Broughton Sanctuary in Yorkshire has announced a series of wellness retreats combining psychology, mythology and consciousness research, including comedienne Ruby Wax's fourth collaboration at the venue. Olivia Palamountain reports

Broughton Sanctuary in Yorkshire has designed a series of unique integrated wellness retreats combining psychology, mythology and consciousness research.

Taking place this autumn/winter at the estate's Avalon Wellbeing Centre, the comprehensive programmes take a rigorous approach to wellness tourism by combining academic research with experiential practices.

For example, the "Science & Consciousness Retreat" allows direct engagement with consciousness research via original Princeton experimental equipment rather than theoretical discussion alone. The Sense Retreat, meanwhile, is designed for individuals who experience the world with heightened empathy, imagination and sensitivity, addressing a specific psychological demographic rarely targeted by mainstream wellness programming.

Retreat participants can even a sprinkling of celeb stardust: Ruby Wax will returns for her fourth Broughton collaboration in December, alongside Buddhist monk Gelong Thubten and author Rahla Xenopoulos.

Here is the full line-up:

Sense Retreat - October 10-14, 2025

The first retreat specifically designed for highly sensitive people, targeting individuals who experience the world with heightened empathy, imagination and sensitivity. Led by psychologist Kirsty Allan and integrative psychotherapist Catherine Asta, the programme explores "vantage sensitivity" - described as the powerful gifts of empathy, creativity, intuition and heightened perception. Participants will contribute to live research advancing understanding of sensitivity's role in personal and collective transformation. Prices from £1,300 per person.

Science & Consciousness Retreat - October 20-24, 2025

Participants work with original experimental equipment from Princeton scientists Professor Robert Jahn and Brenda Dunne, whose studies explored human consciousness's influence on the physical world. The programme combines scientific inquiry with real-time experiments and guided practices exploring consciousness applications in everyday life. Prices from £799 per person.

Ruby Wax Retreat: Learning to Breathe Again When You're Stuck in the Spin Cycle of Life - December 10-15, 2025

Ruby Wax returns for her fourth Broughton collaboration alongside Buddhist monk Gelong Thubten and author Rahla Xenopoulos. The mental health advocate's latest retreat focuses on practical tools and lifestyle changes for navigating modern pressures, with participants receiving complimentary Crystal Light Therapy sessions worth £30. Prices from £1,800 per person.

Sharon Blackie: A Psyche the Size of Earth - Creating a New Mythology of Place - February 23-28, 2026

Dr Sharon Blackie makes her Broughton debut with a programme rooted in Celtic mythology and archetypal psychology. The award-winning author and psychologist will guide participants through story, journeying, writing and land-based practices exploring what psychologist James Hillman termed "a psyche the size of Earth." The retreat aims to help guests rediscover native British and Irish traditions whilst connecting more deeply with the places they inhabit. Prices from £1,700 per person.

The Zen Samurai Retreat: Ancient Japanese Teachings for a Focused Life - June 2026

Following its successful 2025 inaugural programme, Sensei Zen Takai, described as a descendant of 16 generations of Samurai, returns to share "The Zen Samurai Way." The retreat combines Bushido philosophy, Zen meditation and Shinto tradition through martial arts, calligraphy and mindful movement practices designed as "moving meditation for modern life leadership." Prices from £1,000 per person.