Are you looking for a place to focus on your writing, with minimal distractions? Whether you're a beginner or experienced writer, there's a writing retreat out there for you. Here are some of the best writing retreats in the UK and beyond.

From peaceful, remote locations to vibrant cities, these UK writing retreats offer something for everyone. With workshops, mentoring and plenty of opportunities for networking, you'll be able to hone your skills and make connections with other writers. So, whether you're itching to get started on that novel or want to take your writing career to the next level, these UK writing retreats are perfect for you!

Love writing stories? Register now for our free 7 Day Story Writing Challenges. Write a short story in a week, get extensive feedback on your entry, and compete for a £500 prize in each round of the challenges.

Writing Retreats in the United Kingdom and Ireland

arvon writing retreats house — Arvon Residential Creative Writing Retreats

Arvon has three centres, in Devon, Shropshire and Yorkshire. Their residential courses and retreats, led by highly acclaimed writers, span poetry to playwriting, song to screenplay, fact to fiction, starting to finishing – and they offer grants to help with course fees for those who need it.
They offer a home for creative writing, where anyone, regardless of writing experience, can step away from their normal routine, immerse themselves in the creative process, be inspired by experienced writers and release their imaginative potential.

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Ireland Writing Retreat

Week-long, creative writing holidays with a difference – scenic walks, historic excursions, food and drinks tasting, fascinating author talks and daily practical writing and editing workshops. Plus lively, traditional Irish music concerts; island and castle tours in an awe-inspiring landscape soaked in Celtic legend; basic tuition in the Gaelic language, as well as traditional Irish ceildhe dancing.

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The Garsdale Writers’ Retreat

The Garsdale Retreat is a creative writing centre, providing courses and untutored retreats, in the remote and beautiful setting of The Yorkshire Dales. Their courses offer opportunities for new, emerging and experienced writers. The tutors, all professional writers, lead workshops and also give one-to-one tutorials to help the individual student. In the remote and beautiful setting of The Yorkshire Dales, The Garsdale Retreat gives a wonderful opportunity to escape from the daily stresses of life and to draw inspiration from fellow students, tutors and the landscape itself. They also offer untutored retreats to allow the time and space for writers to develop individual writing projects.

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Retreats for You

Debbie Flint, the owner of a picturesque 17th-century thatched house in southwest England, runs a variety of writing retreats throughout the year.

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Looking for inspiration? Why not check out our list of the 20 Greatest Short Story Writers of All Time!

Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre

Tŷ Newydd is the National Writing Centre of Wales. Now in their 31st year, they specialise in residential creative writing courses and retreats. Every week they welcome a new group of individuals from Wales, the rest of the UK and beyond.. They spend time together under the tutelage of professional writers, taking part in workshops and one-to-one tutorials, enjoying readings and basking in the inspirational setting of Tŷ Newydd. For those wanting space and time away to write in isolation, or with a like minded friend, their dedicated retreat cottage offers the perfect surrounding for a more DIY, unstructured retreat.

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moniack mhor writing retreat house and sky — Moniack Mhor Writing Retreat

Moniack Mhor is Scotland’s National Writing Centre. Based in the beautiful Scottish Highlands, they run courses in a range of genres tutored by some of the finest authors in the UK and beyond. With workshops and one to one tutorials, their courses provide an atmosphere to fully immerse yourself in your writing. The centre also offers writing retreats providing time and space, free from distractions, where you will find yourself part of a nurturing writing community. Other support offered by Moniack Mhor includes awards, bursaries, professional residencies to develop works in progress and a programme for young writers.

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Writers’ Retreat UK

Writer’s Retreat UK offer all-inclusive retreats, that take place at lovely, quiet locations across the UK. They look after your every need during your stay with and now provide mentoring for you as an integral part of their service.

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living room with chairs river mill writing retreat — River Mill Writer’s Retreat

Built in 1718, this former flour mill is in the heart of the rural Lecale region of South Down, Northern Ireland. Fully restored by the previous owners in 2008, The River Mill is now a boutique reading and writing retreat. They offer Individual Residencies and workshops. Their 5 en-suite bedrooms, communal spaces and garden are designed with the needs of writers and readers in mind.

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Love writing stories? Register now for our free 7 Day Story Writing Challenges. Write a short story in a week, get extensive feedback on your entry, and compete for a £500 prize in each round of the challenges. If you’re looking for more writing competitions to enter, take a look at our ‘Big List of International Writing Competitions!’