Advivum Journeys

quick links

Participant Information Form (fill-in online by)

Participant Release Form (read, sign, and return by

Private Coaching Call (book your private call to occur between April 15-25)

Group Welcome Call (Zoom link, April 27, 2025 noon-1:30pm ET)

Workbook 1 (available late March)

Workbook 2 (available late April)

Private Coaching Call Post-retreat (book your private call to occur between June 30-July 11)

Workbook 3 (available after the retreat)

Group Reunion Call (Zoom link, July 26, 2025 noon-1:30pm ET)

key information

Tania Carriere: +1 613 297 0012 try me on WhatsApp or my iPhone.

Location: Goodnestone Park Manor, CT3 1PE, UK

Arrival: Tuesday, May 27, 2025. The house opens at 4pm. We will be in touch to coordinate transportation from Canterbury West Train Station for those who desire.

Departure: Saturday, May 31, 2025. The official programming ends at 11:30am and we will leave the house, to gather for an optional Farewell Lunch. My recommendation, as a farewell lunch is always a delight, is to book any train for 2 p.m. onwards.

 WELCOME!

I fell in love with the beautiful rolling hills, the quaint villages and the extraordinary scones when I lived in England for a few years. I return a couple of times a year to visit friends, and I always make time to ramble along a few footpaths and stop for a Sunday Roast Lunch at the oldest pub I can find.

The information below is to help you with your trip planning and your time before and after our retreat. It is based on my discoveries and preferences with the intention of giving you a visit that is high on culture and experience. Modify to your budget and personal preferences. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Happy Planning!

Agenda (arrival and departure)

We will check into GOODNESTONE PARK MANOR Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 4 pm.

Our session will finish on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 11:30 am, when we will gather for an optional Farewell lunch. My recommendation, as a farewell lunch is always a delight, is to book your trains for 2 p.m. onwards.

directions to the house

Visitors to England will have no need for a rental car at the house. If you are one our British friends who is driving to join us, then when arriving at the house, please go to Goodnestone Park’s MAIN HOUSE ENTRANCE off School Lane. This is different from the back entrance, trade entrance, or parking lot entrance through town. You’ll know you have arrived when you have this view of the impressive white columns of the house.

directions for arrivals/departures at canterbury west train station

Visitors to England are encouraged to meet at the Canterbury West Train Station around 3 PM on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. We will coordinate with you for shared transportation to the house. (Approximately 20 minute drive.)

On Saturday, May 31, 2025, we will coordinate for shared transportation back to Canterbury West Train Station.

TO DO for our retreat

Please complete the following so that we can prepare for your arrival!

Participant information form and release forms

These forms are vital to our planning and ensure that your personal requirements are being taken care of. Please fill in the following form by April 15th, 2025.

dinner tipples

If you are interested having some specific wine, or other favourite beverage, to have at the house, we are happy to arrange this for you, and save you the effort of bringing it with your luggage. Please go to the following website, Sainsbury’s, to view the selection and send me an email with your order. Please include the 1) name of the product(s), 2) unit cost, and 3) the quantity. We will pick it up and you can pay us back.

Orders must be received by May 5, 2025. Thanks.

Coaching call

Please use the “Book Now” button below to book your one hour Coaching Call.

On the call you are invited to share your thoughts and hopes for the Radical Sabbatical with me. All calls must be completed before April 25, 2025.

NEW 2025 entry requirements to the uk

The United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA) is a digital authorization required for citizens of certain countries to travel to the UK. It is designed to accommodate various short visit purposes, for up to 6 months. The application process is entirely online and is digitally linked to the applicant’s passport once issued. Travelers with an approved UK ETA will only need to present their passport at UK entry points, facilitating a seamless entry experience.

Applications may take 3 business days to process. It costs £10 to apply.

Visitors from Canada and the United States and many other countries, will need a UK ETA for travel on or after January 8, 2025.

Visitors from 34 European countries will need a UK ETA for travel on or after April 2, 2025.

For more information specific to your nationality, and for starting your application, click here ➡️ UK ETA

GETTING READY

WEATHER

May temperatures average a high of 16ºC/ 61ºF and a low of 12°C/ 53°F

My experience, however, is that the weather systems move quickly and it is not unusual to have several types of weather to contend with all at the same time! So, you will need a waterproof jacket and sunglasses! It is often windy and rainy at the same time, we recommend a jacket with a hood.

Packing

Casual, comfortable clothes are encouraged. While the house is grand, we should dress for comfort and not for show. We will be dining at the house, with a possible excursion to a nearby pub.

We will spend time outdoors each day as Kent is considered the garden of England and we will be enjoying what she has to offer. Every garden has two things, sunshine and water. A rain jacket and sturdy shoes that can get muddy are a must.

Additionally, please plan on wearing a black t-shirt to our special dinner on the last night. (We have a surprise in store!)

Changing Money

England is a digital payments society. You can use your credit cards in all grocery stores, transport, and shops. There are very few instances where cash is required.

I encourage you to have a “contactless” or “tap” credit card (or load them to Apple Pay) for ease of use. If asked, it is generally in your favour to be charged in the currency of the country you are visiting (British Pounds) as opposed to the converted rate (which will use an exchange rate that favours the seller.)

The only additional expense, once you have arrived on the property, will be any wine by the glass that you wish to consume with dinner.

sim or esim card for your cell phone

Travelling “old school” (without using your cell phone) can be very freeing.  It can help you stay in the moment.  It can nudge you to engage with locals for directions, suggestions, help, and advice. And, travelling with cell service to your phone can be very comforting.  It can give you confidence knowing that if you need to, you can find directions, make a call, and reach out to people you know for assistance.

So when travelling somewhere outside of your usual cellular service (and into roaming service) you have a choice to make.

• A: Commit to not using cell service at all, and only use apps when you can connect to Wifi.

• B: Accept that using your phone would only be in an emergency and you’ll pay the roaming charges incurred.

• C: Sign up for an international plan with your regular cellular vendor.  This might be upgrading your monthly plan for a specific period of time.  Or it might be that on days that you use your phone abroad, you pay a daily rate.  (ex. T-Mobile is known for a plan where your phone “just works” no matter where you are.  Verizon offers a daily TravelPass.)

• D: Buy a short term plan from a cellular vendor that is local to where you’re going.  You can do this ahead of time, or you can find a vendor in the airport when you land.  This is often notably less expensive than option C (unless you already have a travel plan with the likes of T-Mobile.)  ex. Service covering all of Europe, for 30 days, with 5 GB of data is approximately $20USD.

Let’s talk more about option D.  What makes your cell phone work with your specific phone number and password, is a SIM card.  You might be familiar with using the end of a paper clip to press a hole on the side of your phone for a little tray to pop out, with an actual card in it, smaller than your thumbnail.  That’s a physical SIM card.  Today’s advancements have created a different way to accomplish what the SIM card does, without needing an actual card.  It is programmed directly into your phone.  So it’s an electronic SIM card, also known as an eSIM.

Travellers used to have to buy a travel SIM, take their home SIM out of their phone (and tape it inside the case so as not to lose it!), and put the travel SIM in, and then reverse the finicky process when they got home.  With eSIM, we can buy a travel eSIM online, download it to our phone, and toggle it on and off in our phone’s settings.  So much better!

To check if your phone is compatible with this new technology, see if your make and model is on this list.  You can also go to your Settings on your phone, find the Cellular section, and look for the term SIM.  If you see an option to “Add eSIM” then the eSIM option should work for you.

Whether you buy a traditional card or an electronic card, you’ll have choices for a) location (ex. just UK,  all of Europe, global), b) duration (ex. 7 days, 15 days, 30 days), and c) gigabytes of data (ex. 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 20)   Note that almost all plans allow you to add days and add data, but check beforehand how much those “top ups” might cost.

I recommend the company Airalo as a place to buy an eSIM.  Airalo is well-established, is highly rated, and provides reliable cell coverage.  And you can choose to have prices in different currencies (ex. USD, CAD.)   When you check out, you can use the code TANIA9228 for $3 off.  Airalo has lots of instructions, videos, and customer service to help you make the eSIM work smoothly so you can fully enjoy your trip!

adaptor

You will require a Type G adapter. If you're from America travelling to England then you will need to bring a plug adapter to fit a US/Canada plug in a British power outlet. Because the voltage is different in England use a power converter if your device isn't dual voltage and check that it will work with a 50hz power outlet.

frequently-used travel apps

Here are some of my favourite Apps that make getting around and sightseeing a lot easier.

CityMapper

CityMapper is billed as “The Ultimate Transport App,” and it’s one of our favourite apps for London. It shows you the quickest, easiest and cheapest ways to get from point A to point B via London’s buses, underground network, overground network, taxis, walking and even by bike. There are real-time departures and line status alerts. There’s also Uber integration. What’s not to love?

Uber

Uber is a cost-effective way to travel through London. (It’s much cheaper than London’s black cabs—however photogenic they may be.) Like with any city, avoid travelling by car—Uber or otherwise—during rush hour. Note that Uber is not as prevalent in Canterbury.

Santander Cycles

Santander Cycles is London’s self-service bike system where anyone can hire a bike for a day starting at just £2. You pick up a bike from any docking station and then you can return it to any docking station in the city. The Santander Cycles app makes the whole process more convenient. The app gives you access to live docking station information, including availability. There’s also an interactive map, which makes finding a docking station super simple. You can also use the map to search for things like nearby landmarks or underground stations, which makes this a great app for London tourists in particular.

London Bus Live Countdown

London Bus Live Countdown London buses are a great way to get around the city. They’re cheap and they’re also a way to work in some sightseeing. (Check out Route 9 to see some of London’s loveliest sights, and you can hop on this bus right outside London Perfect apartments like the Attlee, the Lennox or the Spencer.) The London Bus Live Countdown is one of the most important apps for London bus riders because it tells you exactly when your bus is coming.

Flush

Flush. The Flush app will show you nearby public toilets. This is super useful during long days of sightseeing in parks and such.

Packing light

If you are moving through London with your suitcase please know that there are NOT elevators everywhere. Expect that you will have to carry your luggage up a flight of stairs or two. Pack accordingly! I am a dedicated carry-on luggage only kind of person.

arriving in the uk

Heathrow airport (LHR)

There is free internet at Heathrow, so when you land, it is a good time to pause and connect if needed. The Cafe Nero down at the far end of the arrivals hall is my favourite spot to grab a coffee to help shake off jet lag or to sit for a moment and check my email. The journey into London from Heathrow may take some time, so be sure to visit the restrooms. There are large ones once you exit into the “arrivals” hall.

LHR to Canterbury, or London to Canterbury:

1. Direct Bus (which they call a coach): Check on this website for times and best options. Most are direct and a very good deal.

2. Private Car Hire: TIP- find a car hire that is from Canterbury, they will be cheaper!

3. Train: I like using the Trainline.com to search for tickets. Note, there are great savings if you book your ticket in advance. Just be sure to note the conditions of your ticket (exchangeable, refundable). The regular train to West Canterbury Station leaves from London’s St. Pancras Station.

LHR to London: Train

The Heathrow Express train is the fastest way to travel to west London. The journey from Heathrow Airport to London Paddington takes about 15 minutes, and trains operate from approximately 5.20 am until midnight. There are great discounts if you book beforehand, online. Fares are from £6-£33, depending on when you book/travel. You might also consider booking a train all the way to Canterbury (check Trainline). You may need to change trains in London.

LHR to London: Tube

I usually take the tube if I’m going in to London from Heathrow, it is quintessentially British and usually gets me to where I am going. Visit the Transport for London website to plan your journey. The tube is signed as the “underground”. Heathrow Airport has three Tube stations, serving Terminals 2 and 3, Terminal 4, and Terminal 5. London Underground services leave Heathrow every few minutes from approximately 5.10 am to 11.40 pm. A trip into central London will cost you about £6.00

LHR to London: Taxi

Taxis queue for customers at Heathrow Airport. Pre-booked minicabs have fixed prices that are quoted and paid during booking. A black cab from Heathrow to central London costs between £49 and £92, depending on traffic, the time of pickup and your final destination. A trip in a cab to central London from Heathrow Airport takes approximately one hour.

LHR to London: Uber

Uber does operate in London and, as always, check the app for the cost. You will likely have to go to the short-stay parking to meet up with them.

gatwick airport (LGW)

Gatwick Airport is another option to consider when flying internationally to England.

You can use Trainline website and app to research train schedules from Gatwick Airport to London, and even from the airport to Canterbury West. Follow the signs to the train station connected to Gatwick Airport. Just before the turnstiles there is a row of kiosks. You can buy your ticket here, or use the kiosk to get a paper ticket of one you’ve pre-purchased. The physical ticket will get you through the turnstiles to then catch a train.

If you are going straight through to Canterbury, at Gatwick you’ll be hopping on whichever train is noted as going to St. Pancras Station. (Maybe it’s the one you pre-purchased; maybe not. No worries.) Once at St. Pancras Station, you will leave that platform, go up to the main level, and exit a turnstile to completely leave that train system. This is fine. Explore this major transportation hub while following signs for trains to Margate (likely platform 12.) Just before the platform for the Margate train you will use the same paper ticket to get through the turnstile. You can then catch whatever the next train is to Margate (and get off at Canterbury West Station.) There is likely one every hour.

Getting around london

WALKING

Walking is the best way to get anywhere and to sightsee along the way. Did you know that you can use google maps even if you don’t have any data? Just be sure to open the map and search your destination while you still have access to wifi.

Taking the Tube

You can pay by tapping your smartphone or your credit card! Just be sure to tap “on and off” so that it can calculate your journey correctly You will notice on the escalators, that people stand on the right so that others can walk by on the left.

where to stay

London in general

There is no shortage of places to stay in London! Booking.com and Airbnb are my favourite search engines. A few things to note about rooms in general… this is England, your rooms may feel small by North American Standards. Many old buildings don’t have elevators. If you don’t fancy lugging your luggage, book something on the ground floor. (Or be sure to have a few pounds for the doorman who may help you.)

My favourite neighbourhoods

Fitzrovia, Marylebone, and Mayfair. I love these for the proximity to just about everything I would want to walk to within an hour, easy access to tube stations, and a real feel of old-time London. I walk around and pretend that I am posh enough to live there! This is a safe part of town, with lots of locals. This article has a great description of other neighbourhoods: https://www.cntraveller.com/article/best-neighbourhoods-in-london

What to Do

What to see if you have a few days in london

There is so much to see in London, it is hard to choose. I’ve listed a few of my favourite things…

I always go on a long walk along the Thames. Here is a great site, CPSMyCity, that will give you easy-to-follow maps to download on your phones… Also, check out these downloadable Self Guided Tour Maps from City Walks.

My favourite way of seeing a small corner of London and understanding a little history at the same time is a guided London Walk. These are usually a couple of hours and even locals discover new things about their city.

I love a spin on the London Eye for the view I have down the Thames.

If I have time to travel outside central London I always head to Shoreditch and go on a food and street art tour. There are many companies, I have enjoyed them all. The urban scene here is awesome.

Where to eat

Goodness… there are as many restaurants and pubs as there are neighbourhoods!

In the interest of “something British,” I think you have to try a great “local pub”.

While there are many places to eat, you will want to make a reservation in order to be sure to get a table.

I use either Open Table or The Fork

Best place for high tea

There are so many to choose from, it is impossible to recommend only one. It’s best to have a budget in mind as prices can vary significantly.

What is High Tea?

“The drinking of tea not only became a social event for the upper classes, but it also altered the time and manner in which they took tea. Afternoon Tea became the bridge between meals because many wouldn't eat their evening meal until maybe 8 pm. As such, Afternoon Tea became a 'mini meal' in itself.

This was all well and good for the upper classes, but the working classes ran to a different schedule and a different budget. Tea was still quite expensive at the time and the working classes could not afford to waste it on anything other than necessities. A wearied factory worker wouldn't arrive home until six in the evening, and when he did, he was famished! Thus, in the industrial areas of the UK (northern England and southern Scotland), the working class’s evening meal evolved: high tea.

English High Tea usually involved a mug of tea, bread, vegetables, cheese and occasionally meat. Variations on high tea could include the addition of pies, potatoes and crackers.

So while Afternoon Tea was largely a social event for their upper-class counterparts, high tea was a necessary meal in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. This traditional high tea still exists in some parts of the North and Scotland.” ~afternoontea.co.uk

Here are a couple of articles to help you along:

The Plum Guide, The Fork, Vogue

Theatre

Given the time frame, I suggest you buy tickets ahead for any show you wish to see at the theatre.

Here is a list of how and where to get tickets in advance or the same day as the show.

I highly recommend seeing something at Shakespeare’s Globe theatre if you can!

Agatha Christie’s “Witness for the Prosecution” plays in the old London County Hall in a real courtroom! So you really feel like you are a part of the Jury as you sit in a piece of history.

Also, have a look at Marlowe Theatre.

After the Retreat - Canterbury

Following the retreat, you may not feel ready to re-enter the hurly-burly and may want a few extra days’ respite.

We recommend that you consider spending a couple nights in Canterbury.

There are many places to stay, but for ease, I recommend Sawday’s as a great place to start looking.

It is an easy town to navigate with lovely gardens, a beautiful Cathedral and Abbey and city walls, all worth exploring.

I’d also recommend a Stour boat tour - the Canterbury Historic River Tours company provides 40-minute trips on a large rowboat, which lets you see some of Canterbury’s Medieval monuments in a new way.