Discover a peaceful wellbeing escape on Newbury’s doorstep

Zoe Gater

A hidden gem on the edge of Newbury, Treetops has been helping people reconnect with nature and themselves for more than 20 years.

Tucked away at the end of Garden Close Lane, it’s hard to believe Treetops is just minutes from the bustle of Newbury. Surrounded by three acres of private gardens and woodland, the tranquil retreat has spent more than two decades helping people slow down, reconnect with nature and prioritise their wellbeing.

Despite feeling wonderfully secluded, Treetops is remarkably easy to reach, sitting just nine minutes from Junction 13 of the M4 and moments from the A34, with ample parking for visitors travelling from across Berkshire and beyond.

Over the past 22 years, founder Emily Storey has built Treetops largely through personal recommendation rather than traditional advertising.

“We’ve tried different marketing over the years,” says Emily. “But word of mouth has always been the best way of letting people know we’re here. Community connections have been so important.”

Those connections continue to flourish through collaborations with local organisations, including affordable Sound Bath evenings at St George’s Church in Wash Common, alongside charity tea afternoons and the popular “Fiver Friday” garden yoga sessions each summer. These £5 outdoor classes offer an accessible introduction to yoga while giving newcomers the chance to experience the unique setting.

Nature is at the heart of everything Treetops offers. Rather than following a rigid schedule, workshops and retreat days are shaped by the changing seasons and even the weather.

“If it’s a beautiful day, we’ll take yoga outside or head into the woods for forest bathing or mindful walking,” Emily explains. “Recently, we held a journalling workshop in the garden while the wisteria was in full bloom. We really embrace what each season offers.”

The woodland provides a peaceful backdrop for forest bathing experiences throughout the year, whether that’s soaking up fresh summer greenery or gathering around a fire pit during autumn. Even Treetops’ online yoga workshops have made full use of the stunning gardens as a natural setting.

As interest in health and wellbeing continues to grow, Emily believes people are increasingly seeking experiences rather than simply classes.

That distinctive atmosphere is what keeps visitors returning year after year. Some guests have been attending for more than two decades, travelling from Newbury, Reading, Wokingham, Marlborough, Winchester and Abingdon.

Asked what makes Treetops so special, Emily said: “Some people tell me it’s the food! I think it’s also the warm, friendly tutors we’ve built around us.”

Listening to visitors has always shaped the programme, with Emily and fellow tutor Rachel continually expanding their expertise to meet changing needs. Emily has recently added meditation to her qualifications alongside forest bathing and sound therapy, while Rachel has trained in Menopause Yoga.

For anyone feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, Emily recommends starting gently.

“We’ve supported many people experiencing anxiety, depression, burnout and chronic illness. Restorative Yoga is a lovely place to begin because it’s so gentle. Forest Bathing is another wonderful introduction — just two peaceful hours in nature. Once people feel ready, our monthly retreat days offer the chance to spend longer focusing on themselves.”

The journey of Treetops itself mirrors Emily’s own wellbeing story. When she launched the business in 2004, yoga wasn’t even on her radar.

“I had two young boys and wanted to create affordable creative workshops because so many courses were either too expensive or too far away. We offered everything from watercolours and flower arranging to photography, collage and cookery.”

As the years passed and Emily sought ways to support her own mental health, yoga and breathwork transformed her outlook.

“I realised it was time for Treetops to slow down too.”

Rachel joined the business eight years ago after the pair met through yoga, and together they’ve expanded the offering to include sound baths, forest therapy, retreat days, evening classes and one-to-one sessions.

“It’s still hard work,” Emily says, “but taking part in what we offer benefits our own wellbeing as much as our guests’. We’ve found a lovely balance.”

Looking ahead, Emily hopes to continue evolving alongside the community’s needs while developing new partnerships. Current plans include working with local football teams and introducing crystal bowl sound healing at the Newbury Friends Together group at St Nicholas Church.

For anyone seeking a little calm without travelling far from home, Treetops offers exactly that: a peaceful haven where nature, mindfulness and community come together.

Supporting the local wellbeing community

Beyond Treetops, Emily is also keen to champion other local initiatives making a difference, from the Renartgades Market and Rebel Art Club at Delphic Brewery to Hayley Collis’ Grief Circles and the mental health charity Sport in Mind. Founded in Reading, the charity has supported more than 60,000 people over the past 15 years through sport and physical activity, with sessions running across Newbury, Thatcham and Reading.

For more information or to book, visit treetops-newbury.co.uk.

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