Frequently Asked Questions

Please ensure that you can attend on the dates that you intend to book before confirming your booking. Should you need to cancel for any reason, please let us know as soon as possible and we will readvertise your dates. If we are able to rebook our accommodation on those dates we will be happy to refund your booking. 

Please note that ALL booking amendments and cancellations are subject to a 10% admin fee. This is to ensure that the fees and costs associated with cancellations etc. are born only by the those guests requiring this facility rather than by the greater community.

At The Wisp Retreat, we serve wholesome, home-prepared vegetarian meals communally made by our guests with care and fresh ingredients. All meals are prepared in the same kitchen space, which may also handle common allergens such as nuts, gluten, dairy, and soy. While we do our best to accommodate dietary preferences where possible, we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment.

If you have a severe food allergy, please get in touch before booking so we can discuss your needs. In some cases, we may recommend bringing your own food to ensure your safety.

Guests who require specific items outside of our standard offering are welcome to bring additional food with them. Access to a shared fridge and preparation area is available — please ask in advance.

We're a small, budget-friendly retreat and appreciate your flexibility. If you have any questions about the food or kitchen use, we're happy to help — just drop us a message.

Thank you for your understanding as we aim to provide a welcoming space for everyone, within the limits of our facilities.

We are based in the Scottish Borders on the A7, 13 miles from Hawick and 11 miles from Langholm.  We recommend you come by car, but if this doesn't suit you, the nearest train stations are Carlisle and Tweedbank, and the nearest bus stop is right on our doorstep for the X95 from Carlisle or Edinburgh.

It's really up to you.  The rooms in the house are basic and comfortable, but if you are looking for something with more space, your own front door and a glamping feel, go for a cabin.  All our rooms, inside and out, have double beds and shower rooms en suite.  If you decide on a cabin you may like to bring warm pyjamas or a sleeping bag as extra bedding in the cooler months.

There are 3 double rooms in the house, a single room and a bunk room sleeping 6.  In the grounds we have 8 cabin rooms and 2 cabin suites. All our rooms used for retreats have double beds and en suite shower, unless specified. The single room and the bunk rooms are not used for our organised events, but can be included for independent bookings.  In late 2025 we identified a need for more seating and created a new sitting room in what was the bar area, so the house has 3 comfortable seating areas, a large spacious dining room, and a beautiful studio that can be set up for yoga, sound baths and other activities, as well as a commercial kitchen.

We welcome independent and sole use bookings for groups and activities that are in line with The Wisp Retreat ethos. As a guide you should expect to pay £2500 for  Monday to Friday and £1500 for Friday to Sunday based on up to 12 people (2026 season). Please note that we can only take bookings from those familiar with the site either through a previous retreat or a pre booking visit and discussion. Please note that we do not allow any parties or alcohol based events.

Please bring your own toiletries, towels and clothes suitable for the season and weather. During the winter months warm and weather proof clothes are a must. If you would like to take part in outdoor activities you will also need a good pair of walking boots or strong wellies.

We do sometimes allow canine visitors with a few provisos.  Please can you tell us before you book because we only allow 2 dogs on site at any one time, and one of those is ours.  We ask for confirmation that your dog is friendly and good with other people and other dogs, and also that he or she will not impact the other guests' enjoyment of their retreat.  This is because we have had several doggy guests with separation anxiety and this has had a negative impact on other guests' stays.  Please note that your dog is not allowed out of the car park at Samye Ling Buddhist Monastery and many other places, so you may want to consider finding alternative arrangements rather than bringing your dog with you.

Broadband is available throughout the house, but it does not reach the cabins.  The mobile signal depends on your provider, but most of our guests have no problem with signal for either making calls or using their data. 

This Retreat is not suitable for digital nomads or anyone with an agenda for converting other retreaters to their way of thinking.  It is also not suitable for those hoping for hotel style accommodation with TVs, tea and coffee making facilities in their rooms, Wifi in the cabins and staff.  The Wisp Retreat is a communal living space and everyone visiting is expected to participate in any way they can. It is also an eco-site, so may be cooler than you are used to.