A goat and sheep cuddle break sounds unreal, and that’s the point. This is a 75-minute yoga session in the Kent countryside near Canterbury, run by Hannah at Hawes Farm, where the animals are the stars and the class stays playful. I especially like the sanctuary setup—these goats and sheep aren’t farmed, they’re cared for through their full lives—so your practice feels more like time with kind companions than a gimmick.

The second big win is how beginner-friendly the yoga is. You can join the poses as much or as little as you want, and Hannah adapts for all abilities. One caution: this isn’t for people who get nervous around animals, and it’s not suitable for pregnant women, plus kids under 10 aren’t included.

Key Things That Make This Goats-Plus-Yoga Different

• A true sanctuary, not a rotating baby-goat show: the animals live out their full lives, so the vibe stays calm and real
• Hannah leads with animal knowledge: you’ll get an informative, passionate explanation of the herd while you move
• Cuddles are part of the plan: you’re not forced to stay in perfect form through every minute
• Winter adds extra cuteness indoors: in late 2025, baby pygmy goats join the indoor yoga through winter
• It’s for non-yoga people too: Hannah welcomes newbies to yoga and qigong, with adaptations and no pressure

Hawes Farm Check-In: Finding Wild Woodland Retreat Near Canterbury

Your session starts at Hawes Farm, at a white cottage with a yard and farm buildings. You’ll see the sign for Wild Woodland Retreat, and you’ll stop in the yard; someone will come out to meet you. It’s an easy setup, but do plan a few extra minutes to park, find the sign, and settle before the class begins.

A practical note: bring drinks. Food and drink aren’t included, so you’ll want water for after (and a quick sip during if you’re the type who gets thirsty while you stretch). Also, wear something you can move in—this isn’t a studio where you’ll keep everything spotless. Even if you’re careful, farm air and animal company do their own thing.

And one more detail you’ll feel good about once you understand it: Hannah is electrosensitive. You’ll be asked to put phones on airplane mode, and leave smart watches and fit bits in your car. The good news is that airplane mode still lets you take pictures. This is one of those small rules that keeps the whole session comfortable for the person guiding it.

Your Classmates: The Sanctuary Herd (Golden Guernseys, Swiss Saanans, Sheep, and More)

This isn’t generic goat yoga. You’re practicing with a herd that includes Golden Guernseys, Swiss Saanans, Boer goats, pygmy goats, and two Swiss Valais Black Nose sheep. That mix matters because each animal has its own personality, and the session is built around interaction—not forcing behavior.

Hannah runs the show, and the personal touch really comes through in the way she talks about the animals. She describes the larger goats as unwanted dairy babies that were taken in, and she emphasizes that they live out their full life here. That’s a key difference if you’ve seen other setups where baby goat yoga is mainly seasonal or depends on frequent replacements.

The names help, too. Hannah refers to her three ladies—Lady Sprite, Banoffee, and Biscoff—and she treats them like familiar family members. When you’re in the middle of a yoga session with animals that are used to attention, it changes your expectations: you’re not just “watching goats.” You’re sharing space with animals who may seek you out.

There’s also a winter update to note. In November 2025, Hannah says there will be four baby pygmy goats that join indoor yoga through the winter months. If you’re thinking about late autumn or winter travel, that’s the kind of detail that can make your trip feel timed just right.

What a 75-Minute Goat Yoga Session Feels Like (And How It Stays Chilled)

The session length is 75 minutes, and the pace is explicitly “fun, chilled out, and so not sensible.” That wording is more than marketing. It signals what you’re actually there for: laughter, relaxation, and wellbeing, with yoga as the structure, not the exam.

Here’s how to think about the experience minute-to-minute, without overcomplicating it:

• You’ll begin in a yoga-friendly setup with mats supplied, so you don’t have to lug gear.
• Hannah leads you through movement options that are designed to work for all abilities.
• The herd is active in the space, so the class stays flexible.
• If an animal wants attention, you’re allowed to pause and do the humane thing—goaty cuddle time counts.

One of the most useful (and honestly liberating) points is this: there’s no strict rule that you must follow every pose every time. If you need to break for a cuddle, you can. If you want to move more, you can. This is a big deal for people who worry they’ll feel awkward in a group yoga class. The pressure is low.

You should also know the teaching style includes support for two things:

• Yoga for complete beginners
• Qigong, also welcomed

That means the class isn’t built only for people who already know their downward dog. You’ll have options, and you’re encouraged to match the session to your comfort level.

Goat and Sheep Cuddles: Fun, Yes. But Here’s the Consideration

The big highlight is cuddling—so if that’s why you’re booking, you’re on the right track. Hannah’s herd is described as super affectionate and loving attention, and the animals often sit with you like it’s part of the choreography. That’s exactly what people tend to remember most: the calm, close contact that turns a yoga class into something memorable and very human.

But I want to be straight with you about fit. This experience is not suitable if you’re nervous around animals. It’s also not suitable for pregnant women. If you’re unsure, think about your personal comfort with close, unpredictable animal movement. Even if the animals are generally calm and affectionate, they’re still animals. The session is designed for connection, not for distance.

There’s also an age guideline: no children under 10. That tells you the session is meant to stay relaxed and focused, without managing lots of small kids while animals weave in and out.

If you’re bringing the vibe of a classic yoga class—quiet rooms, perfect alignment, zero distractions—this one may not match. If you want a playful day where wellbeing includes laughter and animal cuddles, it fits beautifully.

Price and Value: Is $47 Worth It for a Canterbury Area Activity?

At $47 per person for a 75-minute session, the price lands in the mid-range for a guided experience. The value comes from what’s included, not just the instruction.

You get:

• a guided yoga session surrounded by goats and sheep
• mats supplied
• goat and sheep cuddles as part of the experience
• laughter and wellbeing, which is how Hannah frames the mood

What you don’t get:

• food
• drink
• transport

So, how do you judge value? For me, the deciding factors are:

1. You’re paying for time with animals in a sanctuary setting, not just a generic class.
2. You’re paying for a flexible beginner-friendly structure where you don’t have to “perform” yoga.
3. You’re paying for a real host experience—Hannah’s passion and knowledge of her herd changes the whole feel.

If you love animals, this is often a better deal than squeezing in a standard yoga class that won’t offer the same kind of connection. If you’re only lukewarm about animals, you might find the experience too different from what you expected.

Timing and Practical Tips: What to Bring, Wear, and Plan

The duration is 75 minutes, and starting times depend on availability. That’s important if you’re coordinating with other Canterbury plans. Build this into a day where you won’t need to sprint to your next stop the second you’re done—your body will feel like it moved, and your mind will feel like it relaxed.

Bring:

• drinks

Wear:

• comfortable clothes for gentle movement
• something that won’t mind getting a little farm-life atmosphere

Plan around phones and tech:

• put your phone on airplane mode
• leave smart watches and fit bits in your car

That rule isn’t there for control. It’s about Hannah’s electrosensitivity, and it’s part of what makes the session kinder for the person leading it.

Who This Is Best For (And Who Should Skip)

This works best if you want a day that blends movement with animal companionship—without ego and without pressure. Think of it as a reset button, not a challenge course.

Great fit:

• complete beginners to yoga
• people who like nature and animals
• travelers who want a Canterbury-area experience that feels personal and not cookie-cutter

Not a great fit:

• anyone nervous around animals
• pregnant women
• families with kids under 10
• people who want a strictly quiet, no-interaction yoga setting

If you fall into the “I’m curious but slightly unsure” category, ask yourself a practical question: can you stay calm if an animal approaches you or if the class gets a bit more playful than planned? If yes, you’ll probably have a great time. If no, choose a different activity.

Should You Book? My Advice for Canterbury Day Plans

I’d book this if you’re looking for something that feels genuinely different from the usual “sit in a historic building” plan. The sanctuary model, the named herd, and the beginner-friendly structure mean you’re not just buying a novelty. You’re buying a guided hour-plus with animals Hannah cares for deeply.

The biggest decision is also the simplest: are you comfortable around goats and sheep up close? If the answer is yes, you’ll likely enjoy the flexibility—yoga when you want it, cuddles when you don’t want to hold a pose.

If the answer is no, or if you’re pregnant, skip it. It’s not designed to adjust to those needs.

If you want a fun, warm, low-pressure experience near Canterbury with mats provided and a very human host, this one is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is Canterbury: Yoga with Goats and Sheep?

It lasts 75 minutes.

How much does it cost?

The price is $47 per person.

What’s included in the session?

You’ll get a yoga session surrounded by goats and sheep, yoga mats, and time for goat and sheep cuddles.

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but you should bring drinks.

Where do I meet for the experience?

Meet at Hawes Farm, at the white cottage with a yard and farm buildings. Look for the sign for Wild Woodland Retreat and stop in the yard; someone will come to meet you.

Is this class suitable for beginners?

Yes. It’s suitable for complete beginners, and the session is adapted for all abilities.

Can I take photos during the session?

Yes. You’re asked to put your phone on airplane mode, which still allows pictures, but leave smart watches and fit bits in your car.

Who should not book this experience?

It’s not suitable for pregnant women and not suitable for children under 10. It’s also not for people nervous around animals.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it’s listed as wheelchair accessible.

What’s the cancellation policy?

There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

If you’d like, tell me your travel month and whether you’re comfortable around animals. I can help you decide how this fits with a typical Canterbury day schedule.

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