5 night writing, meditation and cold water swimming retreat

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 bespoke writing tuition in a supportive and friendly environment.

🎭 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

About Holly Rigby

Holly Rigby is a writer and university lecturer. She has written for The Guardian, The Independent and the TES, and she has also appeared as a political commentator on current affairs programming on the BBC, Sky News and Channel 4. Her book Miss: when a teacher breaks the rules about the ten years she spent as an Inner London English teacher will be published by Repeater Books in early 2025. She is currently a Lecturer at City University in Narrative Nonfiction Writing. She holds a Masters in Comparative Literature from UCL, and a Masters in Education Policy from King's College London.

With a belief that everyone has a story worth sharing, Holly fosters an environment where all writers feel free to explore, experiment, and express oneself authentically. She understands that creativity flourishes in an atmosphere of acceptance and affirmation, and she empowers her students to explore their writing without fear.

🎨 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

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 twin rooms, 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.

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.

7:30am - Mindful morning (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 - Group feedback session

6:30pm - Dinner

8:00pm - Reflective writing workshop

9:00pm - Retreat moves into silence until the next day

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 - 11:45am the following day.

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.

Deposit

This Eventbrite ticket booking represents a non-refundable deposit of £150 which is necessary to secure your place on the retreat. Full payment will be due six weeks before the retreat begins. Full booking terms and conditions are below.

A limited number of 50% bursaries are available to low wage writers (total household income less than £24’000 a year). Get in touch if you would like to access this via www.hollyrigby.co.uk/contact

Early bird offer

Book before 15th July and access 2 x 45 minute one-to-one tutorials with Holly (worth £130). 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.

Further contact

For further information and questions, contact Holly on [email protected]

You can find more information about Holly’s writing and teaching on her website at www.hollyrigby.co.uk

Booking Terms and Conditions

1. Booking Confirmation:

• By booking a writing retreat with Holly Rigby, you agree to abide by these terms and conditions.
• Your booking is confirmed upon receipt of the deposit or full payment, as specified in the booking process.

2. Payment:

• A non-refundable deposit of £150 is required to secure your booking. The remaining balance is due 6 weeks before the start date of the retreat.
• Payments can be made via BACS payment or PayPal

3. Cancellation Policy:

• If you need to cancel your booking, please notify us in writing as soon as possible.
• Cancellations made six weeks or more prior to the start date of the retreat will incur the loss of the deposit.
• Cancellations made less than six weeks before the start date of the retreat will result in the loss of the full payment.

4. Travel Insurance:

• You are strongly recommended to purchase travel insurance to cover any illness, family emergencies, bereavement, injury or unforeseen circumstances that may affect your ability to attend the retreat. Refunds cannot be offered to people who have suffered travel delays, including those caused by strike action. The cancellation and refund policy is non-negotiable.

5. Liability:

• Holly Rigby is not liable for any loss, damage, injury, or expenses incurred as a result of participation in the retreat.
• Participants are responsible for their own health and well-being during the retreat.

7. Force Majeure:

• Holly Rigby reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the retreat in the event of unforeseen circumstances or force majeure. In such cases, we will offer alternative dates or a refund of payments made.

8. Conduct:

• Participants are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful manner towards fellow participants, staff, and property at all times.
• Holly Rigby reserves the right to ask any participant to leave the retreat if their behavior is deemed disruptive or inappropriate, without refund.

9. Health and Safety:

• Participants are responsible for ensuring they are in good health and able to participate in the activities offered during the retreat.
• Please inform us of any medical conditions or special dietary requirements prior to the retreat.

10. Privacy Policy:

• Any personal information provided to Holly Rigby will be treated in accordance with our privacy policy.

11. Governing Law:

• These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

12. Agreement:

• By booking a retreat with Holly Rigby, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these terms and conditions.

Host or Publisher Holly Rigby