'll confiscate them for the duration!
Please do not bring alcohol to the Festival - please support our lovely local bars and traders.
Please contact us via hello@thebigretreatwales.co.uk or via our "Contact Us"Page
We know that sometimes plans change. As we work towards the Festival we have time-limit options on what we can refund . If you have to cancel, the refund policy is as follows for 2020 Ticket purchases:
Before 1st November 2021 - we can refund your order in full.
2nd November - 31st January 2022, we can refund 50% of your order or offer a free Admin name change if you find someone to take your place. (ie you find someone to buy your ticket/order).
If you have to cancel after 31st January 2022, we cannot refund any or part of the Order value. What we can do is offer a free Admin on change of Ticket name ie - you find someone to take your place and we will alter your order to the new name. They pay you for the ticket, we do the Admin.
PLEASE NOTE THAT TICKETS BOUGHT UNDER PARTIAL PAY SCHEME ARE NOT REFUNDABLE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE.
See full Camping Guidelines. We rely on you all to keep our campsite safe, so please follow the guidelines and especially :- strictly no fires on the grass. Use a contained BBQ on legs if cooking on the Campsite. And Fires out by Midnight - it's your responsibility to make sure it's out please . BBQ's must be set up at least 10 feet from your tent (and to be fair - more than 10 feet from your neighbours' tent!). Don't put the BBQ in your tent - even if it feels cold - there's a real carbon monoxide risk. Absolutely no generators are to be brought on site. And no cars can be parked on the camping field there is a separate car park for all cars.. Alcohol cannot be bought on to the Main Festival Site under any circumstances.
We have 24hr security patrols looking after us on the Festival sites, entrances & exits. Please wear your wrist bands and show them when asked . It is still your responsibility to look after yourself, your possessions & those in your charge. Any lost property (including kids) should be handed over at Reception, where they can be reclaimed on proof of ownership. We are a small festival - our ambition is that we will feel like family at the end of the Festival (in a good way!).
Belle Hotel - Open For Bookings for 1st June 2021
Bell Tents, Indian Shikas and Yurts for 2022
Setting up tent too much of a hassle?
Have it done for you! Book your Bell Tent and it’s options directly with them and they will sort it all out. Need an extra bed? No problem - Belle Hotel are flexible and will be here to meet you and check you in. Simply turn up and your tent will be set up for you -- and relax...
We have some super NEW structures on offer for 2022 too - from full on Indian Shikas and 6 person Yurts. Travelling solo, with Family or group of friends on a reunion - we have something to suit.
The tents come bare OR furnished and can be adapted to suit your group size.
NEW for 2022 - a dedicated Refresh & Recharge area - think Hairdyers, phonecharging, chillout - exclusively for Belle Hotel Customers!
NB - be sure to select your "Camping Ticket" when you purchase your festival ticket to secure your pitch for your Belle Hotel Tent
Contact Sarah via the web www.bellehotel.co.uk , by email sarah@bellehotel.co.uk or call on 07966 637307