Derbyshire, United Kingdom
Out and Wild & Late bloomers UK connection weekender 9th-11th October 2026
A weekend of connection in the beautiful Lower Peaks
Overview
In the rolling Derbyshire landscape, come together with other late bloomers for a weekend of connection, reflection, and celebration. Finding yourself later in life can feel both exhilarating and deeply lonely. This weekend offers space to pause, breathe, and share the journey with people who truly understand. Together we create a warm, supportive environment where stories are honoured, friendships grow, and you can explore this new chapter without judgement. CONNECT: Spend time with others who have also come out later in life. Through conversation, games, and shared experiences, build meaningful connections with people who understand the unique path of being a late bloomer. UNDERSTAND: Workshops will gently explore why coming out later in life can feel so complex and isolating, helping you make sense of the emotions, shifts, and grief that can accompany this transition. HEAL: Therapists will be on hand throughout the weekend to offer support and hold space where needed, ensuring the environment remains safe, compassionate, and grounded. REST: Experience deep relaxation through sound baths, yoga and quiet moments at your own pace in the peaceful surroundings of the Nightingale Centre. Whether you join activities or simply take time to reflect, the space is yours. REFLECT & EMBRACE: This weekend offers an opportunity to acknowledge what has passed, honour the courage it took to arrive here, and begin embracing who you are becoming. TAKEAWAYS: Arrive as strangers and leave with new friends, deeper understanding, and a sense of belonging as you continue your journey forward. Fully catered residential weekender with single and shared rooms (ensuite facilities are the first to sell out). Camper van and non-residential spaces are also available.
Hosts
Tracy Wilkes: Host
Tracy Wilkes
Tracy (she/her) is the co-founder of Late Bloomers UK, a thriving community and platform for people who come out or start questioning later in life. What began as a place to connect has grown into a year-round space for support, friendship, and real-life community, both online and in person. Like many in the Late Bloomers community, Tracy came out later in life at 43, and she understands how life-changing (and nerve-wracking) that process can be. She’s passionate about building LGBTQIA+ spaces that feel genuinely safe, inclusive, and welcoming, especially for people navigating big transitions, rebuilding confidence, or finding themselves after years of putting everyone else first. Late Bloomers UK has grown from an idea into a real community that shows up for each other, online and in the room, and Tracy is proud to keep creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and never “too late” to begin again. Tracy is AuDHD, so creating neurodivergent-safe spaces is a high priority in everything she builds, from online community support to in-person meetups and events. She’s also studying to become a trauma-informed coach, with a focus on continuing to create trauma-friendly spaces where people feel held, respected, and never pressured to share more than they want to. Tracy is the Out & Wild Festival Regional Lead for London, She’s also part of the admin team for Dogs & Dykes, helping bring people together through meetups, walks, and events that centre connection, wellbeing, and belonging.
Virginia Lyon: Host
Virginia Lyon
Virginia (she/them) is the co-founder of Late Bloomers UK, a year-round community supporting people who come out or begin questioning later in life, both online and in person. The community provides a safe, welcoming space for members to navigate their own personal journeys.Virginia is AuDHD and came out at 51, having come to terms with her sexuality during lockdown, and took a slow, thoughtful transition from a heterosexual marriage into the LGBTQIA+ community. Through this experience, she understands the complexities and self-doubt that can come with coming out later in life.She is also a London Festival Lead for Out & Wild, and part of the Dogs & Dykes admin team, and is passionate about creating spaces where people can connect, build friendships, and feel supported within the LGBTQIA+ community
Polly Shute: Out and Wild Founder
Polly Shute: Out and Wild Founder
Polly Shute is Out and Wild's founder and Director - taking the dream of a wellness festival into reality and now, as we approach the 5th year, a brand with a year round programme for LGBTQ+ Women and non binary folk.Like many attending, Polly did not come out until her early 40s.Polly has grown Out & Wild from just 30 people to over 1000 for the Festival and is excited to grow events across the UK. She also runs Pride in Wellness, Pride Swims and is the co-founder of OUTspoken Speakers CIC.
Schedule
Friday the 9th to Sunday the 11th October.
Weekend Schedule
Friday 9th
Arrivals from 3:30pm (rooms available from 4pm).
We’ll begin the weekend gently with dinner, followed by an opening and sharing circle where everyone has the opportunity to introduce themselves and settle into the space. The evening will then be open for relaxed socialising and getting to know one another.
Saturday 10th
The day begins with breakfast, followed by a choice of gentle, accessible yoga and meditation or a short walk in the surrounding countryside. We will then come together for a deeply relaxing Gong bath.
After lunch, the afternoon will focus on connection through games and shared conversation, offering space to laugh, talk, and build friendships.
Later in the afternoon and early evening there will be a pop-up sauna available (advance booking required, additional fee). We’ll then gather for dinner, followed by music, socialising, and more time to connect.
Sunday 11th
After breakfast, the morning will begin with accessible yoga and meditation. There will then be time for a short walk or games before we gather for our closing circle.
We will share lunch together, and begin saying our goodbyes from 2pm, with everyone departing the venue by 3pm.
Support
Therapists will be on site throughout the entire weekend to offer support and hold space should anything arise. This retreat is designed to be a safe, compassionate, and non-judgemental environment where everyone can move at their own pace.
Accommodations
Camper Van (Early bird)
9 - 11 October 2026
Staying in a camper van includes all facilities, activities and catering across the weekend (no hook ups)
Non-Residential weekend ticket (Early Bird)
9 - 11 October 2026
2 x lunches, 1 x dinner (Sat), Sauna, Evening activities Sat 9am-10pm Sun 9am-4pm
Camper Van
9 - 11 October 2026
Staying in a camper van includes all facilities, activities and catering across the weekend (no hook ups)
Shared rooms: Twin and Triple
9 - 11 October 2026
(ensuite availability on a first come, first serve basis)
Gallery
Venue
Great Hucklow nr Buxton Derbyshire
Accessible, fully catered residential space
Reviews
FAQs
Early bookers can pay in instalments.
We are not able to return bookings but you may sell them on.
Changes to the booking will be subject to a small admin charge.
Address: The Nightingale Centre, Great Hucklow, Buxton, Derbyshire SK178RH
Getting Here. Although seeming “away from it all”, Greater Manchester, South Yorkshire and the Midlands are all nearby. Along the ridge above Hucklow you can see five counties on a clear day! For national events there are few places more central to the country as a whole.
By Car Great Hucklow is situated just off the B6049, north of the A623 (Stockport to Chesterfield road), near Tideswell. From Chesterfield take the A619. From Manchester and Stockport take the A6. From Sheffield take the A625. For Sat Nav use SK17 8RH. There is ample free parking at the Centre. Note that the car park is at the rear of the centre and accessed via the entrance opposite the Old Chapel.
By Train. From Manchester and Stockport there is a regular service to Buxton. From the east the connection is via Chesterfield or Sheffield (15 miles) or Hope (4 miles) Connections can be made by bus (see below) or taxI (see below).
By Bus: There are regular bus services running through the village. Timetables vary according to the season. Please check availability via Traveline East Midlands 0871 200 2233 or the useful website www.travelineeastmidlands.co.uk
By Taxi: Taxis are usually available at Sheffield, Chesterfield and Buxton stations. From Hope station (4 miles from the Centre) taxis for both ways need to be booked in advance. 2Nice Taxis are able to transport able or disabled people. You can contact them via 01298 212352 or 07917 710771.
What you might want to bring
It really depends on what you feel drawn to across the weekend.
For yoga, meditation, relaxation and grounding
Anything that helps you feel comfortable and supported—loose clothes, cosy socks, a blanket, cushions, and a yoga mat if you have one. There will be some bits available if you’re travelling light. This is very much about comfort, not performance.
For walking and outdoor time
We are hoping to be outside for some activities, so bring whatever you need to feel okay in the elements walking boots, warm layers, waterproofs if needed.
For the sauna
Just swimwear and a towel.
For daytime and evenings
There’s no dress code here. Come exactly as you are—whether that’s soft and cosy, a bit dressed up, or somewhere in between. It’s about you feeling comfortable in yourself.
There are accessible rooms, parking, and stair lifts available. If you have any access requirements, please let us know in advance so we can make your stay as comfortable as possible.
If there’s anything you’d like us to be aware of medically, you’re very welcome to share that with us too. We also have a small self-catering kitchen available if you need to store anything in the fridge or prepare food.
While the building itself is dog-friendly, some of the indoor spaces aren’t. As the weekend is really centred around connection, we’d love everyone to be able to fully take part in the sessions, so we gently encourage coming without pets if you can.
That said, we know for some people this isn’t possible—especially if you have an assistance animal or other support needs. If that’s you, please drop us an email at latebloomersuk@hotmail.com so we can work with you to find a way to accommodate your needs.
This is a fully catered weekend, with all meals, teas and coffees, and a range of soft drinks provided.
You’re very welcome to bring your own food or drinks if that feels easier for you or if you have specific needs around food we completely understand that, there is a small kitchen and fridge available for our use. Just let us know on arrival and our hosts will assist you.
There will also be a small honesty bar available. We just ask that alcohol is kept to a minimum, as we’d really like the focus of the weekend to be on connection rather than drinking.
Arrival & departure
Check-in opens at 3:30pm, with rooms available from 4pm. We gently ask that you arrive by 6pm if you can, so we can spend the evening settling in and getting to know each other. We do understand that life happens though, so if you’re running late, just let us know.
Nobody really likes goodbyes, and we know Sunday might feel a bit tender. Room check-out is at 10am, but we’d love for you to stay and have lunch with us. We’ll begin saying our goodbyes from around 2pm, and everyone will need to be offsite by 3pm.
That said, you’re completely free to leave whenever feels right for you.
Always.
Trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming people are completely welcome here, exactly as you are. There’s no need to explain yourself or fit into anything you belong exactly as you are.
We care about creating a space where people feel safe, respected and able to just be themselves. That means honouring names and pronouns, respecting boundaries, and gently but clearly not accepting discrimination of any kind.
If there is anything that would help you feel more at ease, you are welcome to email us at latebloomersuk@hotmail.com
Yes, absolutely.
Most of our guests come alone, and many leave having made friends for life.
Not at all.
There’s zero pressure to join any of the sessions you can do as much or as little as feels right for you. If a session ever feels heavy, you’re free to step away at any time.
We know the weekend can feel a bit full-on at times, and we all might need to take five minutes to breathe. There are rooms and small seating areas you can use, and the beautiful grounds around us are perfect for a quiet escape.
If you’re unsure during the weekend, just come and find one of us we’re here to help.
You’re welcome to have your phone with you and capture memories. We just ask that you be mindful this is a connection weekend, and we want everyone to be fully present.
Any photos should be for your own use, and if you’d like to share them online, please get permission from anyone who appears in them. Not everyone is out publicly, so let’s respect their story.
We’ll allocate rooms closer to the weekend. If there’s someone you’d like to share with—or someone you’d rather not—please let us know. We treat all disclosures with care and confidence.
Anyone wishing to share will be asked to confirm separately, so everyone has a choice.
Yes! We completely understand that money can be a barrier. We have a payment plan for early bookers, and we’ve also set aside a few supported tickets for anyone who needs them.
Just reach out to us at latebloomersuk@hotmail.com—everything will be handled in complete confidence.
Yes! We’re looking for a couple of volunteers to help behind the scenes, and we can offer a small discount in return. We’re also looking for someone to run accessible yoga and meditation sessions, and someone to capture photos during the weekend.
If that’s you, please get in touch before booking at latebloomersuk@hotmail.com.
Absolutely This is the perfect space for you. We’ve all been there, and we’ll hold you safely while you start exploring your life and finding yourself, even in a world that can feel scary at times.
Yes, you won’t loose contact with the outside world although you may want to.
