Amanda Feilding

In Loving Memory. In Guiding Spirit.

Amanda Feilding (1943–2025) passed peacefully in May 2025, surrounded by family and friends at the age of 82. Her vision and courage remain at the heart of Beckley Retreats, continuing to guide our work and inspire all who step into this path of transformation.

Her Role

Amanda Feilding was the founder of the Beckley Foundation, the co-founder of Beckley Retreats, and one of the most influential figures of the psychedelic renaissance. A close friend and early thought partner to Albert Hofmann (the creator of LSD), she’s been dubbed everything from ‘The Countess of Psychedelics’ (Wired Magazine) to the ‘Queen of Consciousness’ (The Telegraph). Her role at Beckley Retreats was always one of vision – bringing scientific rigor, cultural respect, and deep humanity together to create safe, meaningful spaces for change.

Her Story

Amanda’s imagination was alive from childhood, shaped by the landscapes of Beckley Park. In her twenties, she discovered psychedelics, and they became the compass of her life’s work: to explore and share their potential to heal, transform, and expand human consciousness.

In 1998, she founded the Beckley Foundation to bridge the gap between scientific research and drug policy. Over the decades, her pioneering collaborations with leading institutions such as Johns Hopkins, Imperial College London, and others helped bring psychedelic research into mainstream recognition.
Amanda’s determination made history: she played a central role in generating the modern evidence base for psilocybin, LSD, and other substances, demonstrating their ability to support wellbeing, creativity, and new perspectives on human flourishing.

Her Legacy

Amanda’s life’s work proved that science and spirit can walk hand in hand. She helped dismantle stigma, advance research, and reimagine psychedelics as tools for wellbeing, creativity, and connection.

At Beckley Retreats, her influence lives on in every program:

• A commitment to rigorous, research-informed design
• Respect for ancient traditions and cultural wisdom
• A belief in integration — that true transformation extends far beyond the ceremony

Amanda’s voice and vision continue to shape the field, reminding us that consciousness itself is the greatest frontier.

Her Why

Amanda believed that people from all walks of life can find harmony and healing through the psychedelic experience. Her career was dedicated to refining a new outlook on psychedelics as tools for enhancing consciousness and destigmatizing their use.

She leaves behind a legacy of courage, imagination, and integrity – a reminder that one person’s vision can open doors for millions.