A little note before I begin: My Mum and I were invited to the Norton Grounding launch as guests, and our overnight stay at Norton Grounds was complimentary in exchange for sharing my experience. All opinions and experiences are my own.
When was the last time you did something purely for yourself, without worrying about what everyone else needed or feeling guilty about the things you should be doing instead?
As parents, we’re so used to putting everyone else first that taking a little time for ourselves can almost feel selfish. There’s always something that needs doing, somebody who needs our attention or another job waiting to be ticked off the list. Even when we do manage to sit down, our minds are often still racing through everything we need to remember.
I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been told that you can’t pour from an empty cup, and although I know it’s true, actually putting it into practice is another matter entirely.
So when an invitation arrived in my inbox to attend the launch of Norton Grounding, a new wellness programme at Norton Grounds in the Cotswolds, I was both excited and flattered.
Firstly, I absolutely love the area around Chipping Campden, and it’s somewhere that holds special memories for my Mum too. Secondly, I felt genuinely honoured to have been invited to experience something new and share it with my readers.
Best of all, Mum was invited to come along with me.
We’re both guilty of putting other people before ourselves, so the opportunity to escape everyday responsibilities, enjoy some relaxation and spend quality time together felt like a real treat.
Little did I know just how much I would appreciate those couple of days away.
Why Is Taking Time for Yourself So Important as a Parent?
I think one of the biggest challenges of being a parent is remembering that you’re still a person with your own needs, interests and feelings. I’ve written before about self-care for mums and the importance of finding small moments for yourself, but sometimes it takes actually stepping away from everyday life to remind you why it matters.
Whether your children are toddlers, teenagers or grown up, there always seems to be something to think about. Add work, relationships, household responsibilities and everything else that comes with everyday life, and it’s easy to find yourself somewhere near the bottom of your own priority list.
For years, I’ve thought of taking time out as something to do when everything else is finished. The trouble is, everything else is never really finished, is it?
Something I’ve come to realise is that if we want our friends, family and colleagues to respect us and our time, we have to start by respecting ourselves.
That means recognising when we need a break, setting boundaries and accepting that our wellbeing deserves attention too.
It doesn’t have to mean booking an expensive holiday or disappearing to a spa for a week. Sometimes it’s a quiet coffee, a walk in the countryside or an hour spent doing something you enjoy without interruptions.
But occasionally, having the opportunity to properly step away from your normal surroundings can be exactly what you need.
That’s what my visit to Norton Grounds reminded me.
Discovering Norton Grounds in the Cotswolds
Norton Grounds is a beautiful family-run countryside estate near Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire, set within 120 acres of Cotswold countryside.
As we turned onto the long driveway, Mum and I were immediately struck by the scenery. Everywhere we looked there were beautiful green fields, mature trees and countryside stretching into the distance.
We parked in front of the main house and made our way towards the event, passing The Steamy Pheasant sauna overlooking a horse paddock.
Then we rounded the corner and discovered the most beautiful courtyard, surrounded by traditional stone barns, with a huge tipi and a gorgeous patio area.
Honestly, it was stunning.
We looked at each other, both grinning, and couldn’t quite believe how lucky we were to be spending the evening somewhere so beautiful.
There’s something about arriving in a peaceful countryside setting that immediately makes you want to slow down. We hadn’t even started the wellness activities, but I already felt excited about what was to come.
What Is Norton Grounding?
Norton Grounding is a wellness and events programme based at Norton Grounds, designed to give people opportunities to step away from their usual routines and enjoy relaxation, movement, creativity and connection.
Rather than focusing exclusively on traditional yoga or spa treatments, the programme brings together a variety of experiences, including gentle movement classes, wellness workshops, sauna sessions and social gatherings.
One thing I particularly liked was that it didn’t feel as though you needed to be a dedicated yoga enthusiast or somebody who already spends every weekend attending retreats.
The people I met were from different walks of life, with different ages, interests and apparent fitness levels. Some had come with friends, others were there alone, and everyone seemed genuinely pleased to be there.
The atmosphere was relaxed, welcoming and sociable, which made the evening feel less like attending a formal wellness class and more like spending time with a group of people who had all decided to do something lovely for themselves.
A Warm Welcome in the Tipi
Our evening began inside the tipi, where we were treated to delicious canapés, soup and drinks.
We settled down and started chatting with a lovely young woman called Roxy, an interior designer who had moved to the UK from South Africa three years earlier.
We hit it off straight away, and it was so nice to spend time chatting with somebody new without having to rush off anywhere.
Sometimes we forget that connecting with other people can be just as enjoyable as the activities we’ve booked.
As the evening went on, the tipi became a lovely gathering place where people could relax between sessions, enjoy refreshments and chat about their experiences.
Later, when darkness began to fall, the firepit was lit, and the courtyard lights came on. Somehow, the surroundings became even more beautiful.
Andrew Valender, whose family has owned Norton Grounds for three generations, told us how much it made him smile to turn the corner and see so many happy faces enjoying the evening.
I could understand exactly what he meant.
Trying Something New and Learning to Listen to Myself
One of the things I appreciated about the Norton Grounding launch was the opportunity to discover activities I wouldn’t necessarily have thought about booking for myself.
Although I used to practise Vinyasa yoga, it’s been quite some time since I attended a class. I also have hypermobility and experience back pain, so I’m understandably cautious about certain movements.
I was particularly looking forward to trying Feldenkrais, a gentle movement practice that focuses on awareness and exploring how your body moves.
Unfortunately, things didn’t quite go according to plan.
The Feldenkrais Session I Wish I’d Joined
When we entered the barn for the first movement session, I hadn’t realised that this was the Feldenkrais class I’d been looking forward to.
I selected what I thought was a mat at the back of the room, only to realise that I was actually at the front!
Suddenly, I felt quite anxious.
It had been such a long time since I’d done yoga, and the thought of being right at the front of the room made me uncomfortable. At the last moment, I decided to leave.
Afterwards, I returned to watch some of the session with Silke Weeks and immediately regretted my decision.
The movements looked wonderfully gentle and relaxing, with participants slowly exploring how their bodies moved rather than trying to achieve complicated poses.
It was exactly the sort of class I’d wanted to try.
I can’t tell you how the movements felt because I didn’t participate, but watching the session made me realise that I’d allowed my nerves to get the better of me.
Next time, I’d love to give Feldenkrais a proper try.
Finding Relaxation Through a Hand Massage
As it turned out, leaving the movement session led me to something else I really needed.
Back in the tipi, the lady offering complimentary hand massages was available, so I sat down for a lovely hand and wrist massage.
The timing couldn’t have been better.
I spend a considerable amount of time working at my computer and have been struggling with repetitive strain discomfort in my wrists. After the long drive to the Cotswolds, they were feeling particularly sore.
The massage was wonderfully relaxing, and it felt so good to sit quietly and allow somebody else to take care of me for a change.
Mum enjoyed a massage afterwards, too.
It reminded me that sometimes the most beneficial thing you can do for yourself is simply stop rushing around and enjoy being looked after.
The Steamy Pheasant Sauna: My Favourite Part of the Evening
Having missed the Feldenkrais session, I was determined not to miss out on any more relaxation.
I headed back to our accommodation, changed into my swimming costume and made my way to The Steamy Pheasant sauna.
Now, I’ve been in saunas before, but this one was completely different.
For starters, instead of looking out through a window at a swimming pool or leisure centre, I was looking across a horse paddock towards beautiful green countryside.
The sun was beginning to set, and the whole scene was absolutely picture-perfect.
The sauna itself is made from reclaimed cedar wood, and the wonderful natural scent added to the experience.
I also decided to try one of the traditional felt sauna hats, which help insulate your head and hair from the intense heat.
My biggest dilemma was choosing between a rather fabulous floral hat that reminded me of Bill and Ben the Flowerpot Men and a slightly more sophisticated grey-and-cream design!
Once I settled inside, I could feel myself beginning to relax.
There was something incredibly calming about sitting in the warmth, breathing in the cedar scent and watching the evening light change over the countryside.
For those few minutes, there was absolutely nothing I needed to do.
No emails to answer, no jobs to remember and nobody asking me for anything.
It was hands down the best sauna experience I’ve had.
The Steamy Pheasant also offers a cold-water plunge experience, although I decided that was a step too far for me on this occasion!
I was more than happy to enjoy the warmth of the sauna without feeling I needed to push myself into something I wasn’t comfortable trying.
If I lived closer, I could definitely see myself making the Wednesday sauna sessions a regular treat.
Gentle Yoga with Barney
Our final wellness session of the evening was gentle yoga with Barney.
Initially, I’d decided not to participate because I was worried about my back and hypermobility. Having previously practised Vinyasa yoga, I think I’d imagined something much more physically demanding.
Instead, Mum and I sat in on the session to see what it involved.
Once again, I found myself wishing I’d been a little braver.
Barney’s approach was gentle, grounding and wonderfully calming. Even without physically taking part, I found listening to his voice and enjoying the aroma of the essential oils he sprayed incredibly relaxing.
By the end of the session, I felt noticeably calmer.
The whole experience taught me something about making assumptions before trying new things. I’d convinced myself that the yoga might be too demanding, when in reality the session looked much more accessible than I’d expected.
Of course, anybody with an existing injury or medical condition should check whether a particular class is suitable for them, but I certainly wouldn’t rule out trying gentle yoga again.
Staying Overnight at Norton Grounds: Our Beautiful Dovecote Barn
One of the things that made our visit extra special was being invited to stay overnight in Dovecote Barn.
Norton Grounds offers several beautifully converted barns for self-catering accommodation, making it possible to turn a wellness visit into a longer countryside escape.
Dovecote sleeps six or more guests and features three double bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom.
I genuinely don’t think my words can do this property justice.
The attention to detail throughout the accommodation is incredible, and I found myself constantly spotting little design features that made me smile.
The bedrooms are arranged along a glass-fronted corridor overlooking the courtyard, creating a lovely connection between the separate rooms and the shared living areas.
Each bedroom has a walk-in wardrobe, television, hairdryer, tower fan and spare bedding, while the en-suite bathrooms feature spacious walk-in rainfall showers.
Beautiful Interiors with Plenty of Character
The lounge is absolutely gorgeous, combining comfortable modern furnishings with the character of the original farm building.
One of my favourite features was the original dovecote preserved high up on the walls above the plasterwork.
It’s such a lovely reminder of the building’s history and gives the room a character you simply wouldn’t find in a modern hotel.
The kitchen and dining area are equally impressive, with windows overlooking the courtyard and everything you could need for a self-catering break.
I particularly loved the milk churn stools at the kitchen island, the Cotswolds map splashback in the downstairs WC and, of course, the Nespresso coffee machine!
There were plenty of practical touches, too, including a highchair, clothes airers, ironing board, cleaning supplies and a retractable safety gate for the kitchen.
As a parent, I always notice these details because they can make such a difference when travelling with children.
Although we were enjoying a mother-and-daughter break, I could easily imagine Dovecote Barn being a lovely choice for a family holiday, a gathering with friends or a multigenerational getaway.
I loved it so much that I warned Andrew I might never leave!
A Peaceful Morning in the Cotswolds
The following morning, Mum and I woke at around 8.30 am and made our way into the kitchen for coffee and breakfast.
We’d been provided with a complimentary breakfast hamper containing bread and eggs, which was a lovely touch.
After showering and reluctantly packing our bags, we stopped to chat with Monica, another guest we’d met at the launch, before talking with Andrew about the history of Norton Grounds.
I was amazed when he told us that the transformation of Dovecote Barn from its former life as a milking shed into the beautiful accommodation we’d stayed in had taken just nine months.
Looking around at the finished property, that seemed quite an achievement!
Before we left, Andrew suggested taking a walk around the grounds because it was such a beautiful morning.
I’m so glad we took his advice.
We walked up the hill behind the farm, taking in the countryside views and spotting the Malvern Hills in the distance.
We even saw a horse and rider enjoying a morning trot.
After spending so much of my working week sitting at a desk, being outside in the fresh air and enjoying the peaceful surroundings felt wonderful.
It was the perfect way to end our stay.
Making a Mini-Break of It with a Day in Stratford-upon-Avon
Rather than heading straight home, Mum and I decided to make the most of our time away by spending Thursday in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Stratford-upon-Avon has long been one of my favourite places for a little escape. Simon and I previously enjoyed 24 hours in Stratford-upon-Avon together, so it was lovely to return and make some different memories with Mum.
It’s an easy place to combine with a stay at Norton Grounds, and we were looking forward to having a few more hours together.
We enjoyed a leisurely walk beside the river and through the town centre, stopping for coffee and a light lunch along the way.
And naturally, because it was me and Mum, there had to be some shopping!
There was no particular schedule to follow, no rush to be somewhere and no pressure to achieve anything.
We simply walked, talked, laughed and enjoyed each other’s company.
Perhaps the nicest part was not having to constantly think about everybody else or respond to phone calls and emails.
It was just the two of us enjoying some uninterrupted time together.
I think that’s something we can easily overlook as adults. Spending quality time with our parents can be just as important as making memories with our children, particularly when everyday life gets busy.
By the time we headed home, I felt as though we’d enjoyed a proper little holiday, even though we’d only been away for one night.
What Else Can You Experience at Norton Grounding?
Although our visit was for the launch event, Norton Grounding is designed to offer an ongoing programme of wellness activities, workshops and social experiences.
The programme includes Wednesday wellness sessions, with activities such as:
- Gentle yoga, including slow flow and Yin yoga.
- Feldenkrais movement sessions.
- Sound healing and relaxation experiences.
- Wood-fired sauna and cold-water plunge sessions with The Steamy Pheasant.
- Creative workshops, talks and social gatherings.
- Seasonal wellness events and longer residential retreats.
One of the things I particularly like is the variety. You don’t have to commit to an entire residential retreat to enjoy some time for yourself.
Individual classes and experiences can be booked, making it possible to enjoy a morning, afternoon or evening of relaxation without necessarily staying overnight.
We also heard about some exciting upcoming events, including a chalk painting workshop with Annie Sloan on 18 November, a monthly Breakfast Bounce sober coffee rave launching on 11 November, Holistic Pilates, a sleep retreat and a residential wellness retreat planned for 2–6 January 2027.
I have to say, the Annie Sloan chalk painting workshop sounds particularly appealing to me!
As event dates, availability and prices can change, I’d recommend checking the Norton Grounding events and retreats page for the latest information before making plans.
How Much Does Norton Grounding Cost?
One of the pleasant surprises is that you don’t necessarily have to spend a fortune to enjoy a wellness experience.
At the time of writing, the published prices include gentle yoga sessions at £15, monthly Feldenkrais classes at £20 and sound healing sessions at £25.
The Steamy Pheasant offers bookable 50-minute sauna and plunge sessions at £25 per person, including access to the communal tipi changing and relaxation area with refreshments.
Accommodation is booked separately, and prices depend on the property and dates selected.
For anybody considering attending, I’d suggest checking which activities need to be booked in advance and what you need to bring. Comfortable clothing is sensible for movement sessions, while sauna visitors should bring suitable swimwear and a towel or gown.
You can find current availability and booking information on the Norton Grounds website.
Is Norton Grounding Suitable for Beginners?
Based on what I saw at the launch, I would certainly encourage people who are curious about wellness activities but feel a little nervous to take a closer look.
One of my biggest takeaways from the evening was how welcoming the atmosphere felt.
There were men and women of different ages and at different stages of life. Some appeared very fit and flexible, while others, like me, were perhaps a little more cautious about what they felt comfortable doing.
Some guests had come with friends or family members, while others were enjoying the experience alone.
I didn’t notice anyone looking unhappy or out of place. Quite the opposite, in fact. People seemed relaxed, cheerful and lighter in their expressions as the evening progressed.
That doesn’t mean every activity will suit everybody, particularly if you have mobility difficulties, injuries or other health considerations.
But it does mean you shouldn’t automatically assume that a wellness event isn’t for you simply because you don’t practise yoga regularly or don’t consider yourself particularly fit.
My advice would be to look at the different activities, ask the organisers questions and choose something that genuinely appeals to you.
And if you decide that a massage or sauna is more your thing than a movement class, that’s absolutely fine too.
Five Things My Wellness Break Reminded Me About Self-Care
Finding ways to balance self-care and motherhood isn’t always easy, but I’ve come to realise that looking after myself deserves a place on my list of priorities too.
1. Taking Time for Yourself Isn’t Selfish
I think most parents experience some degree of guilt when they take time away from their usual responsibilities.
We’re so used to being needed that putting ourselves first can feel uncomfortable.
But looking after your own wellbeing doesn’t mean you care any less about the people around you.
If anything, recognising when you need rest and allowing yourself that time can help you approach everyday life with a little more patience and energy.
2. You Don’t Have to Earn a Break
This is something I’m still learning.
There will always be more work to do, another household job waiting or something else demanding our attention.
If we wait until everything is finished before allowing ourselves to relax, we might be waiting forever.
Sometimes we need to make time for ourselves simply because we deserve it, not because we’ve completed every task on our list.
3. Wellness Looks Different for Everyone
My evening at Norton Grounds didn’t go quite as I’d expected.
I missed a movement session I’d been looking forward to, felt nervous about joining yoga and decided against trying the cold plunge.
Yet I still had a wonderfully relaxing experience.
The hand massage, sauna, beautiful surroundings and conversations with other guests were exactly what I needed.
It reminded me that there isn’t a correct way to relax.
4. Spending Time with People You Love Can Be Restorative
One of the most special parts of the trip was sharing it with my Mum.
We’re both usually busy thinking about other people, so having time to simply enjoy each other’s company was lovely.
We chatted, laughed, explored somewhere beautiful and made memories together.
Sometimes it’s those ordinary moments, without the usual distractions, that end up meaning the most.
5. Small Breaks Can Make a Difference
You don’t need to book a five-day retreat to benefit from taking some time out.
Even a few hours away from your normal routine can give you an opportunity to reset.
Interestingly, I noticed something when I woke up at home after our trip.
I wear my Samsung Galaxy Watch to bed, and my morning energy readings are usually around 70–80%. This morning, however, it showed 90%.
Of course, a watch reading isn’t proof that my mini-break improved my health or recovery, and there could be several reasons for the difference.
But it did make me smile because I genuinely felt refreshed, and perhaps I’d benefited from the break even more than I’d realised.
Simple Ways to Make More Time for Yourself as a Busy Parent
Not everybody has the opportunity to escape to the Cotswolds for a wellness break, and I certainly wouldn’t suggest that you need to spend money to look after yourself.
In fact, one of the most important things I’ve learned is that small pockets of time can add up.
If you’re struggling to make yourself a priority, here are a few ideas worth trying:
- Arrange a coffee or a walk with somebody whose company you enjoy.
- Spend half an hour reading without feeling you should be doing something more productive.
- Try a gentle yoga, meditation or relaxation class that suits your abilities.
- Take yourself somewhere peaceful for a walk and leave your phone in your bag.
- Book a massage or another treatment occasionally if your budget allows.
- Plan a day out with a friend, your partner or a family member.
- Set aside regular time when you’re not available for work emails or non-urgent requests.
- Allow yourself to rest without needing to justify it.
Most importantly, choose something that makes you feel good rather than something you think you ought to enjoy.
Would I Recommend Norton Grounding?
Absolutely.
What I loved most about Norton Grounding was that it didn’t feel exclusive or intimidating.
The setting was beautiful, the people were welcoming and there was a lovely balance between organised activities and opportunities to simply relax and socialise.
I particularly enjoyed The Steamy Pheasant sauna, and I’d love to return to try Feldenkrais properly now that I know what to expect.
The accommodation was exceptional, too, and I would happily return to Dovecote Barn for another countryside break.
Whether you’re looking for a mother-and-daughter getaway, a relaxing experience with friends, a couples’ break or simply an opportunity to do something for yourself, Norton Grounds is somewhere I’d recommend exploring.
You can find Norton Grounds at Aston Subedge, near Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire, GL55 6PY.
For current classes, workshops and retreat bookings, visit Norton Grounds.
A Final Thought: You Matter Too
Coming home from Norton Grounds, I found myself thinking about how easily we put our own needs aside.
As parents, partners, daughters, friends and colleagues, we’re often so focused on being there for everybody else that we forget to give ourselves the same care and consideration.
I don’t think the answer is to suddenly fill our diaries with wellness appointments or feel guilty about not doing enough self-care. That would rather defeat the object!
Instead, perhaps it’s about recognising that our time and wellbeing matter too.
For Mum and me, one night away in the Cotswolds, a beautiful wellness evening and a relaxed day exploring Stratford-upon-Avon gave us something we hadn’t realised we needed quite so much: time to simply enjoy ourselves.
No rushing, no responsibilities and no pressure to be anything other than ourselves.
And sometimes, that’s the best kind of break of all.