United Kingdom LOGISTICS AND TRAVEL INFORMATION

Are you already dreaming of our retreat in the united kingdom? We are, and we can’t wait to see you there! Below are some logistics and packing information. We hope it answers all of your questions and if it doesn’t, please feel free to reach out at any time. We are here for you all along the way!

 

PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS

US citizens traveling to the United Kingdom must have a valid passport. The passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date and have two blank pages for stamps. A visa is not required for stays of up to six months, whether for tourism, business, or family visits.

Travelers may need to provide proof of return or onward travel and sufficient funds for their stay. Additional documentation may be required for specific purposes, such as studying, working, or joining family members. It's advisable to check the latest requirements before travel, as regulations can change.

Please make a copy or take a photo of your passport and email it to yourself so you have one on file.

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE PROCEDURES & GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Arrival BY AIR

By air, you can fly into Leeds Bradford Airport or Manchester International Airport. Leeds Bradford Airport is 24 miles away (airport transfer 45 mins) and Manchester Airport is 55 miles away (airport transfer 75 mins).

Arrival BY RAIL

The nearest train station is Skipton, Broughton Road, Skipton BD23 1RT (there will be taxis at the station and it is only a 10-minute drive to Broughton Hall). Trains from London Kings Cross are only 4 hours (single change at Leeds).

Arrival BY ROAD

From the M1, leave at junction 42 onto the M62. Join the M606 and follow signs for Skipton. From the M6, leave at junction 29 onto the M65 and follow signs for Skipton. Broughton Sanctuary is located 2 miles to the west of Skipton on the A59.

Check-in at the retreat center starts at 2 pm on July 31st, and check-out on August 5th is around 10am.

If you wish to arrive days earlier or stay after the retreat, there are plenty of boutique hotels and Airbnbs to stay at in Manchester, as well as in Skipton, a picturesque historic town near Broughton Sanctuary.

You also have the option to extend your stay at Broughton Sanctuary. Please reach out to us in advance for further assistance or if you need help with planning your trip.

IN CASE OF TROUBLES ON DAY OF TRAVEL

Should you have delays in arrival or other troubles on the day of travel, please contact us as soon as possible.

Ms. Jeanne, Revamp Retreat Leader: +32476621319 (WA)

Email: hello@revampretreats.com

  

GETTING READY FOR YOUR TRIP  

 

PACKING YOUR BAGS

Note that weather in the United Kingdom can be unpredictable during summer time, and vary between sunny and warm days and rainy, windy, cooler days so we suggest you bring clothes for both warmer and cooler weather. At the same time, try to keep it light by keeping valuables to an absolute minimum. You will not want to have to lug around a lot of excess luggage. Revamp Retreats is not responsible for any lost or stolen items including important paperwork such as passports. Some more packing tips below:

1.  Rolling clothes instead of normal folding works wonders in saving space.

2. Carry your daypack with you on the first day as you carry on. Keep your valuables in your daypack- i.e.: passport, money, ticket, journal, etc.  We recommend you pack one set of clothes in it should your suitcase get lost.

3. Flying: For a wellness-focused and comfortable flying experience, check out our tips here!

Clothing

  • Lightweight layers (T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, and light sweaters)

  • Comfortable hiking/walking shoes (preferably waterproof)

  • Casual trousers or jeans

  • Sweater or warm pullover for colder/rainy days

  • Shorts and skirts for warmer days

  • Light scarf or shawl for cooler evenings

  • Pajamas

  • Underwear/socks

  • House shoes/sandals

  • Yoga outfits

  • 1 outfit for ceremony

Accessories

  • 1 light travel yoga mat if you like to use your own (optional: the retreat center has all yoga mats and props provided!)

  • Sunglasses

  • Visor/hat/baseball cap

  • Windbreaker and waterproof jacket/raincoat

  • Bathing suits

Toiletries

  • Travel-size toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, flosses etc.)

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Feminine products, personal hygiene items

  • Hair ties, bandanas, or other things to keep your hair out of your face.

  • Sunblock and bug spray (natural or deet)

  • Any medications needed, allergy medicine

Think travel size and if possible biodegradable please! 

Electronics

  • UK plug adapter

  • Phone charger

  • Portable power bank

Travel Essentials

  • Passport and other identification

  • Copies of important documents (passport, travel insurance, itinerary)

  • Credit/debit cards and some local currency (GBP)

  • Travel insurance details

Miscellaneous

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Snacks for travel

  • Writing journal, a good book, and pens

  • Eye mask, ear plugs, small mirror 

  • Small backpack or daypack for excursions

WELLNESS

Your health and well-being is extremely important to us. To stay healthy with all the travel and switching time zones, it’s important to keep your immune system and your belly happy. Here are a few tips:

  • Supplements:

    • Probiotics (to regulate your immune system)

    • Activated Charcoal (if you get a stomach bug or need a quick, effective detox)

    • Magnesium (to sleep and relax)

    • Elderberry (to boost immunity)

  • Sleep Gear:

    • Eye mask

    • Ear plugs

  • Snacks

    • If you have food sensitivities, low blood sugar or love to snack, bring some healthy snacks with you!

INSURANCE

Revamp Retreats does not cover the theft, loss, or damage of personal property and equipment of trip participants. We suggest you confirm with your insurance carrier that they would cover the costs if your items are stolen, lost, or damaged while on your trip. We also highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. Please bring a copy of your insurance documents.

MONEY & TIPPING (GRATUITIES)

Currency

The official currency in the United Kingdom is British Pound Sterling (£), abbreviated as GBP.

Money

Please bring cash (GBP) for additional expenses, personal items, snacks, tipping and souvenirs. We highly recommend exchanging cash at the airport or pull money out of an ATM after you arrive.

Make sure you look up exchange rates during your stay and also check fees for Exchange Centers and ATMs.

  • ATMs: ATMs are widely available - look for machines that accept international cards (Visa, MasterCard).

  • Credit/Debit Cards: Commonly accepted in most establishments. Contactless payments are also widely used.

  • Currency Exchange: Available at airports, banks, and exchange bureaus. Compare rates to get the best deal.

Tipping (Gratitudes)

Tipping in the UK is more relaxed compared to some other countries, so it's not obligatory but appreciated for good service. General tipping etiquette is:

  • Restaurants: Service charges (usually 10-12.5%) might be included in the bill, especially in London. Check the bill to see if it's already included.

  • If no service charge is included, a 10-15% tip is customary for good service.

  • Bars/Pubs: Tipping is not expected, but rounding up to the nearest pound or leaving small change is appreciated for exceptional service.

  • Taxis: Round up to the nearest pound or add 10% to the fare.

  • Hotels:

    • Porters: £1-£2 per bag

    • Housekeeping: £1-£2 per night, left at the end of the stay

 

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT United Kingdom

 

A LITTLE ON BROUGHTON SANCTUARY

Welcome to your home for the week! Broughton Sanctuary, a 3000-acre estate passed down from generation to generation for over 1000 years, embodies a legacy of transformation and regeneration. Once known as Broughton Hall Estate, its evolution into a sanctuary reflects a commitment to nurturing both human and planetary well-being.

Broughton Sanctuary now stands as a beacon of sustainability and wellness, featuring everything from wild swimming and a woodland sauna to the serene “Avalon” wellbeing center and unique transformational retreats. It's a testament to a forward-thinking legacy that honors its roots while embracing a regenerative future. Broughton Sanctuary offers an abundance of opportunities to invigorate your mind, body and spirit. Connect to yourself, to nature and to each other with meaningful activities and experiences.

LOCATION AND TIME ZONE OF THE UNITED KINGDOM

During summer, United Kingdom is on WEST — Western European Summer Time (GMT+1), which is 9 hours ahead of Los Angeles (PST).

 

SAFETY

As it would be traveling to any foreign country, one must remember to be safe and respectful of other customs and situations. If this is your first experience traveling abroad, please be aware in public places, and keep a close watch on your belongings. You won’t want to bring any unnecessary valuables. Leave all of it at home that isn’t essential.

 

INTERNET / TELEPHONE SERVICE

Once we arrive at our retreat site, we encourage you to disconnect as much as possible. 

Feel free to get any international plans if you would like to have calling/text/data during your trip. A lot of phone carriers now include United Kingdom as part of their phone plans. You can call your carrier to check ahead of time.

Broughton Sanctuary will have internet on property if you need to connect.

 

WEATHER

The average weather in the United Kingdom during summer can be quite variable, typically with mild to warm weather and occasional rain showers. It's advisable to carry a light waterproof jacket or travel-sized umbrella. The average temperature in the United Kingdom during this time is between 11°C (low) and 22°C (high), or 52-72°F.

CRITTERS

Critters may be prominent in the area we are staying. Please keep your eyes open, but remember that most of the insects are harmless. Be prepared with closed toed shoes and clothing to cover your self with in case of any problems. Be sure to pack bug spray (natural or deet). There are also great natural salves for bug bites that can help with itching – you may want to bring one of these! When leaving your room and bathroom at night please turn off all lights. It will help to keep any bugs away. Conserve energy and have less bugs, it’s a win-win!

 

FOOD

We believe in eating delicious local and healthy meals on our retreat. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of local, freshly prepared and delicious food. If there are any dietary restrictions, please let us know ahead of time so we can inform the chef we will be working with.  

LAST, BUT NOT LEAST… HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO BE A CONSCIOUS TRAVELER:

Go with the flow: When traveling abroad things might not always go your way. Flights may be delayed, luggage lost, languages misunderstood. It is all part of the adventure, try your best to be okay with whatever comes up and embrace it as part of the journey. Practice patience and find humor in unexpected situations.

Respect the culture: Do some research to where you are going before you arrive. Respect the locals and their way of life (and ALSO respect the animals and wildlife). Keep an open mind: There is so much to learn from others who live differently and do things differently than we do. Take the time to try new things and enjoy the local food and customs. Slow down, relax, and take it all in.

Have fun: This trip is for YOU…. to relax and unwind, to dive in deep, to get to know yourself better, and to connect with others. Notice what comes up for you during the retreat. It may feel emotional, exciting, difficult… whatever comes up, embrace it. The schedule will be full of activities but also know when you need to take time alone to reflect, read, nap, or just do nothing. We are here for you on this journey and our mission is to spark passion and inspiration for your path and life purpose. Let us know how we can support you.

We hope this fully prepares you for an exciting trip to come!