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Carve out a space dedicated to your writing in this new writers’ retreat in the beautiful setting of Hardwick (lunch and refreshments are provided throughout the day).

Bring your own project and join us for a day-long writers’ retreat in the beautiful National Trust setting of Hardwick Hall. Whether you’re working on a novel, academic paper, blog, dissertation, essay, memoir, poetry, or a professional project, this retreat is your space to write with purpose and peace. Built by the formidable Bess of Hardwick in the 16th century, the Hall has long been a place of bold vision and ambition, an inspiring backdrop for your own work. Facilitated by writers from the Cultural Corridor, the retreat offers quiet writing time, supportive group check-ins, and the chance to connect with a community of writers. 

Writing retreats are shown to help people make real progress with their work by offering protected time, a calm environment, and the motivation of writing alongside others. They help beat procrastination, reduce isolation, boost confidence and support wellbeing. 

Throughout the day, enjoy breaks exploring the Hall and its gardens, as well as refreshments and lunch all included. Nothing to think about apart from your writing project! 

Retreat Includes: 

• Exclusive access to a writing space 
• Facilitation by writers from the Cultural Corridor 
• Breaktime refreshments 
• A delicious lunch 
• Entry to the Hall and gardens during breaks 
• A calm atmosphere for uninterrupted writing with Wi-Fi included.

Please note:

• Please meet at Visitor Reception at 9.30am and the team will take you to the Dovedale Room at Hardwick.
• Please bring whatever materials you need for your own writing project — notebooks, laptops, reference books, etc. Plus a water bottle to use in the room.
• The writers’ retreat will take place in the Dovedale Room which is located above two flights of stairs. Accessible parking is located towards the front of the car park and accessible W/Cs can be found in the Stableyard. A buggy service is available to the location if needed.
• Not suitable for children.
• Retreat Schedule:
  • 9:30am – Meet at Visitor Reception (main car park) 
  • 10:00am – Welcome and 15-minute warm-up 
  • 10:15am – Writing Sprint 
  • 11:00am – 15-minute break (refreshments provided) 
  • 11:15am – Focused Writing 
  • 12:30pm – Lunch (provided) and time to explore 
  • 1:15pm – Group Check-In 
  • 1:30pm – Focused Writing  
  • 2:45pm – 15-minute break (refreshments provided) 
  • 3:00pm – Writing Sprint 
  • 3:45pm – Group Check-In and Reflections 
  • 4:00pm – Finish (option to enjoy gardens) 
• Gardens close at 4.30pm until 29 March. From the April retreat onwards, the gardens will close at 6pm.
• Meet the facilitators:
  • Kate Burns (she/her) is a Derbyshire-based facilitator, researcher and poet with over 20 years' experience working across arts, culture, and the voluntary sector. 
  • Tyler Turner MA (she/her) is a poet and creative practitioner with over a decade of experience as a freelance writer.
  • Emma Birdie (she/her) is a Writer and Creative Practitioner  based in North Derbyshire.
• Please book online or call the number to secure your place.