Rewilding Holidays in Cornwall: Reconnect with Nature at Cotna Eco Retreat
In an age of fast-paced living, digital overload, and environmental concerns, more people are seeking deeper, more meaningful connections with nature. Enter the rewilding holiday – a way of travelling that’s not only restorative for the soul, but also beneficial to the planet. At Cotna Eco Retreat in south Cornwall, you can experience the true essence of rewilding in one of the most beautiful and unspoilt corners of the UK.
What is a Rewilding Holiday?
Rewilding holidays go beyond traditional eco-tourism. They are about stepping away from the timetables of modern life and immersing yourself in the rhythms of the natural world. At their heart, rewilding holidays encourage us to slow down, tread lightly, and reconnect with the wildness within and around us.
Rather than packed itineraries and endless sightseeing, a rewilding holiday is about waking up to birdsong, walking barefoot on the grass, learning how to live more sustainably, and spending time in landscapes that are allowed to flourish naturally.
Why Cornwall is Ideal for Rewilding
Cornwall is home to rugged coastlines, ancient woodlands, rolling fields, and a strong culture of environmental stewardship. Its mild climate and rich biodiversity make it the perfect place to experience a rewilding holiday. From wild swimming in secret coves to foraging hedgerows or walking quiet countryside trails, Cornwall offers endless opportunities to slow down and reconnect.
Tucked away near the Roseland Peninsula, Cotna Eco Retreat provides a unique rewilding experience in a tranquil hidden valley just a short distance from the sea. Here, sustainability, simplicity, and wild beauty come together.
Welcome to Cotna Eco Retreat
Cotna is a working smallholding and eco-retreat just outside Gorran Haven, a picturesque Cornish village. The land is nurtured using permaculture principles, with fruit and veg grown on-site, wildlife encouraged to thrive, and renewable energy sources powering the retreat. You won’t find noisy roads or light pollution here – just birds, bees, and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze.
Guests can stay in beautifully crafted yurts or a traditional shepherd’s hut – all designed with comfort, sustainability, and harmony with nature in mind. You’ll wake up to stunning views across the valley, enjoy meals outside, and go to bed beneath a blanket of stars.
What You Can Do on a Rewilding Holiday at Cotna
Whether you want to take things slow or try your hand at low impact living, there’s plenty to enjoy at Cotna Eco Retreat:
- Nature Walks and Wildlife Watching
The retreat is surrounded by footpaths, hedgerows, and meadows alive with insects, birds, and small mammals. Wander through wildflower-strewn fields or along ancient Cornish lanes to the nearby coast. The nearby South West Coast Path offers breathtaking views of cliffs, coves, and marine life – including seals, dolphins and sometimes even tuna.
- Wild Swimming and Beach Exploration
Just a short walk or drive away are some of Cornwall’s most peaceful beaches. Try a refreshing wild swim at Vault or Hemmick beach, or explore the rockpools at Port Mellon or Gorran Haven. These quiet spots allow for peaceful moments immersed in nature, away from the crowds.
- Foraging and Sustainable Living
Guests are welcome to join in seasonal foraging, from blackberries and sloes in late summer to wild garlic in spring. Learn how to identify edible plants, herbs, and flowers – and maybe even use them in your meals back at your hut or yurt. Cotna also offers occasional workshops and informal chats or classes about permaculture, no-dig gardening, composting, and organic growing.
- Disconnect to Reconnect
There’s a minimal mobile signal and no Wi-Fi in most of the accommodations – by design. A stay at Cotna is a chance to digitally detox and allow your mind and body to slow down. Many guests report sleeping better, feeling calmer, and gaining new perspectives just from being present in nature.
- Mindful Moments and Starry Nights
Enjoy yoga or quiet meditation in or outside your yurt. Watch swallows dive or, as dusk falls, owls call and bats flit overhead as you sit around a fire bowl. Rewilding is just as much about these small, mindful moments as it is about the big landscapes.
Who Is a Rewilding Holiday For?
Rewilding holidays suit couples, solo travellers, friends, or families who want to live more simply, sustainably, and in tune with the land. Whether you’re an experienced camper or new to the idea of eco-retreats, Cotna offers comfort without compromising on its environmental values.
You don’t have to be a hardcore environmentalist to enjoy rewilding – just someone open to slowing down, stepping outside, and experiencing nature in a more intimate way.
Rewild Your Soul at Cotna
In a world that often feels disconnected and overstimulated, Cotna Eco Retreat offers a rare opportunity to step off the treadmill and live gently. Whether you’re gathering veg for your supper, stargazing, wild swimming, or just lying in the grass listening to the wind, you’ll feel the benefits of being surrounded by nature.
Staying at Cotna isn’t just about going on holiday – it’s about coming home to yourself and the natural world. It’s a reminder that living in harmony with the land isn’t just possible – it’s joyful, nourishing, and deeply restorative.
Book Your Rewilding Escape
Cotna Eco Retreat is open seasonally, with availability in yurts, shepherd’s huts, and the off-grid eco barn. If you’re seeking a greener, slower, and more connected kind of holiday, this could be exactly what you need.
Visit www.cotna.co.uk to find out more and book your rewilding retreat in Cornwall.