Immerse yourself in five days of craft workshops, one-to-one tutorials and creativity practises in a secluded 18th century rectory on the stunning Pembrokeshire coastline.
This bespoke retreat provides you with the opportunity to work on your writing ideas and projects far from the usual interruptions of daily life.
You will be supported by nourishing food, connection with fellow writers and time for creative rest.
With a maximum of twelve participants on the retreat, you will have the chance to be offered personalised writing tuition in a supportive and friendly environment.
Winter Writing Retreat
Fri 31 January - Wed 5 February 2025
What you'll experience on this retreat:
🎨 Personalised one-to-one tutorials tailored to your specific needs
🖌️ Craft workshops designed to refine your artistic skills
👥 Group feedback sessions where you'll receive constructive critique and encouragement from fellow writers
⏰ Dedicated independent writing time to allow space for projects to unfold
🌱 Nourishing plant-based cuisine to feed your creative spirit and enhance your well-being
🤝 Connect with other writers and experience the joy of creating together
🧘♀️ Daily mindfulness practises to tap into your creative flow
🌊 Invigorating cold sea swims to connect with nature, followed by hot tub dips for relaxation of body and mind
🤫 Periods of silence to allow for a deep connection with your writing voice
This retreat is for you if you are:
🎭 Seeking dedicated time and space to work on an existing writing project
🔍 In search of a writing project and are keen to explore new ideas
📖 Working on fiction or creative nonfiction as all instruction will be genre-fluid
📚 An experienced writer seeking fresh perspectives and renewed inspiration
🖋 A new writer who want the support and feedback of experienced mentors and peers
🌟 A creative in a different modality who would like to explore self-expression as a complementary tool
🌿 Nature enthusiasts craving a serene escape where inspiration can flourish
Food
This retreat will be fully catered for breakfast, lunch and dinner each day by experienced retreat chef and yoga practitioner Hayley North.
Hayley offers retreat catering with a difference, that is so much more than simply ‘healthy, tasty’ food. Embracing natural ingredients, bringing influence from travel, culture and tradition, integrating western nutrition and eastern approaches, she works mindfully and from the heart.
Hayley will create delicious hot and cold vegetarian and vegan meals, with mouth-watering desserts too. Her food regularly gets rave reviews, which you can read here.
Accommodation
The retreat will be held in an 18th Century rectory with huge gardens on the slopes of Angel Mountain, overlooking the famous wild North Pembrokeshire coastline, less than a mile walk to the sea. From the doorstep, you can explore beautiful walks through sacred sites, mountains, woods and valleys, and the incredible Pembrokeshire coast path.
Choose from a variety of accommodations including triple, twin, singles, doubles, and luxurious ensuite doubles. Each room offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and boasts a plush, inviting bed to ensure a restful night's sleep.
The centre offers a variety of dedicated writing spaces, with ample natural light, comfortable seating, and all the necessary amenities to encourage your writing productivity.
Daily Retreat Schedule
7:30am - Qi-gong and meditation (optional)
8:30am - Breakfast
9:30am - One-to-one tutorials + independent writing time
11:30am - Break
12:00pm - Retreat circle
1:00pm - Lunch and personal time
4:00pm - Afternoon tea
5:00pm - Group feedback session
6:30pm - Dinner
8:00pm - Reflective writing workshop
9:00pm - Retreat moves into silence until the next day
Silence
This retreat will include periods of silence as an essential element of creative practice. If you are new to spending time in silence in the company of other people, it can feel awkward to begin with. But you will be encouraged to explore the silent periods with a spirit of openness and curiosity - many writers find it a very powerful experience.
The retreat will typically move into silence each evening from 9pm - 12pm the following day.
Digital Detox
Participants on the retreat will be invited to engage in a digital detox for the duration of the retreat, as this can significantly enhance focus, creativity, and overall well-being.
By disconnecting from technology, individuals create space for deeper connections with themselves and others, fostering an enriching environment for creative inspiration to flourish.
Laptops with WiFi disabled are welcome.
Payment and booking
A deposit of £150 is necessary to secure your place on the retreat, with full payment due 30 days before the retreat begins. Payments can be made via the BookRetreats website here. If you would like more information about the retreat, I offer a free 20 minute online Zoom consultation to answer any questions you have.
Early bird offer
Book before 1st December and access 2 x 45 minute one-to-one tutorials (worth £140). One tutorial will be pre-retreat to deep dive into your intentions and plan for writing on the retreat, and one will be post-retreat to receive feedback on any finished projects and get support with submission.
For both the pre and post retreat sessions, you can bring up to 3000 words of your writing for developmental feedback to discuss.
Prices
£525: triple room, shared bathroom
£575: twin room, shared bathroom
£775: single room, shared bathroom
£825: double room, shared bathroom
£895: double room, ensuite
Bursaries
One fully-funded solidarity place is available to a social movement activist working on a book-length project. An additional discounted place (£260) is offered to a writer from a group usually under-represented on writing retreats (including working class, ethnic minorities and under 30s).
Both bursary places are offered in a shared accomodation room. To apply, send no more than 300 words to hollyarigby@gmail.com. Places will be offered on a rolling basis as applications come in.
