Frequently Asked Questions
Who do the concession rates apply to?
Concession rates for writing retreats are available for current students with a student card and anyone in receipt of a state benefit or pension.
How many people do you accept on each retreat?
Our retreats cater for between 8-16 people: writing retreats are restricted to 8 people, each in their own ensuite bedroom, while Shakespeare Retreats can cater for up to 16 people in shared ensuite bedrooms.
Can I get an internet connection in my room?
All rooms are supplied with complimentary very fast broadband, accessible via wifi.
What is the difference between a tutored and untutored writing retreat?
Our tutored retreats include writing workshops, one-to-one sessions and a Q&A session with a published author and editor, alongside other tutor-led elements. Our untutored retreats are designed primarily to offer an inspiring and peaceful place to write for writers who want time and their own space to do so. As such, there are no specific classes or workshops but your host, Nic Brownlie, has extensive experience producing and teaching writing skills in relation to fiction and non-fiction writing, and is available to offer support throughout.
How do I get to you?
By Road: the retreat venue is accessed directly from the A5 in Corwen, Denbighshire. There is free parking on site.
By Train: the nearest mainline train stations are at Ruabon and Chirk. We can organise complimentary collection and drop-off at the train station on the first afternoon and final morning: see Trainline for train times and prices.
By Bus: Corwen is served by the T10, T3 and 55 bus routes from Bangor, Wrexham and Ruthin respectively.
Can I share a room (and the cost)?
Shared rooms are available on most of our retreats - simply select the shared room option at checkout. Please note, however, that our bedrooms - being spacious and well equipped - have proven popular places to write on retreats but there is only one writing desk in each bedroom. If you can not find the shared room option for a retreat, contact us to check out the options.
Can I stay an extra night or nights, before or after the retreat?
Subject to availability, you can book your room for one extra night, before and/or after the retreat start and end dates, at a very special rate of just £65 per night, incl VAT. This must be confirmed at the time of booking. Breakfast is included in this rate. Other hospitality may be available at an additional cost. The start and end dates, for this offer, are the published dates for a retreat.
Do I need to be an experienced writer to attend a writing retreat?
Absolutely not! Our retreats cater for writers at all stages of their writing journey - from not even knowing what you want to write, right through to developing another book for publication. We ensure that everyone gets the support appropriate to their own stage of development and we welcome a diverse range of writers since they all add something special, and different, to each retreat.
Do I need to have read any Shakespeare plays to attend a Shakespeare retreat?
Absolutely not! Our retreats cater for everyone - whatever the stage of their Shakespeare journey - from barely knowing one play, right through to studying for a Masters Degree. We ensure that everyone gets the support appropriate to their own level of knowledge and experience, and we welcome a diverse range of guests, since they all add something special, and different, to each retreat.
Are the writing retreats for fiction or non-fiction writers?
Our untutored retreats are for any writer, whatever the genre. Tutored retreats are currently for writers of fiction unless otherwise stated.