How to join a psilocybin retreat in the UK?
A psilocybin experience 3 hours from London
Choose between a 3-day or 5-day all-inclusive stay, fully legal.
Everything is taken care of — from meals to support.
English-speaking support team.
1 year post retreat integration program.
Institute founded by a Londoner.
Retreat Program
Psilocybin is a natural substance found in certain types of magic mushrooms.
More and more researchers are exploring how psilocybin could truly help people struggling with their mental health.
In the UK, early research shows it may help with depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Some studies also suggest it could support people struggling with eating or alcohol disorders.
What Happens During a Psilocybin Experience?
Psilocybin temporarily shifts how the brain works. The profound experience activates areas linked to emotion and memory — like serotonin receptors and the amygdala.
This can lead to vivid visions, emotional release, or deep personal insight.
These effects are part of what we call an altered state of consciousness. Many people find distance from painful memories. Some also feel a deep sense of calm and emotional relief.
Let’s talk!
Schedule a free information session in English with one of our facilitators.
Consuming Psilocybin in the UK
Even though scientists conduct research in the UK, the use of magic mushrooms remains illegal throughout Great Britain. But in the Netherlands, magic truffles are fully legal.
That’s why many people from the UK travel there for a psilocybin retreat in the Netherlands. Here, they can take part in a psilocybin ceremony. This is the starting point of an breathtaking psychedelic journey.
Psychedelic retreats follow several steps. We offer remote preparation, individual interviews, integration process. On site, we also offer relaxation exercises.
This careful approach is what we call the set and setting. To ensure a meaningful and impactful experience, the team guide it with attention.
Born in London, Rooted in the Netherlands
Tangerine Retreat was founded by a Frenchman, Arnaud. He had been living in London for over eight years. And, for him, the experience was truly eye-opening.
It helped him process deep emotions and brought a sense of clarity and relief. He realised how powerful these experiences could be for people going through pain or trauma.
But in the UK, the only legal options are antidepressant or traditional therapy. For many, these solutions may seem either too slow or not effective enough.
That’s what inspired him to create Tangerine Retreat. He wanted British citizens to have a legal and accessible path to a truly transformative experience.
The stays take place in the Netherlands, where psilocybin truffles are legal. It’s just a short journey from Heathrow or St Pancras by Eurostar. If you’re coming by car, plan for an overnight stop in Amsterdam.
The program of a retreat
Each retreat begins with a simple idea: choosing something you want to explore or work through. From there, you relax and place your trust in our team of English-speaking facilitators.
During the ceremony, you take a dose of psilocybin truffles and lie down in a quiet, comfortable space. For the next 5 to 6 hours, the substance gently shifts your brain activity.
Everyone’s experience is different. Some feel strong emotions, others see vivid images, flashbacks, or waves of joy. Deep insights can also appear — sometimes without warning.
Our team stays close, guiding and reassuring, so you can safely explore your inner world. The aim is to help you connect with what matters most, just below the surface.
This kind of experience draws on elements from science, spirituality, and personal growth.
A Fresh Start Near England
Psilocybin-assisted therapy isn’t yet available in the UK. But just across the Channel, a safe and legal alternative exists. Tangerine Retreat offers the closest place to London where you can explore the potential of psychedelics. Naturally, in a caring and structured environment.
Our retreat was designed to bring together expert guidance, emotional safety, and legal clarity. It’s a space where people come to gain a deeper understanding of themselves — and sometimes, a whole new perspective on life.
All of this, just three hours from the UK.
How Long Does It Take to Get There?
Amsterdam is only 1 hour and 20 minutes away by plane from cities like Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, or Bristol. From there, it’s another 90 minutes to reach our peaceful retreat centre, nestled in nature.
Next date for UK residents or English speakers
Psychedelic Retreat in the Netherlands
From Jun 10 To 12, 2025
- Language(s) spoken:
- Guided psilocybin ceremony
- Presence of medical staff
- Individual preparation sessions
- Shared or private room
- From €1,890
1 ceremony 5-day retreat
2 ceremonies
Connect with nature
Our retreat centers are held in a peaceful, carefully chosen location. It’s a chance to slow down and reconnect with your senses.
Surrounded by forest, the centre feels far from the noise of everyday life — yet it’s just 20 minutes from the nearest train station and local amenities.
An all-inclusive stay
You’ll stay in a mix of shared and private rooms, with cosy communal areas for the group.
From day one, we offer simple, light-hearted workshops to help break the ice. And make everyone feel at home.
Chef says “bon appétit”
We care about your comfort — and that includes what’s on your plate. Mealtimes are a real highlight here.
Our on-site chef prepares generous, tasty vegetarian dishes, always finished off with a homemade dessert. It’s a moment everyone looks forward to.
FAQ about psilocybin in the UK
In the UK and its overseas territories, magic mushrooms are considered illegal. They’re classified as a Class A drug — the same category as heroin, cocaine, LSD, and MDMA.
Since the 1960s, all psychedelic substances have been listed as controlled drugs. Using or possessing them can lead to up to 7 years in prison and an unlimited fine.
Psychedelics don’t have deep roots in British culture, and the law reflects that. As a result, there are no legal psychedelic retreats in the UK today.
Mushroom spores are like seeds for plants. They can be used to grow mushrooms — including psilocybin mushrooms.
At the spore stage, they don’t contain any psilocybin. That’s why it’s legal to own them in the UK.
But be careful: once the spores are cultivated and grow into magic mushrooms, they become illegal. In their grown form, they’re classed as a controlled substance and banned in Great Britain.
Legally, you can’t consume psilocybin in the UK. Whether in the form of truffles or mushrooms, psilocybin is classified as an illegal drug in London.
Psychedelics can cause temporary emotional fragility. This makes it important to have one or more sober, experienced individuals present to reassure the person during the trip.
Consuming psychoactive substances in a stressful, noisy environment or without supervision can lead to an unpleasant bad trip.
Psilocybin is still illegal in the UK. There are no current plans or proposed bills to change this.
Unlike in Oregon or Australia, where certain psychedelic therapies are now allowed, the UK continues to follow the 1971 UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances.
That said, UK researchers are allowed to study psilocybin. The Department of Health and Social Care supports research into its effects on conditions like treatment-resistant depression and addiction.
But for now, no mental health professional in the UK is authorised to offer psilocybin therapy.
Yes — it’s perfectly legal to take part in a psychedelic retreat in the Netherlands. Local law applies, and psilocybin truffles are legal there, no matter your nationality.
When you return to the UK, you won’t be punished for what you did abroad. But be careful: you cannot bring truffles or mushrooms back with you.
Even if they were bought legally, they are still banned in the UK — and carrying them across the border is illegal.
The therapeutic benefits of psychedelic substances are still being explored. That’s why some people choose to take part in clinical trials.
If you’d like to take part in a clinical trial, it’s important to follow the latest research news. King’s College and Imperial College London regularly post updates on their websites.
Places are limited, and the selection criteria are often very specific. Most studies only take place in London.
No. Psilocybin is not addictive, no matter the dose. It doesn’t create physical dependence or cravings.
People who take it in a safe, guided setting rarely feel the need to repeat the experience often. It’s not something typically used for fun or recreation — the effects are deep, not casual.
Hallucinogens changes how the mind works. Often leading to intense emotional release or a deep, mystical experience.
In the weeks that follow, many people report feeling more connected to themselves and others. They often find it easier to socialise, feel more energy, and have a clearer sense of direction.
In clinical settings, psilocybin is being studied for its ability to reduce symptoms of depression. Long-term effects vary from person to person, but may include better mood, more motivation, and a stronger emotional connection with others. Especially in those working through past trauma.
Some people may feel a bit nauseous or anxious shortly after taking psilocybin. These effects are rare and usually pass quite quickly.
There are also a few important contraindications. Many specialists say it’s best to avoid psilocybin if you’re taking antidepressants. It should also be avoided by anyone with a history of psychiatric conditions (psychosis, schizophrenia, or paranoia).
If that applies to you, it’s essential to speak with a psychiatrist near you before considering any psychedelic experience.
People with untreated high blood pressure should also stay away from substances that alter consciousness.
It’s quite simple. Our founder was walking along the Thames, thinking about his project. As always, he had music playing in his ears.
Then came Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds. And in the middle of the song, he heard that famous line from The Beatles:
Picture yourself in a boat on a river;
With tangerine trees and marmalade skies;
Somebody calls you, you answer quite slowly;
A girl with kaleidoscope eyes.
…and just like that, everything fell into place!
Image of vwalakte and rawpixel.com on Freepik
