A bed with six pillows, two decorative pillows with floral embroidery, and a white textured bedspread. Behind the bed, there is a wallpaper with a red toile pattern depicting outdoor scenes. Above the bed, there is a framed artwork and two lamps reflected in the glass.
A person lying down with a pink knitted hat, receiving a gentle touch on the forehead from another person. Overlay text reads 'Rest in Medicine' and information about a summer solstice retreat called 'Earth and Bloom,' described as a restorative two-night midsummer sanctuary for doctors.
A large historic brick mansion with multiple gabled roofs and large bay windows surrounded by a green lawn with daisies, under a sunset sky with orange and purple clouds.
A green bookshelf filled with various hardcover books below a framed painting of a man riding a horse on a plain.
A stone cottage wall with a window surrounded by pink climbing roses and white wisteria, with a lush garden of white daisies and purple flowers in the foreground.
A stone house with arched doorway and Victorian architectural details, surrounded by lush green plants and blooming flowers, including a large white flowering shrub and purple flowering vines.
A stone house exterior with a window, overgrown with pink and white roses and other flowering plants, surrounded by grass and purple and white daisies.
“What if we stop treating rest as a reward to earn and begin seeing rest as a gift to receive? ”
— Nicola Ann Hobbs

Friday 19th to Sunday 21st June 2026

Langcliffe Hall

Settle
North Yorkshire

Hosted by Dr Alison Smith of Earth & Bloom
and Charlotte Bell of NourishHQ

EMAIL TO BOOK
EMAIL TO BOOK
“Afterwards I felt lighter, something happened during that day and some of the heaviness I had been carrying lifted. It was a true reminder of the power of nature; time; space; breathing and of human connection. Huge thanks to Alison for creating such a positive and life affirming day”
— HW
A large, vintage brick house with pointed towers and multiple windows, partially covered with ivy, surrounded by a grassy garden with white daisies and small trees, at sunset with a colorful sky.

THE IMPORTANCE OF REST IN MEDICINE

Just like earth and flowers, humans need seasons, too. Seasons to rest and be, seasons to bloom, seasons to thrive and seasons to slow down and let go. 

Unlike earth or nature, medicine can be relentless and exacting. It carries profound responsibility, complexity and sustained pressure. It asks for continued presence, clinical judgement and emotional steadiness, often without protected time for rest or reflection. What should be recognised as essential to professional longevity has, for many doctors, come to feel like an indulgence, a luxury.

Offering both rest and luxury, Rest in Medicine is a new kind of retreat, designed by doctors for doctors as a way for you to step out of the clinical environment and explore the challenges and importance of embracing rest in our lives. Taking place at the height of summer, at that natural pause where the days linger and the world softens, this is an intentional space for you to put down the weight of daily responsibility and life as a doctor and instead, to turn that gaze inwards to see what you might need to help sustain you and your life and work in medicine.

A long dining table decorated with floral arrangements, candles, woven placemats, silverware, and glasses in a home with bookshelves and framed portraits on the wall.
A large stone mansion with a ivy-covered front facade, surrounded by a well-maintained garden with flowers and stone steps leading up to the entrance.
A woman lighting a candle on a wooden table with red and pink glasses, surrounded by potted plants, with sunlight coming through a window.
Various fresh herbs in glass jars with handwritten labels, including lemon balm, peppermint, and chamomile, displayed on a rustic wooden surface.

WHY REST IN MEDICINE?

An alternative to many of the mainstream wellbeing initiatives that often struggle to meet the reality and complexity of medical work. Rest in Medicine has been thoughtfully designed as an invitation to explore the many dimensions of rest and our relationship with it. It recognises that rest is not a single act but a layered experience, and that for doctors in particular it can be complex, unfamiliar, or even challenging to access.

The retreat offers a structured yet spacious environment in which different forms of rest can be experienced and understood physical, mental, emotional and creative, alongside thoughtful consideration of the professional and cultural barriers that often make rest difficult within medicine.

Through guided practice and reflection, writing, conversation, gentle movement and time outdoors in a beautiful nature setting, you’ll be invited to open up a deeper conversation with rest, work and what it all means to you. Or you may choose to arrive and simply be, enjoy the garden, explore the extensive grounds and stunning local landscape, to sleep in your own beautiful bedroom or relax in the many outdoor spaces and reading nooks. 

Knowing that you will be held with care and professionalism, free to engage fully or to step back as needed. There is no expectation to perform or participate. The structure is there to support you, not to demand from you.

Held over the summer solstice weekend in a carefully-chosen setting in North Yorkshire by Dr. Alison Smith, an experienced doctor, coach and facilitator with more than twenty years of experience in clinical practice, Rest in Medicine is a small-group, slow-paced experience with room for quiet thinking, shared dialogue and deep experience, grounded in professionalism, discretion and care.

Places are intentionally limited.

If this feels like what you need right now, you are welcome to reserve your place and step into the weekend with us.

EMAIL TO BOOK
EMAIL TO BOOK
Young woman with a raised ponytail holding a large bouquet of white and pale purple flowers outdoors in a green field, with trees and cloudy sky in the background.

THE INVITATION TO REST IN MEDICINE

Located in a historic house surrounded by walled gardens, wildflowers and woodlands in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, Rest in Medicine is an invitation to step away from your clinical practice and daily life to find ways to slow down and explore what you need to help sustain yourself and your work.

Facilitated and held by Dr. Alison Smith and Charlotte Bell from NourishHQ, an experienced yoga and prānāyāma practitioner, āyurvedic healer and herbalist, the gently structured weekend balances space and time to breathe and be with an array of optional activities, allowing you to choose the depth of engagement that feels right for you.

A large, historic stone mansion with illuminated windows surrounded by a lush, green garden at dusk or evening.

Designed to sit alongside nature, the seasons and the Yorkshire weather, which can be unpredictable, even in the height of summer, the retreat includes yoga nidra and breathwork sessions, nourishing meals made with home-grown organic produce, a herbal tea bar, waterfall walks and swims, and plenty of time for long soaks in deep bathtubs, befriending the local animals, gathering and arranging flowers, reading and exploring the beautiful walled gardens.

Offering space for a gentle exploration of the deeper meaning of rest, Rest in Medicine includes daily opening and closing circles and reflective solstice journaling prompts as a way to connect, share, and to bring clarity and nuance to the idea of rest, particularly within the culture and demands of medicine.

A woman with short brown hair smiling, wearing a floral jacket over a white top, blue jeans, and jewelry, standing indoor near a window with a dark wooden wall background.

Facilitated by Alison, these spaces are grounded in lived practice, conscious dialogue and coaching principles that respect and honour your autonomy and professional identity. Rest in Medicine has been shaped with a clear understanding of the pressures and responsibilities that accompany a medical career.

It has been designed as the retreat Alison longed for during her own years in practice: a space that is professionally held, psychologically aware, and genuinely restorative. Every element reflects both her experience as a doctor and her commitment to creating something that feels credible, spacious and deeply supportive for those working in the profession.

A stone building with Gothic-style arched doorway, surrounded by climbing purple wisteria and white flowering bush, with a paved stone walkway in front.
A landscape view of rolling hills and fields at sunset, framed by dark silhouettes of trees in the foreground.
Purple wildflowers blooming in a grassy field with hills and cloudy sky in the background.
Sunset over rolling hills with trees in the foreground and a mountain in the background under a clear blue sky.
A woman with long dark hair, wearing a purple dress and black vest, stands among colorful flowers in a lush garden, holding a woven basket and gesturing as if explaining something.

“So often, the approach to wellbeing for doctors is impersonal, clinical and resilience-focused. Alison’s is refreshingly personal, holistic and built on empathy and empowerment. She listens deeply and has an almost alchemical way of helping you work through complex feelings to develop a far greater understanding of yourself. She is endlessly supportive and encouraging as you identify and work through specific issues and develop new strategies to deal with them. She always makes a point of acknowledging the progress you are making and the courage it takes to do that. Her kindness, humanity and emotional intelligence are evident in everything she does.”

- NM Resident Doctor

A woman walking through a gate into a rural, green landscape with hills and trees, wearing jeans, a patterned shirt, and rain boots, with a muddy puddle reflecting the gate.

WHO IS REST IN MEDICINE FOR?

Rest in Medicine is open to medical doctors from all specialities and career stages.

It’s designed for those who want protected time to reflect, reconnect with themselves, the natural world and their work on a deeper level, gain greater insights into the value and importance of rest and explore how to sustain themselves and those they lead.

It’s particularly suited to clinicians seeking deep rest, questioning why they may struggle to rest and switch off, feeling the weight of responsibility at all times and unable to find a balance between rest and needing to be hyper-alert and aware, especially when in work or on call.

Over the course of the weekend, you’ll have the chance to learn tried-and-tested tools and techniques for regulating stress, maintaining emotional balance, restoring self-trust and negating overwhelm, along with insights into how nature and creativity can help support sustainable practice.

EMAIL TO BOOK
EMAIL TO BOOK
A wooden bookshelf filled with old leather-bound books, decorated with twisted wood columns on each side. In front, there is a small cabinet with an arrangement of white flowering branches in a pottery vase and a vintage black-and-white family photograph.
A vintage bathroom with a white clawfoot bathtub, a double sink, framed artwork on the walls, and a window with floral curtains, natural light, and a dark wooden dresser.
A luxurious bedroom with dark wood paneling on the walls, a four-poster bed with a white bedspread and red floral skirt, two lamps on bedside tables, patterned chairs, and a window with curtains letting in natural light.
Living room with vintage furniture including a sofa, armchair with footrest, multiple patterned cushions, wooden chairs, and a small round table near large windows with floral curtains. The room has paintings on the walls, a tall grandfather clock, and potted plants, with warm lighting from lamps.

THE REST IN MEDICINE SEASONAL SANCTUARY

Surrounded by dramatic hills, ancient forests and medicinal gardens, our chosen venue, Langcliffe Hall, is an integral and unique part of the rest and the medicine of this midsummer escape.

The epitome of lived-in-luxury, Langcliffe Hall has been in Charlotte’s family for more than 400 years. Nestled in the Yorkshire Dales, this cosy, character-filled manor is filled with oak-panelled drawing rooms, wood-burning stoves, and luxurious bedrooms full of history and old-world charm, with deep, claw-footed bath tubs, four-poster beds, and tucked-away reading nooks that look out over the walled gardens, wildflower meadows, and woodlands.

Throughout our stay, you’ll also be free to wander the grounds, where you’ll find meandering pathways frequented by donkeys, horses, and geese, gardens filled with trailing roses, seasonal flowers, organic vegetables, medicinal herbs, and a spring-fed tank, where you can take a cooling dip. There will also be the option for a walk to a nearby waterfall and the chance to go wild swimming.

Woman holding a large bunch of leafy greens in a lush garden with various plants and white flowers.
A lush garden with purple allium flowers in bloom, surrounded by green foliage, with tall trees in the background and sunlight filtering through the leaves.
A room prepared for a meditation or yoga session, featuring a circular arrangement of blue mats and white bolsters on a beige carpet. At the center, a floral arrangement with candles is positioned on a pink patterned cloth. The room has a green wall with a built-in shelf filled with decorative items, flowers, and plants, and a small table with a flower vase on the left.
A formal dining room with a long table set for a meal, decorated with a centerpiece of pink, orange, and red flowers, and flutes of yellow champagne. The room has walls adorned with portrait paintings, a bookshelf filled with books, and decorative blue and white porcelain plates and bowls displayed on top.
Group of people walking along a dirt path in a hilly, rural landscape with green grass and distant mountains under a blue sky with some clouds.
A variety of colorful salads and roasted vegetables served in wooden and ceramic bowls, with small dishes of sauces and pickles on a wooden table.

PUTTING REST IN MEDICINE INTO PRACTICE

Circle Gathering

A gentle, welcoming space for connection, quiet reflection and grounding at the beginning and end of each day.

Meditation, Breathwork, Yoga Nidra & Somatic Movement

Slow, intentional practices designed to help soothe your nervous system, reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm.

Reflective Questions, Journalling & Poetry

Thoughtful seasonal prompts, passages and gentle invitations to encourage insight and self-discovery.

Nourishing Meals & Snacks

Enjoy nutritious, delicious meals, snacks, and botanical refreshments, including Charlotte’s special herbal tea and tincture bar.

Walks & Wild Swimming

Take a refreshing dip or a cold plunge in the spring-fed sunken tank, or join us on a guided walk to the local waterfall, where you’ll have the option to go wild swimming.

Space and Time to Just Be

EMAIL TO BOOK
EMAIL TO BOOK
Multiple white ceramic cups with blue rims arranged on a black tray outdoors, with herbal plants and glasses of tea in the background.
A stone wall with various colorful flowering plants, including purple, white, and pink flowers, growing along the base and climbing up it.
A lush garden with colorful flowers and well-maintained hedges, set against a backdrop of green trees, rolling hills, and a clear blue sky.
Sunset over rolling green hills with rocky slopes and stone fences.
A lush garden with various green plants and yellow flowers in front of a small stone building with a closed door, surrounded by tall trees and bushes.

THE DETAILS OF REST IN MEDICINE

Rest in Medicine is a relaxing rest-focussed retreat designed specifically for doctors. Taking place over the summer solstice weekend at Langcliffe Hall in North Yorkshire, your two-night stay includes accommodation, retreat offerings, and all food and drink on-site.


Meals are made using locally sourced organic produce, much of it from Langcliffe Hall’s vegetable gardens. Dietary requirements can be catered to with plenty of advance notice; however, very specific dietary issues may incur an extra fee.

A lush vegetable garden with various plants and flowers, bordered by wooden planters and supported by wooden stakes, under a cloudy sky with large green trees in the background.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS AT LANGCLIFFE HALL

There are eight rooms available at Langcliffe Hall, including two with en-suite bathrooms available for double/twin share, and six available on a single occupancy basis with shared bathrooms (either between two or three rooms).

PRICES STATED INCLUDE TWO NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION, ALL MEALS AND RETREAT OFFERINGS.

Rooms are first-come, first-served and require a £200 non-refundable deposit to secure. With the remainder due 6 weeks prior to the retreat. Please let us know your preference when making your booking.

Please note: there are no showers in the house, but each bathroom has a large bathtub, and there will be plenty of time for relaxing baths throughout the weekend.

EMAIL TO BOOK
EMAIL TO BOOK
A cozy vintage bedroom with a four-poster bed featuring green curtains, a sofa in front of a fireplace, and decorative framed artwork on the walls.

MASTER SUITE
Emperor-sized four-poster bed with a dressing room and private bathroom.
£595 single occupancy OR £465 pp shared RESERVED

A cozy bedroom with a large bed, framed botanical prints on the walls, and a window with floral curtains.

FLOWER ROOM
King-sized double room. Shares a large bathroom with the Oak Room.
Single occupancy £495 RESERVED

A cozy bedroom with a large bed, vintage wooden furniture, patterned wallpaper, and large windows with cream curtains, overlooking lush greenery outside.

TOILE ROOM
King-sized double room. Shares a large bathroom with the Library Room.
Single occupancy £495 RESERVED

A cozy bedroom with a large bed, cream-colored quilt, and a plaid pillow. Behind the bed are bookshelves with books, a fireplace mantel, and artwork on the mint green walls. There are two lamps, a small wooden desk with mirror, a chair, curtain, and a window showing greenery outside. A red patterned rug lies on the carpeted floor.

LIBRARY ROOM
Super king-sized double bed. Shares a large bathroom with the Toile Room.

Single occupancy £495 RESERVED

A bedroom featuring dark wood paneled walls, a large four-poster bed with a white quilt and a floral bed skirt, two lamps, and vintage chairs near a fireplace. The room has a window with curtains and a small red patterned rug.

OAK ROOM
Small double four-poster bed. Shares a large bathroom with the Flower Room.
Single occupancy £495 RESERVED

A cozy bedroom with a white-painted fireplace, a large window with floral curtains, a bed with a red quilt, floral pillows, and soft lighting from lamps on the nightstands.

BLUE ROOM
Smaller double bedroom. Large shared bathroom with the Princess Room and one other.
Single occupancy £465 RESERVED

A cozy bedroom with a white bedspread, decorative pillows, a wooden nightstand with a table lamp, vintage wallpaper, and checked curtains.

PRINCESS ROOM
Single four-poster bed. Large shared bathroom with Blue Room and one other.
Single occupancy £465 RESERVED

A cozy bedroom with a double bed, nightstands with lamps, framed artwork, a fireplace, and classic furniture in a vintage style.

CARA'S ROOM
Large twin bedroom with an ensuite bathroom.
£595 Single occupancy or £465 pp shared RESERVED

BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS
BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS
EMAIL TO BOOK
EMAIL TO BOOK

ABOUT DR ALISON SMITH

A woman with short brown hair wearing a floral blazer, jewelry, and a white top, is smiling as she writes in a notebook while holding a smartphone in her left hand at a wooden table.

Dr Alison Smith runs Earth & Bloom, a retreat and coaching practice focused on supporting doctors sustain wellbeing, compassion and creativity within the realities of modern medicine.

With over twenty years’ experience in clinical practice, Alison now works exclusively as a coach and facilitator for doctors. Her work is grounded in the belief that sustainable medicine begins with doctors who feel resourced, valued and whole.

Alison holds an ILM Level 5 qualification in Coaching and Mentoring and is a certified Time to Think coach and experienced facilitator - with an approach centred on psychological safety, quality of attention and reflective depth.

Since 2018, she has contributed to several national and regional coaching programmes across England and Wales, including NHS England’s Coaching Scheme, LMC Wellbeing Schemes, and the Trailblazer GP Initiative.

Through Earth & Bloom, Alison creates reflective spaces that blend professional integrity with nature connection and creative exploration. She works with doctors as peers, with equality, respect and understanding, supporting them to think clearly, reconnect with purpose, and rediscover how to flourish in their work and lives.

Learn more about Alison
Learn more about Alison
EMAIL TO BOOK
EMAIL TO BOOK

A reminder…..

Rest in Medicine counts towards your CPD as reflective practice. The GMC, COPMeD and the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges are clear that structured reflection has a genuine evidence base - improving clinical performance, reducing burnout risk and sustaining meaning in your work. The circles, journaling and guided conversations across the weekend are exactly the kind of structured reflection your appraiser is looking for.

I also know that finances can be complicated, and I never want that to be the reason you don’t come. If it would help to talk through what might be possible, please do reach out in confidence.