FIND ALL YOUR TRAVEL INFO AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BELOW
The Big Retreat Wales
Lawrenny
Pembrokeshire
SA68 0PW
what3words : become.juices.listen
By Car
The closest postcode is SA68 0PW. This will get you to the village of Lawrenny and from there you will see signs directing you to the appropriate car park.
From the east: Follow the M4 until the end and then take the A48 towards Carmarthen. At Carmarthen follow the A40 to the Saint Clears roundabout, and then take the A477 towards Pembroke Dock. Stay on the A477 until you get to the traffic lights at Broadmoor. Turn right at the lights onto the B4586. After about half a mile turn left signposted to Cresselly. Keep on this road and you will arrive at a T-junction / staggered crossroads. Turn left and then almost immediately right (signposted to Cresswell Quay and Lawrenny). Follow this lane down the hill and at the bottom take a right turn signed to Lawrenny. Stay on this road until you get to a crossroads with a left turn to Lawrenny. Drive down Broad Lane and you will see a WELCOME sign before you arrive into the village - follow the track around behind the back of the village and you will be directed straight to the car park.
On the A477 coming from Pembroke/Pembroke Dock: At the Carew roundabout take the exit for 'Carew & Haverfordwest’. Go over the millpond bridge and up the road & turn left at the 'Whitehill / Lawrenny’ sign. Go through Cresswell Quay, over a small stone bridge and uphill until you reach the crossroads where you turn left signposted to Lawrenny. Drive down Broad Lane and you will see a WELCOME sign before you arrive into the village - follow the track around behind the back of the village and you will be directed straight to the car park.
From the west: From the A40 take the A4075 turn off at the Canaston Bridge roundabout. After passing Oakwood, take the first turning right, signposted Lawrenny. Follow the road and just after a sharp left hand bend, take the left fork at the cottages, signposted Lawrenny. At the T-junction turn right then at the crossroads go straight over signed to Lawrenny. Drive down Broad Lane and you will see a WELCOME sign before you arrive into the village. Follow the track around behind the back of the village and you will be directed straight to the car park
Drive Times (approximately)
From Swansea - 1h 20m
From Bristol - 2h 30m
From Birmingham - 4h
From London - 4h 30m
By Train
If you don't fancy driving, come by train. The nearest stations are Narberth and Kilgetty. You can pick up a taxi to take you to Lawrenny which is about a 15 minute drive. Please do book your taxi in advance as the train station is very small and there are not usually taxis waiting.
TP & Narberth Taxis - 01834 860297
Narberth Cabs - 07799 005067
Noddy's Taxi - 07377 912075
By Bus
National Express buses stop at Kilgetty which is 7 miles away. Taxis do not wait at the bus stop so please make sure that you book a taxi in advance.
Jeff Cabs - 07785 291446
Roadrunner Taxis - 01834 450236
T & S Taxis - 07549 070623
PARKING AT THE FESTIVAL
Please make sure you purchase a Parking Ticket.
Please follow the parking guidance and advice of our Stewards for Weekend Parking, Day Parking and Campervan Parking.
CHECK-IN
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 into a camping trek!
Have your tickets, email reference or booking number ready to show to our check-in team. You will be asked to read and sign a copy of our Terms and Conditions and given a wristband.
Once you have checked-in you can head on to the Campsite. Please follow the signs to the relevant camping area (Family / General / Quiet / Campervans / Belle Hotel).
Arriving in a Campervan, Caravan or Motorhome
Follow the directions of the Steward. Have your tickets, email reference or booking number ready to show to our check-in team. You will be asked to read and sign a copy of our Terms and Conditions and given a wristband. You may then drive on to the Festival Site and onto the Campervan zone.
Reception Opening Times:
Friday 10.00am - 10.30pm
Saturday 09.00am - 8.30pm
Sunday 09.00am - 8.30pm
Monday 09.00am - 4.00pm
If you arrive outside of these hours, we have 24hr Security who will be able to assist.
You will not be able to take your car to the campsite to unpack.
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&Cs please get in touch.
Please do not bring your dog* or other pet with you - you will be turned away and, in this instance, no refunds are available.
*Guide and Assistance Dogs excluded.
Tickets
Entry to The Big Retreat Festival including over 300 activities and experiences.
No access to the campsite and campsite facilities.
Camping Add On
2 - 4 nights camping pitch
Hot Showers
Wash Stations
Activities and Experiences:
Over 300 Sessions
Yoga and Fitness
All large group art classes
Wild Swimming Sessions
Journalling Workshops
Personal Development Workshops
Music and Comedy
Gong Baths
Wine Tasting
Gin Tasting
Foraging
Nature Walks
Running Club
Bushcraft
Axe Throwing
Cookery Demos
Drum Circles
Silent Discos
Chill Out Lounge in the Mind Space
Workshops and talks in the Talk Tent, Darwin's Den, Genesh wellbeing workshops and the Mind Space
Activities finish on Monday at 5pm
Camping
Car Park Pass
Campervan Pass
Supper Clubs
Spoon Carving
Facial Yoga
Pottery Lessons
Hot tubs and Ice Baths
Massage and Treatments
Acro Yoga
Paddle Boarding Lessons
Jewellery Workshops
2 hour Forest Bathing Experience with Gong Bath
Cacao Ceremony and ecstatic dance
A small selection of arts and craft where more expensive items are used such as silver
Due to health and safety regulations 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 motorhome, camper van or caravan; strictly no cars are allowed onto the campsite unless they are towing a caravan or trailer tent. The car will then have to be parked in the general car park.
Larger pitches are available. You may have space on your pitch for an awning next to your vehicle, but no tents are allowed next to live in vehicles.
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.
This area is used as farmland for the rest of the year so please be aware there are limited power hook-ups and these must have been booked in advance; however, the area is lit with garland lights, 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.
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 bought a Campervan Pass you will not be allowed in
VW Campervans and similar . You must have bought a campervan pass to park on the site. Failure to do so will lead to you not being allowed on the campsite due to space restrictions
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 24th May (Thursday at 4.00pm for VIP Early Arrivals) and closes for festival goers on Tuesday 28th May at 11am.
The Marshals will help you find the right camping area. Please help us by following instructions from the Marshals - the rules are to help everyone have a super (and safe) weekend.
Please note that No Dogs are allowed at the Festival or on the Campsite*
Please be mindful of your neighbours in regard to noise - all on-site noise to finish by 12pm. If you wish to carry on partying - please join us in The Magic Teapot in the Feel Good Field.
1. Camping and Glamping is strictly subject to the purchase of the relevant camping ticket.
2. On arrival at the Campsite please look out for the signs for the designated areas & pitch at the appropriate spot.
FAMILY CAMPING
CAMPER VANS
GENERAL CAMPING
The GLAMPING VILLAGE
QUIET CAMPING
3. Campers should pitch tents as directed by the Marshals & Event Stewards in designated camping areas only and stay out of fire lanes and other working areas. Please respect your neighbours - leave a distance of 2m between tents.
Cars are not allowed onto the campsite. We will have assistance for you to move luggage from the car park to check-in. 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 the Camper Van site
Trailer tents must be purpose-built, manufacturer-made trailer tents. You will need to purchase a caravan/motorhome pass
Caravans, Campervans and Motorhomes are allowed on the Campsite in limited numbers - if you haven't bought the relevant vehicle pass you will not be allowed in
The Fire Officer will not allow ticket-holders to camp beside campervans due to the risk of contiguous fire
There are no fire pits, fires or BBQ allowed on the campsite
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.
8. You are permitted to cook solely within the campsite using either gas camping stoves, using canisters of no more than 450g.
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. PLEASE DO NOT BRING YOUR OWN ALCOHOL ON TO THE MAIN FESTIVAL SITE.
10. And finally - You must take everything home with you and leave no trace. Please clear up all rubbish and recycle what you can. Bins will be provided so please use them, or feel free to take your rubbish home with you. After you have packed up your tent check around 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&Cs - please get in touch.
*Guide and Assistance Dogs excluded.
We are monitoring updates daily from the Welsh and UK Governments and from Public Health Wales. As you can appreciate, 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.
Free Personal Assistant Ticket Policy
We are pleased to offer a free personal assistant ticket for attendees who require additional support during the Big Retreat. This ticket is designed to provide assistance for adult attendees with disabilities.
You are automatically eligible for this scheme if you can provide one of the following:
Please note: Free personal assistant tickets are not applicable when the individual requiring care is a child, as parents or guardians naturally attend as part of the family group.
How to Apply for a Free Personal Assistant Ticket
If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re committed to making the Big Retreat accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
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).
This camping area will open at 10am
Your will be parked in the accessible car park near your camping area
This area will also have an 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 but we are set on an organic farm and we cannot allow dogs. Although some dogs enjoy a festival atmosphere not all do, and some festival-goers prefer a dog-free few days.
If you want your dog to remain close by we 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.
We usually have four organised meet ups in The Feel Good Tent which is in the Energy Field:
* Times and days TBC *
Come along to meet the group and we will show you round the site. You can ask any questions you have and more importantly get to know the rest of the group.
We are family friendly. Under 5s can come for free and 6 -15 year olds have their own concession ticket. Under 14s 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 such as bushcraft and spoon carving.
Strictly over 18s only in the gin and prosecco sessions, and at the bars. ID may be asked for so please ensure you bring some with you if you look on the young side!
We may ask to see ID to verify ages of under 12s.
Pack your sense of adventure, a yoga mat, a jumper (it might get chilly), a waterproof (it might rain) and some sun cream (it might be sunny).
Wellies are a must (it's a festival!). May weather is often lovely down here but it pays to be prepared.
No drones allowed - we'll confiscate them for the duration!
Whilst we do allow you to bring your own alcohol and food for consumption on the campsite please support our lovely local bars and traders. We have made sure that we have a good selection of cuisines available, and our bars will be selling a wide selection of drinks for your delectation.
Please contact us via hello@thebigretreatwales.co.uk or via our "Contact Us" page
If you cannot make the event you do on have the option to sell your tickets on Tixel for the price you originally paid.
It is recommended your seek insurance for your purchase in case of non-attendance.
Can I resell my ticket?
We are working with Tixel https://tixel.com/uk/the-big-retreat-2023-ticket who provide a safe and easy place for you to sell your ticket to another fan. To sell your ticket please go to tixel.com/sell and follow the prompts. If you have already found a buyer for your ticket but want to complete the transaction safely, you can create a private sale by selecting the ‘make my listing private’ option at the final step.
See full Camping Guidelines. We rely on you all to keep our campsite safe, so please follow the guidelines and especially :- strictly no fires or fire pits are allowed on the campsite . Absolutely no generators are to be brought on site. No cars can be parked on the camping field. There is a separate car park for all cars. Alcohol cannot be brought 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 wristbands and show them when asked. It is still your responsibility to look after yourself, your possessions & those in your charge. Any lost property (including children) 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!).
Thursday Arrivals
First thing’s first – if anyone has a Thursday (+ weekend) ticket then your tent will be ready to access from 4pm
Friday arrivals your tents will be ready from 10am on Friday
Arriving at The Glamping Village
Once you have parked you car you can head to check in .. this is a short walk from the car park to check but if you do need some help there are some wheel barrows available to help with luggage and a mini bus available especially for those with mobility issues, with young children or lots of luggage :-)
Bus operating times are
Thursday from 4pm to 9pm
Friday 10am to 9pm
Saturday 8am to 12pm
Monday 3pm to 9pm
Head to check in and get your wristbands for the weekend
We will email you a map of The Glamping Village and your tent number by Tuesday 21st May
For those of you who are familiar with the site, the glamping will be together in an ALMOST identical location to last year and it will be a big sign with THE GLAMPING VILLAGE at the front of the camping area – it will be straightforward to find us!
The 5m tents are visibly BIGGER than the 4m, and a slightly different colour (sandy), so please do an initial visual appraisal of which area to head to.. The Touaregs are completely different, so they’re super easy to spot.
Your number will be on a blackboard outside the tent to make the check-in process non-reliant on staffing, so if you arrive late, or can’t spot any crew, you can still access your tent without any difficulty. Please just get on and enjoy your weekend, no need to announce your arrival to us
If you have any issues AT ALL simply leave a “How can we help” card in the blue postbox at The Pamper Tent which will be checked regularly or speak to a member of staff at the main reception.
Things to remember ..
Please ensure you have read our full https://www.thebigretreatfestival.com/terms-and-conditions
Please note - checkout is 12 noon on the Monday (unless you have booked a Tuesday checkout) however glamping showers and pamper tent will remain open for guests
Facilities in The Glamping Village
Pamper Tent
There is a wash up station just on the edge of The Glamping Village for washing crockery.