"The perfect writing getaway"

If you are looking for the perfect getaway to just chill out and write then Writer's Retreat UK is who you need to book with. I cannot fault Jan's work, she creates the perfect environment for creative writers to focus on their work.

I attended the weekend trip to Brampton and from start to finish I was blown away by the services provided. Jan picked me up from the train station in Carlisle, which was very helpful as my transport options were limited, plus she was able to reschedule around my late arrival time.

The mentoring gave me a lot to think about, not just during the trip, but in the weeks and months after the retreat as I continue with my project. Steve Nesbit was very easygoing and approachable. He was a wonderful mentor and gave some inspirational yet pragmatic advice in both sessions. Although I was only really able to voice my goals in an incomprehensible ramble, he seemed to know exactly what I needed to do to move forwards in my writing journey.

The food on this trip was also incredible. I informed Jan before arrival that I was vegan and the food I was served was just excellent. On many trips and events, I tend to expect that the vegan option is going to be something standard and bland with nothing more than a fruit salad for pudding, but on this retreat I was blown away by the thoughtfulness put into the main meals and desserts (I was even given vegan treats on Halloween).

On these trips, you do not have to worry about anything, you will be well looked after and will be surrounded by other writers to share insight with. It is the perfect place to focus on your writing! I will definitely be booking again in the future.

"This was as incredible as it sounds"

This was as incredible as it sounds. Jan’s professionalism and efficiency was beyond the beyond. Nothing was too much. We were catered with fresh, home-cooked, delectable meals and this meant that we could just get on with the task at hand: writing.
Spending time with the other writers was intellectually stimulating and so fun.
We will definitely be going again. I suggest you book it now!

"Relax and write"

With family commitments and jobs, it can sometimes feel like a struggle to fit the things we love doing so much into our daily lives. I guess that's where retreats come in - they give us the space to do exactly what we want.

Last week I was lucky enough to be able to join Writers' Retreat Uk before lockdown kicked in, and what I got was much, much more than space to write. The real USPs here are space, attention to detail and a genuine care for the comfort of the writers who attend. The accommodation was absolutely stunning and there was even a sauna and hot tub (let’s face it, no one can write 24x7). From arrival to departure we were wonderfully well looked after, with a home-cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus a traditional cream tea every afternoon. I now need to book a fasting retreat ☺

There was no enforced itinerary. It was up to us if we wanted to share our work or seek advice, and it was up to us where and how we worked. With each of us working on very different projects, there was plenty of opportunity to swap advice etc. but it was all very informal. Some writers preferred to stay in the peace and quiet of their rooms (which incidentally included a desk for those not inclined to work from their bed or sofa) and others chose the squashy sofas in the living room.

Last but not least, the retreat included two mentoring sessions with screen writer Steven Nesbit. Down to earth and well-versed in the rollercoaster journey many creatives go on to bring their work to the world, our conversations were surprisingly down to earth, realistic and practical.

And the outcome? I can honestly say that I was the most productive I’ve ever been.

If you want to get a post-lockdown break booked in that gives you the space to write and nothing else to worry about, this is the retreat for you.

"Fantastic week- got so much done!"

Absolutely brilliant. Jan and Anne looked after us all tremendously well. Nothing was too much trouble. The food was delicious, all home-made and plenty of it. The rooms were lovely, the goody bag on arrival was a lovely surprise and the mentoring sessions were extremely helpful. I managed to write 24,000 words over the five full days, which I was extremely happy with. Local surroundings meant I could get out each day for a beautiful walk to clear my head too. I will definitely book again and would encourage others to do the same.

"Highly recommended for any aspiring writer"

I had a superb time away, away from the boring chores with which were are all confronted on a daily basis, which gave me so much time to write, check facts & read about crafting a gripping story line.

Having time with other writers, talking about character arcs & development, sharing the joy of particular films & books with like minded persons was an absolute treat.

However the icing on the cake was the mentoring session via Zoom, and not just one session, but THREE! So helpful, insightful & encouraging.

We were over fed & if you were inclined there was plenty of wine at each evenings meal. For my likes, I would have liked perhaps more vegetables & less carbs, but that's just me.

Overall, Highly recommended for any aspiring writer who could do with the space & quiet time to do it.

"A fabulous opportunity to write and…"

A fabulous opportunity to write and relax, to learn from other writers and to enjoy delicious home made food. The mentoring sessions were very useful and really helped with motivation and focus and I'm hoping to book another retreat in the future.

"Real mind space for writing"

This was a perfect experience for me. As a busy mum of two young boys, I needed this quiet time away to be able to write and create. The house was comfortable, the surroundings were beautiful, and the organizers made sure we had all we needed, as well as space to concentrate. I really recommend it! The cool/creative women I met there were a bonus!

"A place to be"

The Writers Retreat UK is the place to be: set in à beautiful and cozy place, in picturesque nature, it is an amazing parentheses in life dedicated to writing. I enjoyed being on my own and write away in my bedroom, just as much as to exchange with fellow writers, which was very inspiring.
We were pampered. The food was delicious (I still dream of those scones) and the supply of tea while writing... I felt like in heaven.
I strongly recommend it to anyone who wishes to get on with her/his writing.

"Had a great retreat"

Had a great retreat

"Writer’s Retreat. Hollybank Holiday Cottage. Gilcrux"

So, I’m not a big traveller. This weekend was the first time I’ve been out of Yorkshire properly in about three or four years, so travelling up north to Cumbria and the Lake District was quite a big thing for me, quite a nice change if I’m honest. Just the chance to get away from all the distractions of work and family life, go away and write unhindered. So, I took a bus and three trains, and I wound up in Aspatria where I was picked up and brought to Hollybank Cottage in Gilcrux ready to spend a weekend writing.
The venue wasn’t entirely what I was expecting, (Okay, I didn’t know what to expect) but it definitely didn’t disappoint. Probably about forty-five minutes from Carlisle, in a quiet little village, it consisted of three cottages sort of stuck together. They were very clean, very modern and very comfortable, quite easy to find your way around in them. Bedroom was comfortable, plenty of closet space and a nice view surrounding it. On the surrounding area, it was certainly very picturesque with plenty of places to go off for a morning or afternoon walk. There’s also a pub next door to the venue which looks decent,
I certainly have no complaints about the food at all, there was always plenty of nibbles about for during the day, plenty of tea and coffee and soft drinks available at all times. As for meal times, the three main meals were all exceptional, the breakfast had a large amount of choice available, from cooked food to colder options, lunchtime was a buffet with a generous choice and the evening meals were excellent, as well as plenty of complimentary wine to wash it down with.
As any writer will tell you, it’s not always fun and games, it’s a serious business and sometimes you need to relax. There were televisions in every room, a pool table in one of the cottages and an on-site cinema room with a large, if slightly eclectic, collection of DVDs.

Would I come back? Yes, absolutely. Without a doubt. Already looking forward to my next visit. Got a ton done, met some nice people and Jan, the lady organising it, is absolutely lovely, made it really enjoyable. Nice relaxing atmosphere conducive to working. Highly recommended in every sense of the word.