The Garsdale Retreat is a creative writing centre, providing courses and untutored retreats, in the remote and beautiful setting of The Yorkshire Dales.

Courses 
Our 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.

Untutored Retreats 
Our untutored retreats allow the time and space to develop individual writing projects and are fully catered with no distractions or domestic duties.

Tutored Retreats
Tutored Retreats are usually a combination of a course and an untutored retreat. They are designed to give writers space to develop their own writing but with a focus on daily individual tutorials with the tutor. Please see details of each tutored retreat for the structure of the week.

Catering and Accommodation
Whether a course, tutored retreat or an untutored retreat, all meals are provided, enabling participants to focus entirely on their writing, whilst enjoying excellent locally sourced food in simple and comfortable surroundings.

Accommodated in an attractive Edwardian house, with workshops held in its converted coach-house, students can enjoy the stunning landscape of The Yorkshire Dales and take walks directly from the house into the National Park.

The Garsdale Retreat provides an ideal place to reconnect with self and creativity in a busy and pressurised world.  We welcome all to share in our passion for writing and to enjoy a rich and revitalising experience.

2025 Courses and Retreats. Now Open for Booking

Prices range from £770 – £1,115. See individual course page for details.

Find a Course by

Tutor/Guest Reader

Linda Cracknell
Linda Cracknell
Imtiaz Dharker
Imtiaz Dharker
Maura Dooley
Maura Dooley
Jonathan Edwards
Jonathan Edwards
Steve Ely
Steve Ely
John Glenday
John Glenday
Philip Gross
Philip Gross
Paul Henry
Paul Henry
Alan Johnson
Alan Johnson
Mimi Khalvati
Mimi Khalvati
Jane Kite
Jane Kite
Sam Miller
Sam Miller
Ann Pilling
Ann Pilling
Joanna Quinn
Joanna Quinn
Seni Seneviratne
Seni Seneviratne
Catherine Simpson
Catherine Simpson
Zoë Strachan
Zoë Strachan
Katharine Towers
Katharine Towers
Hannah Vincent
Hannah Vincent
Louise Welsh
Louise Welsh