The Big Retreat Cambridge

Abbots RiptonCambridgeshirePE28 2PHwhat3words: [add once confirmed]

By Car

The closest postcode is PE28 2PH. This will bring you into Abbots Ripton village. From there, follow the festival signage which will direct you to the correct parking area.

From the South / Cambridge / London:Take the M11 northbound then join the A14 towards Huntingdon. Exit for Huntingdon and follow signs to Abbots Ripton (B1090). Continue through the village and follow festival signage to the car park.

From the North / Peterborough:Join the A1 southbound and exit for the B1090 Sawtry / Kings Ripton junction. Follow the B1090 through Kings Ripton into Abbots Ripton and follow festival signs.

From the West / Midlands:Take the A14 eastbound towards Huntingdon. Exit at Huntingdon, then follow the B1090 to Abbots Ripton and continue with the festival signage.

Drive Times (approximately)

From Cambridge – 35 minutes

From Peterborough – 25 minutes

From London – 1h 30m

From Birmingham – 1h 45m

From Nottingham – 1h 30m

By Train

If you prefer not to drive, both Huntingdon and Peterborough have fast rail links.

• Huntingdon Station – approx. 10 minutes by taxi

• Peterborough Station – approx. 25 minutes by taxi

Please pre-book a taxi as stations can be busy and taxis do not always wait outside.

Local Taxi Companies

(You can add more if you prefer – these are reliable in the area.)

Huntingdon Taxis – 01480 414007

Mick’s Taxis – 01480 412726

Monty’s Cars – 01480 700000

Peterborough Cars – 01733 333333

By Bus

Huntingdon has regular National Express connections. The nearest drop-off point is Huntingdon Bus Station, around 10 minutes away by taxi.Again, please pre-book taxis in advance.

By Bike

We welcome cyclists. There is cycle storage on site for visitors arriving by bike.

By Air

The closest airports are:

• London Stansted – approx. 1 hour by car

• London Luton – approx. 1 hour by car

(You can add links to airport taxi transfer services if needed.)

Parking at the Festival

Please make sure you purchase a Parking Pass in advance.

Follow the directions of our traffic team for:

• Weekend Parking

• Day Parking

• Campervan Parking

You will be guided to the correct area as you arrive.

Check-In

Arriving by Car

Once parked, follow the stewards’ directions to the check-in point.Have your tickets or booking reference ready. You’ll be asked to read and sign our Terms and Conditions and will then receive your wristband.

After check-in, follow signs to your chosen camping area. No cars are allowed in the camping fields, but trolleys will be available to help you move your kit.

Arriving in a Campervan, Caravan or Motorhome

Follow the stewards' directions directly to the Campervan Zone.Show your booking on arrival, sign our Terms and Conditions, receive your wristbands and drive onto the designated area.

Reception Opening Times

Friday – 10.00am to 10.30pmSaturday – 09.00am to 8.30pmSunday – 09.00am to 8.30pm

Outside these times, our 24-hour Security Team will assist you.

Cars are not allowed onto the campsite for unloading at any time.

Please note: Dogs or pets are not permitted, except for registered Assistance Dogs.

Tickets

Entry to The Big Retreat Festival including over 200 activities and experiences.

No access to the campsite and campsite facilities.

Camping Add On 

2 nights camping pitch

Hot Showers

Wash Stations

Activities and Experiences:

Over 200 Sessions

Yoga and Fitness

All large group art classes

Wild Swimming Sessions

Journalling Workshops 

Personal Development Workshops

Music and Comedy

Gong Baths

Foraging

Nature Walks

Running Club

Bushcraft

Cookery Demos

Drum Circles 

Silent Discos

Chill Out Lounge in the Mind Space

Workshops and talks in the Talk Tent, Darwin's Den, Genesh wellbeing workshops and the Mind Space

Activities finish on Sunday at 5pm 

Camping

Car Park Pass

Campervan Pass

Supper Clubs

Spoon Carving

Facial Yoga

Pottery Lessons

Hot tubs and Ice Baths

Massage and Treatments

Acro Yoga

Paddle Boarding Lessons

Jewellery Workshops

Forest Bathing Experience with Gong Bath

Cacao Ceremony and ecstatic dance 

A small selection of arts and craft where more expensive items are used such as silver 

Live-In Vehicles – Important Information

For health and safety reasons, we need to be clear about which live-in vehicles are permitted on site.

A live-in vehicle is one that is purpose-built or professionally converted for sleeping, such as a motorhome, campervan or caravan. 

Cars are not allowed onto the campsite unless they are towing a caravan or a purpose-built trailer tent. Once unhitched, the car must be moved to the general car park.

Larger pitches are available. You may have enough room for an awning beside your vehicle, but no tents are allowed next to live-in vehicles.

On arrival, our team will allocate you to the next available pitch. We’re unable to reserve or pre-allocate spaces, so please arrive together if you wish to camp alongside friends.

The live-in vehicle area is farmland for the rest of the year, so please note:

• Power hook-ups are limited and must be booked in advance.

• The field has garland lighting, drinking-water taps, showers, toilets and waste-emptying facilities.

• The ground is uneven grass. It is the vehicle owner’s responsibility to decide whether their vehicle is suitable for the terrain in different weather conditions.

Only vehicles with fitted sleeping, cooking and/or washing facilities may use these fields.

Trailer tents must be purpose-built, manufacturer-made units. These require a Caravan/Motorhome Pass.

Caravans and motorhomes are allowed in limited numbers. If you have not purchased a Campervan Pass, you will not be allowed onto the campsite.

VW campervans and similar vehicles also require a Campervan Pass. Without one, you will not be permitted to enter due to space restrictions.

For everyone’s safety, the following are not permitted anywhere in the live-in vehicle area:Fireworks • Generators • Glass containers • Drones • Any potential weapon or offensive item • Portable laser equipment (including laser pens) • Illegal substances.

No animals are permitted anywhere at the festival except registered assistance dogs.

Campsite Information – The Big Retreat Cambridgeshire

Our campsite opens at 10.00am on Friday 11th September

The campsite closes on Sunday 13th September at 8.00pm.

Our Marshals will guide you to the right camping area. Please follow their instructions — the site rules are there to keep everyone safe and ensure you have a brilliant weekend.

Please note: No dogs or pets are allowed at the Festival or on the Campsite(Registered Assistance Dogs only).

Noise must be kept low after midnight. If you’d like to continue the fun after 12am, please join us at The Magic Teapotin the Feel Good Field.

Camping Areas

• General Camping

• Quiet Camping

• Campervan & Motorhome Field

• The Glamping Village

Camping and Glamping are only permitted with the correct camping ticket.

On arrival, please follow the signs to your chosen area and pitch only where directed.

Pitching Your Tent

• Pitch your tent where instructed by our Marshals and Stewards.

• Keep 2 metres between tents.

• Do not camp in fire lanes or any marked operational areas.

• Cars are not permitted in the campsite at any time.Our team will help you move luggage from the car park to check-in.

Please bring a tent that is suitable in size for your group. We reserve the right to refuse structures that are oversized or pose a safety risk.

Campervans, Motorhomes & Trailer Tents

Only vehicles with fitted sleeping, cooking or washing facilities may use the Campervan field.

• Trailer tents must be purpose-built, manufacturer-made models. These require a Caravan/Motorhome Pass.

• Caravans, motorhomes and campervans are allowed in limited numbers.

• You must have purchased the correct vehicle pass or you will not be permitted to enter the Campervan field.

• Campervans cannot have tents pitched beside them. This is a Fire Officer requirement.

No cars are allowed in this area unless towing a caravan or trailer tent, and cars must then be moved to general parking.

Safety & Prohibited Items

For everyone’s safety, the following are not permitted anywhere in the campsite:

• Fire pits

• Open fires

• BBQs

• Fireworks

• Generators

• Glass containers

• Drones

• Portable laser equipment (including laser pens)

• Offensive or dangerous items

• Illegal substances

No pets are permitted anywhere on the festival site, except registered Assistance Dogs.

Food, Alcohol & Cooking

• You may bring food for personal use into the campsite.(Please do not bring food into the main festival arena.)

• You may bring alcohol for personal consumption only.No re-sale.Festival staff reserve the right to decide what constitutes a reasonable amount. Any excess may be confiscated.

• Do not bring your own alcohol into the main festival site.

• Cooking is only allowed using gas camping stoves with canisters 450g or smaller.

Facilities & Your Responsibility

• We aim to provide all advertised facilities, but we cannot guarantee them at all times.

• All items are brought and left at your own risk.

• Please leave no trace: take everything home, recycle where possible and use the bins provided.

• Before leaving, check your pitch carefully and ensure all litter is removed.

Check-In

At Reception you will be asked to read and sign our Terms & Conditions.This is a condition of entry.If you’d like a full copy in advance, just let us know.

The Big Retreat team are working hard to make the festival as accessible as possible. If you have any suggestions or have any questions about accessibility at the festival, please don’t hesitate to email amber@thebigretreatfestival.com

We have accessible parking on the main site along a hardstanding road. To reserve an accessible parking space, please contact amber@thebigretreatfestival.com

You must display your blue badge in your car upon arrival and throughout. 

Free Personal Assistant Ticket Policy

We are pleased to offer a free personal assistant ticket for attendees who require additional support during the Big Retreat. This ticket is designed to provide assistance for adult attendees with disabilities.

You are automatically eligible for this scheme if you can provide one of the following:

• The front page of your DLA or PIP letter (no specific rate required).
• The front page of your Attendance Allowance letter (no specific rate required).
• Evidence that you are registered as severely sight impaired (blind).
• A recognised Assistance Dog ID card.

Please note: Free personal assistant tickets are not applicable when the individual requiring care is a child, as parents or guardians naturally attend as part of the family group.

How to Apply for a Free Personal Assistant Ticket

1. Book your tickets as normal through our website.
2. 
   
3. Email amber@thebigretreatfestival.com with your booking details and supporting documentation.
4. We’ll send you a simple form to complete to finalise your application.
5. 
   

If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re committed to making the Big Retreat accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

We provide an accessible camping area very close to the main festival site. The area is grassy but firm and close by to a hard standing roadway (which continues onto the main site and back down to reception). 

This camping area will open at 10am 

 Your will be parked in the accessible car park near your camping area

This area will also have an accessible toilet and water point close by. 

Both the festival entrance and First Aid are manned 24 hours a days, so there will always be someone close by if you need assistance.

Yes 

No, we are really sorry but we are set on an organic farm and we cannot allow dogs. Although some dogs enjoy a festival atmosphere not all do, and some festival-goers prefer a dog-free few days.

The Big Retreat is great for the solo traveller as you have a fantastic opportunity to make some new friends and share some fantastic memories.

We have set up a Facebook group so you can connect before the festival. Please feel free to join and start chatting to fellow guests.

Click here

We usually have four organised meet ups in The Feel Good Tent which is in the Energy Field:

* Times and days TBC *

Come along to meet the group and we will show you round the site. You can ask any questions you have and more importantly get to know the rest of the group.

Yes. The Big Retreat Cambridgeshire is a grown-ups-only weekend. All guests must be 18 or over, and you may be asked to show ID on arrival. 

Pack your sense of adventure, a yoga mat, a jumper (it might get chilly), a waterproof (it might rain) and some sun cream (it might be sunny).

Wellies are a must (it's a festival!). September weather is often lovely down here but it pays to be prepared.

No drones allowed - we'll confiscate them for the duration!

Whilst we do allow you to bring your own alcohol and food for consumption on the campsite please support our lovely local bars and traders.  We have made sure that we have a good selection of cuisines available, and our bars will be selling a wide selection of drinks for your delectation.

Please contact us via hello@thebigretreatwales.co.uk  or via our "Contact Us" page 

1. Refunds are only considered if the Event is (i) cancelled in full and not rescheduled (if the Event is partially cancelled your refund will be a proportionate partial refund) or (ii) materially altered which is a change (other than a rescheduling) which, in Our opinion, makes the Event materially different to the Event that ticket purchasers, taken generally, could reasonably expect. The following are not deemed to be ‘material alterations’: changes to the Event line-up; adverse weather conditions; changes to individual bands or presenters ; curtailment of the Event where the majority of the Event is performed; and delays to starting a performance or the Event.
2. Refunds must be requested no later than 3 months after the event
3.  A booking fee of 10% is included in the ticket price, this cannot be refunded 
4. Personal arrangements relating to the festival including, but not limited to travel, subsistence and accommodation are at your own risk and We shall not be liable for any losses incurred from personal arrangements or wasted expenditure beyond the ticket refund.

It is recommended your seek insurance for your purchase in case of non-attendance. 

Can I resell my ticket?

Yes. If you can no longer attend, you may pass your ticket on to a friend or family member.
Please contact us with the new attendee’s details so we can arrange a name change.
We do not work with third-party resale platforms.

See full Camping Guidelines. We rely on you all to keep our campsite safe, so please follow the guidelines and especially :- strictly no fires or fire pits are allowed on the campsite . Absolutely no generators are to be brought on site. No cars can be parked on the camping field. There is a separate car park for all cars. Alcohol cannot be brought on to the Main Festival Site under any circumstances. 

We have 24hr security patrols looking after us on the Festival sites, entrances & exits. Please wear your wristbands and show them when asked. It is still your responsibility to look after yourself, your possessions & those in your charge. Any lost property (including children) should be handed over at Reception, where they can be reclaimed on proof of ownership. 

Friday arrivals your tents will be ready from 9am on Friday 

Arriving at The Glamping Village

Once you have parked you car you can head to check in .. this is a short walk from the car park  to check but if you do need some help there are some Sherpa's  available to help with luggage 

Friday 9am to 9pm

Saturday 8am to 12pm

Sunday  2pm to 7pm 

Head to check in and get your wristbands for the weekend 

We will email you a map of The Glamping Village and your tent number by Tuesday 21st May

Your number will be on a blackboard outside the tent to make the check-in process non-reliant on staffing, so if you arrive late, or can’t spot any crew, you can still access your tent without any difficulty. Please just get on and enjoy your weekend, no need to announce your arrival to us

If you have any issues AT ALL  simply leave a “How can we help” card in the blue postbox at The Pamper Tent which will be checked regularly or speak to a member of staff at the main reception.

Things to remember ..

• Please do leave your tent zipped up when you go out and when you go to bed.
• 
  
• Bring a towel (unless pre-ordered)
• Bed socks are great in September 
• Earplugs if you would like a silent night
• A torch
• A fire can destroy a tent in 60 secs therefore no naked flames are allowed in or around the tents including candles 
• There are no BBQ’s or Fire Pits allowed on the campsite due to the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning  

Please ensure you have read our full https://www.thebigretreatfestival.com/terms-and-conditions

Please note - checkout is 6pm on Sunday  

Facilities in The Glamping Village 

• Hot Showers
• Posh Toilets

Pamper Tent

• Hair Dryers
• Make Up Mirrors
• Full Length Mirror
• Deck Chair Area

There  is a wash up station just on the edge of The Glamping Village for washing crockery.