If you’re yearning for the time and space to write in a beautiful setting, then you’re going to love Starcroft Farm’s luxury cabins. Nestled in stunning Sussex countryside, but close to fabulous beaches, a farm shop, café and village pub, each cabin is a unique creative space inspired by women’s history and filled with art and books. Visit their website to find out more about their independent five-day writing retreats which are interspersed throughout the year and include a one-to-one session with writing coach Jo Norland, as well little treats to keep you going. Homemade cake delivered to your door or a relaxing chair massage anyone?
Situated in a remote and beautiful corner of the Yorkshire Dales National Park on the edge of Cumbria, the Garsdale Retreat promises a unique nurturing atmosphere in which to hone your writing craft. Tutored or untutored, all courses and retreats are fully catered with delicious pescatarian food (don’t worry if fish isn’t your dish as all dietary needs are catered for) and one of the many reasons people go back! Other reasons include the warm and inclusive ethos, the carefully selected standout tutors, and small participant numbers (max. eight) so what are you waiting for? Head over to their website and secure one of their limited slots before it’s too late.
On the edge of the Berwyn Mountains in North Wales, overlooking the breath-taking Dee Valley, A Place to Write provides personalised retreats tailored to each individual writer’s needs. With as much or as little direct support and tutoring as you require, this is a wonderful opportunity to get what you need out of your time away — regardless of your genre or level of experience. Set within extensive grounds, there are many places across the property to write and be inspired. And when your thoughts turn to food (and mine often do when I’m writing) you’ll be delighted to know that all your delicious homecooked meals are provided using locally sourced ingredients.
If staying in a 900-year-old luxury palazzo with ample space to write and daydream sounds like your idea of writing heaven, then this one’s for you, if you love Italian food then even better! The Writing Grove offers immersive tutored retreats for writers of all genres in the intimate, inspiring and baroque city of Nardò. Little known by tourists, Nardò may only be a short flight away from Rome but it’s a world away in terms of pace and space — ensuring you’ll feel refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to tackle your writing after a week by the Ionian Sea.
Nestled in the picturesque town of Launceston, Cypress Well is the unspoilt home of 20th century poet, Charles Causley. Imagine surrounding yourself with the books and belongings of this internationally renowned poet and being inspired by his creative space. With direct access to the beautiful Cornish countryside, this untutored, residential stay is a wonderful opportunity to meander and ponder. Or you might wish to take advantage of additional options such as one-to-one mentoring, lighter touch artistic support and guided walks with the Causley staff. There’s a fully equipped kitchen to cook up a storm but if you’d prefer, the Causley team can provide alternative bespoke catering options from locally sourced suppliers. A truly unique experience in a truly unique setting.
If an all-inclusive writing retreat with like-minded souls appeals, then this North Devonshire stay in a quaint Historic grade II listed 1600s house might be just the thing. Retreats for You have thought of everything to make your stay as relaxing and productive as possible. With all homecooked locally sourced meals taken care of (including wine with supper) and the option to have a tutored or untutored retreat, you can really tailor your stay to your writerly needs. And if you need to burn off the treats or focus your mind, there’s a mini home gym or walks-a-plenty in the picturesque countryside on your doorstep.
If you do take the plunge, don’t forget to tell us about it on our socials!
Jo x