Courses/Retreats

Untutored February Retreat 2026

‘Late February days; and now at last, Might you have thought that Winter’s woe was past; So fair the sky was and so soft the air.’ William Morris.             Lose that winter woe on an untutored retreat. Enjoy the space to write, free from domestic distractions and fuelled by outstanding food.
23rd – 28th February 2026

Untutored March Retreat 2026

It is said that March ‘comes in like a lion, out a lamb.’ Whether wintry or vernal, enjoy the space to write, free from domestic distractions and fuelled by outstanding food.
9th – 14th March 2026
Poetry: ‘Unheard Music’ - Poetry and Sound

Poetry: ‘Unheard Music’ – Poetry and Sound 2026 – FULLY BOOKED – email for waiting list

Poets are like singers carrying their music in their forms and phrases. In this course we’ll aim to release the power that music can give our poems, considering some traditional and innovative forms, as well as just thinking about what musical effects can give to individual lines and phrases.
Jonathan Edwards – Tutor
John Hegley – Guest Reader
23rd – 28th March 2026
Memoir: Write Your Own Story

Memoir: Write Your Own Story 2026

Memoir writing is the art of writing your own story in your own voice. Everyone’s life experiences are unique and deserve to be told. Join us to write your own story. Suitable for writers of any level of experience, or none.
Catherine Simpson – Tutor
Sam Miller – Guest Reader
13th – 18th April 2026

Untutored April Retreat 2026

Come to Garsdale in April, ‘Of spring and summer months the queen.’ (Clare) and enjoy the space to write, free from domestic distractions and fuelled by outstanding food.
27th April- 2nd May 2026
Tutored Poetry Retreat: The Next Leap Forward

Tutored Poetry Retreat: The Next Leap Forward 2026

This tutored retreat is designed for writers to work intensively with a focus on individual sessions to help them develop their work. Each participant will have a 30 minute individual tutorial each day, Tuesday - Friday and there will be an introductory 60 minute group workshop on the Monday.
Mimi Khalvati – Tutor
Michael Laskey – Guest Reader
11th – 16th May 2026

Untutored June Retreat 2026

‘Summer’s lease has all too short a date.’ So take advantage of a June untutored retreat. Let your writing blossom now summer is here with its seasonal influx of house martins, curlews, lapwings and oyster catchers. Enjoy the space to write, free from domestic distractions and fuelled by outstanding food.
1st – 6th June 2026
Tutored Fiction Retreat: Novel Writing

Tutored Fiction Retreat: Novel Writing 2026

Novelists, memoirists, short story writers – do you need time, space and encouragement to move your manuscript forward? This retreat is for prose writers who want guidance and motivation to help their work-in-progress achieve its potential.
Zoë Strachan – Tutor
Louise Welsh – Guest Reader
15th – 20th June 2026

Untutored July Retreat 2026

‘July, with its days of blue skies and time that seemingly stands still, holds a special place in my heart.’ (Daisaku Ikeda) Spend days of blue skies at an untutored retreat in the special place of the Yorkshire dales where peace and beauty will inspire your writing. Being freed from domestic chores and enjoying delicious food will enhance this heartfelt and creative experience.
29th June – 4th July 2026
Tutored Poetry Retreat: Developing Your Poetry

Tutored Poetry Retreat: Developing Your Poetry 2026

This tutored retreat is designed for writers to work intensively with a focus on individual sessions to help them develop their work. It includes one 90 minute group workshop and one 30 minute individual tutorial each day, Tuesday - Friday with a group introductory workshop on the Monday.
Steve Ely – Tutor
Ann Pilling – Guest Reader
13th – 18th July 2026