Winter Retreat at Waterperry with Yoga for Blokes

Winter Retreat Waterperry 2026 takes place from Friday 4th of December til Sunday the 6th at Waterperry House, near Oxford. A retreat for men who want the benefits of yoga and mindfulness without the fluff.
Waterperry House has Georgian, Elizabethan and Jacobean wings. Waterperry Gardens were established by Beatrix Havergal and Avice Sanders, who ran a horticultural school there. Currently it is owned by a charitable foundation – The School of Philosophy and Economic Science, which is of Hindu provenance. The interior features frescos which are about Advaita philosophy.
Lead by two qualified hatha yoga instructors, Alan and Craig, the retreat will be an opportunity for reflection and yoga practice so yogins can recharge prior to the festive season, offering stress reduction, increased mobility, mental clarity. People who attend will be able to generate new relationships and reconnect with purpose. The event suits beginners as well as intermediate yogins.
Alan has run men’s yoga groups in the West Country for ten years. Whilst living in London he practiced the Korean martial art of Taekwon do. Craig runs a yoga group in Cornwall and practices Jiu Jitsu and Pekiti Tirsia Kali. Together they share an interest in Buddhism. Both are qualified first-aiders.
Craig specialises in meditation and pranayama and will take charge of this aspect of the weekend. Alan will deliver instruction for asana practice, plus presentations specific to men’s health and yoga metaphysics. There will be some team teaching. The overall style is not macho, gentle but challenging.
During Winter Retreat, Waterperry 2026, yogins will have some free time allotted to do as they please. There are walks around the house and grounds; there may be ‘a field trip’ ! and weather pending, outdoor yoga. Simon, House and Grounds manager at Waterperry is able to give a guided tour of the frescos – which link to the School of Philosophy and Economic Science.
Catering is provided by Tom Otter. Tom specialises in vegetarian, Ayurvedic fayre. He creates delicious food, presenting it with colour, flair and style. Tom’s catering has been a feature at other yoga retreats in the UK. Accommodation is within purpose built bedrooms, single or double rooms are available.
You can expect an informative, fun and valuable weekend – learning more about yourself through yoga in a characterful, luxurious setting.