Wellness festivals for women and menopause.

Wellness in the wild festival.

Making the most of menopause.

Peace, Yoga, Hot Tubs, and Menopause-Friendly Magic

When you think of festivals, most people picture loud music, muddy fields, and being shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers. But what if there was a festival designed for your wellness, not your hangover? A space where you could stretch into yoga at sunrise, sink into hot tubs under the trees, try an ice bath for energy, and listen to inspiring talks on menopause and women’s health.

That’s exactly what Wellness in the Wild Festival is about, a beautiful wellness retreat in the Suffolk countryside that puts self-care at the heart of everything.

In July, I packed up with Francesca from Francescas Sports massage; to go and see what it was all about. My friend and colleague Julie- The Essex Menopause Coach, was speaking there and had told me it was really worth a visit.

A Gentle Arrival for an Anxious Mind

The festival is tucked away in Rickinghall, Suffolk, not far from me, but it felt like another world. Fields, green space, and that kind of calm you only feel when you step out of your daily routine.

Now, I’ll be honest, menopause and anxiety often go hand-in-hand for me. Arriving at new places can sometimes feel daunting. But Wellness in the Wild was so well signed and easy to navigate that I immediately relaxed. No overwhelm, no stress, just good vibes from the start.

Movement, Mindfulness & Menopause Support

We kicked things off with food (priorities, right?). Their food trucks offered healthy, balanced choices; vegan, veggie, and meat options. For me, eating is the best part of the day so to have options that keep the menopause rage at bay is super important.

Our first session was an outdoor Pilates class, intimate, grounding, and so refreshing. Movement is so powerful in menopause, helping with flexibility, bone strength, and mood, and doing it in the fresh air just made it extra special. I haven’t managed to get to any Pilates classes since my hysterectomy and it was super eye opening that I really need to get back to it!

Then came the real treat: the spa experience. We’d pre-booked two hours of hot tubs, saunas, and ice baths hidden in the woods. Honestly, it was magic. And yes, I even loved the ice bath! If you’ve read my earlier blogs, you’ll know how much the benefits of cold-water therapy during menopause can help. It can ease inflammation, calm hot flushes, and boost your energy levels when fatigue hits hard. On such a hot July day, plunging into the ice bath was both a necessity and a need. We regretted not booking in a massage or Reki whilst we were in the spa area (one to remember for next year!)

Self-Care in Action

After the spa, we grabbed ice cream (wellness includes joy too!) before heading over to yoga for a big stretch. This session was busier, with drumming echoing across the festival. Some found it distracting, but for me it was a great soundtrack for me to close off my busy menopause brain that never shuts off.

As the day went on, we browsed the stalls, listened to live music, and explored what the festival had to offer.

Why This Festival is a Menopause Must

The truth is, menopause can be overwhelming. Anxiety, fatigue, brain fog, and aches can hold us back from trying new things. But Wellness in the Wild is the kind of event that makes you feel safe, supported, and inspired. It’s also a great festival if you aren’t menopausal and there was the odd male there too. Seems like lots of women were there with friends having a sneaky wine.

We loved it so much that we’ve already booked to return next year, this time for the full three days. More talks, more workshops, more time to explore.

If you’re looking for a wellness festival, a retreat-style escape, or just a space to recharge during menopause or just because, Wellness in the Wild might be exactly what you need.

https://www.wellnessinthewild.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/wellnessinthewildfestival/

Francesca sports massage

https://www.instagram.com/francescasportsmassage/