Autumn Somatic Day Retreat: Regulate, Restore & Rest
An Evidence-Based Day of Somatic Movement, Vagus Nerve Regulation, and Bone Health for Women in Midlife and Beyond. Rather than large, crowded group settings, this day is designed as an intimate, high-touch experience - a warm, inclusive space where every woman is seen, supported, and included.
Our cosy, glowing studio space at Newton Meadows, complete with a warm log fire, tea, and delicious treats for our autumn retreat.
Date: Sunday, 25th October 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Newton Meadows, Shropshire
Group Size: Intentionally Small & High-Touch (No large, crowded groups - just an inclusive, welcoming space where every woman is seen, supported, and included)
Investment: £120.00 (Flexi-Payment Option: £60.00 deposit upon booking, £60.00 balance paid on 1st October 2026)
Expert-Led Somatic & Movement Education: Your Educator
Sarah Pritchard MSMT MSME (ISMETA Registered Master Somatic Educator, Buff Bones® Faculty & Level 4 Franklin Method® Educator) welcoming you to Newton Meadows for an expert-led autumn retreat.
Sarah Pritchard MSMT MSME
ISMETA Registered Master Somatic Movement Therapist & Educator (MSMT/MSME)
Comprehensive Pilates Teacher (Alan Herdman Pilates)
Buff Bones® Faculty Member
Expert Level 4 Franklin Method® Educator
SomaSoul® Somatic Therapist
This day retreat is delivered through the lens of dynamic neuro-cognitive imagery, evidence-based biomechanics, and Deb Dana’s application of polyvagal theory. This is regulated, highly credentialed, professional somatic work designed to empower you with tools you can use for a lifetime.
“Autumn, the beautiful season of change, letting go, contraction, and quietness… Come home to your body. Let the space, the movement, your body, and autumn hold you.”
Midlife is a time of discovery and deepening into you. It is about taking proactive, intelligent steps to support your body for the long term. What you do now truly changes your future.
Join international educator Sarah Pritchard for an intentionally small, high-touch day retreat in the Shropshire countryside. Designed specifically for women navigating midlife, perimenopause, and menopause, this restorative day integrates medically endorsed bone and joint health programming, dynamic neuro-cognitive imagery, breathing techniques, and practical nervous system regulation as a wellbeing practice.
Together, we will build physical strength, refine inner and outer balance, and cultivate a deep softness and expansion in our breath. It is already within you, waiting to be discovered.
The Three Pillars of Your Day Retreat
1. Midlife Bone & Joint Health (Buff Bones® & Specialised Movement)
Using evidence-based Buff Bones® programming - a medically endorsed system integrating principles of Pilates for osteoporosis, biomechanics, functional movement and bone density - we focus on safe, bone-strengthening movement, posture, and joint integrity. Experience how to protect and load your skeleton safely while building physical confidence through perimenopause, menopause, and midlife.
2. Vagus Nerve Regulation & Embodied Breath (Franklin Method®)
Explore the structural influence of the vagus nerve using Franklin Method® imagery, organ dynamics, and gentle ball work. Learn practical breathing and sounding techniques to directly stimulate vagal tone, down-regulate the nervous system, and transition your body out of chronic stress into true physiological rest.
3. Inner Resilience & Emotional Regulation (SomaSoul® Somatic Therapy)
Drawing from the wellbeing side of SomaSoul® Somatic Therapy, you will learn gentle somatic practices to tune into internal physical cues, navigate stress responses with kindness, and cultivate sustainable emotional regulation and inner resilience.
Appreciating the Influence of the Vagus Nerve
As our primary nerve of wellbeing, we can see directly from anatomical science how the vagus nerve's branches literally wander through the body - stretching from the brainstem down through the neck, chest, heart, and deep into the abdominal viscera.
By engaging this vast neural network through somatic movement, targeted breath, and Franklin Method® techniques, you actively expand your physiological bandwidth for stress. Improving vagal tone enhances organ function, supports digestive health, enlivens your senses, and restores your body's innate capacity for deep recovery.
Sarah Pritchard MSMT MSME demonstrating an embodied vagus nerve regulation and toning practice connecting heart and gut awareness at Newton Meadows.
The anatomical pathway of the vagus nerve connecting brain, heart, and gut.
Who This Retreat Is For
This retreat is specifically curated for women in midlife and beyond who:
Are experiencing hormonal changes, perimenopause, menopause, or stress-related symptoms including tiredness and aching joints, or who are looking for different tools to add to their own wellbeing kit.
Long to reconnect to their body in a kind, grounded, and meaningful way.
Want expert, evidence-based guidance on joint health, osteopenia, and Pilates-aligned movement for osteoporosis.
Need practical, science-backed tools for emotional regulation and nervous system health.
Value a calm, safe, intimate, and intelligent space to reset away from daily demands.
You prefer an intimate setting over large, crowded groups and long for a warm, inclusive space where you are genuinely welcomed, supported, and included.
Important Safety Guidance & Space Boundaries
Space Guidance & Boundaries for the wellbeing of group work
Please note that this retreat operates strictly within the domain of Somatic Movement Education and features practices drawn from the wellbeing side of SomaSoul® Somatic Therapy. While I share tools from my therapeutic practice, this group day is designed for education, self-discovery, and health optimization. It is not a therapy group or a space to process personal trauma or deep emotional topics typically addressed in 1-on-1 somatic therapy. However, the wellbeing practices I offer have an incredible effect on the health and wellbeing of our nervous system and some of them are great fun to do and can easily be built into everyday life!
Physical Safety & Suitability
This retreat is safe for individuals with bone and joint health conditions (including osteoporosis), provided you are cleared for exercise by your medical provider and are steady and safe getting up and down from the floor independently.
Spinal Fractures: If you have ever experienced a spinal fracture, you must contact Sarah directly prior to booking.
Under Care: If you are currently working with a physiotherapist or specialist health provider, please consult with Sarah first to ensure this day is suitable for your individual needs.
Our Venue & Hospitality: Newton Meadows, Shropshire
Nestled in the tranquil countryside, Newton Meadows offers a peaceful, cozy setting for quiet reset:
Our warm timber movement studio at Newton Meadows, prepared with Franklin Method® balls and cushions, looking directly out onto the peaceful pine trees and Shropshire countryside.
🍁 Cosy Log Fire: If the autumn air is chilly, our crackling log fire keeps our studio, bodies, and spirits glowing throughout the day.
🍁 Nature Views: Our movement space looks directly out onto beloved pine trees, providing a serene backdrop for somatic practices and on a good day we go outside to experience some of these practices.
🍁 Rolling Gardens: Weather permitting, take a mindful walk through the private grounds and take in views across the landscape to the Shropshire hills.
🍁 Full Hospitality: Refreshments are provided throughout the day, including a wholesome healthy lunch, warming drinks, and delicious afternoon chocolate cake.
The golden autumn trees and falling leaves in the private grounds at Newton Meadows, Shropshire.
What Past Participants Say
“I valued the space and the small group which created a very personal experience with a clear connection to the other participants. I loved the softness of the approach and the connection to the beautiful and powerful act of breathing... Breath is apparently such a simple act and yet such a beautiful act of self-care and healing.”
“The retreat day was so relaxing in terms of location - beautiful rural scenery, warm almost festive sense of comfort from the fire, and healthy snacks and drinks on offer. Sarah brought the potentially baffling area of somatics to life and made it really relatable. It was fascinating to hear about the vagus nerve and how your well-being can be enhanced and senses enlivened and refreshed with somatic movements. The whole day was firstly relaxing and the theory of the system was fascinating to learn about. I would recommend Sarah’s retreats to anyone whether they want intellectual stimulation, body and mind relaxation, or both.”
Reserve Your Place
Total Investment: £120.00
To maintain a quiet, deeply personal atmosphere with individual attention, spaces are strictly limited.
Payment Structure:
Option 1: Pay in full today (£120.00)
Option 2 (Flexi-Payment Plan): Reserve your spot with a £60.00 deposit today; final £60.00 payment due 1st October 2026 - email Sarah directly about this as this feature is coming soon
Have a question about bone health suitability or the itinerary before booking? Message Sarah directly.
Nourishing refreshments, delicious cakes, warming drinks, and thoughtful hospitality await you at my retreat for the midlife at Newton Meadows.
Finding Your Way
Venue Location
Address: Newton Meadows, The Garden Room, Wem Road, Harmer Hill, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 3EA
What3Words: ///trucks.handicap.swoop
The Garden Room: My Dedicated Somatic Space
The Garden Room is my home space for dedicated embodied and somatic movement - set within three acres of private, tranquil grounds. Located on the outskirts of Harmer Hill, just five miles north of Shrewsbury’s historic town centre, the venue offers a peaceful escape from the noise of daily life.
The Environment: Surrounded by open Shropshire countryside, the room overlooks expansive lawns, a private fishing pond, and a quiet wooded area.
The Atmosphere: A light-filled, wood-clad space designed specifically for intimate movement, meditation, and somatic work. It features a cozy wood-burning stove to ensure warmth and comfort during deep regulation work.
Ample Private Parking: There is a large, flat, hard-standing car park directly adjacent to the Garden Room and cottages. Parking is free for all attendees.
Travel & Driving Directions
Newton Meadows is highly accessible via the main UK road network, making it a convenient day trip for attendees across Shropshire, the Midlands, Cheshire, and North Wales.
From the M6 (North & South): Exit at Junction 10A onto the M54. Follow to the end of the motorway and take the A5 around Shrewsbury, joining the A49 or A528 towards Whitchurch/Ellesmere.
From the A5 / A483 (North Wales & Chester): Follow the A5 south towards Shrewsbury, taking the bypass to the A528.
From Birmingham & West Midlands: A simple 50-minute drive via the M54 and A5.
I look forward to welcoming you to Newton Meadows this October! Sarah xx