Write without distractions!
A writing retreat for new or experienced writers who want to start, restart, or progress a writing project. Flexible tutoring options to suit your needs.
Take 3 to 5 days at Pen View in Hebden Bridge to focus on your writing and make real headway in a beautiful location.
As the sole retreat guest, you'll have the option of sessions with a published creative writing tutor or simply the peace and space to write alone.
Pen View is a charming, tranquil York-stone property with beautiful views in quaint and quirky Hebden Bridge.
You'll have exclusive use of the premises, so you can truly immerse yourself in your writing, your way.
Choose dates to suit your schedule (subject to availability) and stay over a long weekend or midweek.
Why attend a Creative Writing Retreat?
You want:
– To immerse yourself in your writing project away from everyday distractions
– A solo writing retreat where you have the freedom to work to your own timetable
– The option to schedule sessions with a creative writing tutor (book in advance)
– Option to send poetry or prose to the tutor for pre-retreat review
– A writing coach /writing tutor who can support you in progressing your poetry, fiction (short story or novel) project
– To make real progress on your new, stalled, or current writing project
– Flexible booking (choose from a 3-day to 5-day retreat)
– Weekday or weekend dates available
– To stay in an environment that will support your creativity and provide inspiration
Who chooses a Creative Writing Retreat?
A Creative Writing Retreat is for:
– Writers who want a peaceful space to focus fully on their writing
– Busy people who struggle to make time to write or face disruptions
– Authors and poets who have a creative block
– Those who want to immerse themselves in their writing
– Writers who need encouragement, feedback, and support as they write
– Beginner writers, Intermediate writers, Experienced writers, Published writers
– Writers who want to both write and stay in beautiful surroundings
– People who find inspiration in nature (Pen View has stunning views of nature from every window)
A creative writing retreat for writers of all levels and experience
All the usual, plus:
– A bespoke writing retreat to suit your needs
– Option to work with a professional writing tutor (fees apply)
– A variety of writing tutoring and coaching options available
– Dip into our selection of poetry and novels on the bookshelf
– Writing table and access to printer (ink and paper charges apply)
– Be inspired by our books on creativity and creative writing
– A quiet space nestled on the edge of vibrant Hebden Bridge
– Visiting a beautiful town, home of many creatives and artists
Anna Chilvers
Anna is the author of four published novels and is also a poet and writer of short stories and non-fiction. Her latest novel, Orca and Bird, was published in 2025. All of her work has a strong element of place writing, and last year she co-edited The Book of Bogs with poet Clare Shaw, an anthology of writing about moors and peatlands.
Anna has taught creative writing for over 15 years, in universities and adult education, as well as private classes, personal tuition and writing retreats. She teaches prose and poetry at all levels. She has a PhD in creative writing and a post-graduate certificate in teaching.
She has lived in Hebden Bridge for over 20 years. She is a long-distance walker and loves tramping over the hills with her dog Fern.
Anna’s Substack: annachilvers.substack.com
Books by Anna Chilvers
Creative writing tutor Anna Chilvers has written these publications:
– Falling Through Clouds (2010)
– Legging It (2012)
– Tainted Love (2016)
– East Coast Road (2020)
– Orca and Bird (2025)
– The Book of Bogs (co-editor with Clare Shaw) (2025)
You can also read more of Anna’s work on Substack here: https://annachilvers.substack.com/
Day 1: At this first meeting (60-90 minutes) with Anna you’ll discuss the work you’re hoping to do over the next few days, focussing on any problems or anxieties you have. She will advise on any aspects of writing that you think would be useful to you. Together you’ll make a plan to enable you to get what you want out of your writing retreat.
Mid-point check in: Half way through your retreat we’ll have a check in (30-60 minutes) to see how the writing is going. At this point we’ll discuss any issues that have arisen in your writing and review your goals.
Last day: On the morning of your last day we’ll have a final meeting (60-90 minutes) to review the progress you’ve made during your retreat and set goals for moving forward.
Meetings can be in person or on Zoom or a combination.
Additional Creative Writing tutoring
Work for review – £120
You may wish to send in some work in advance to be discussed at the first meeting or send in some work after or during the retreat. We’ll discuss the type of feedback you’re looking for, whether line-by-line suggestions or a more general overview. The work for review can be up to 3000 words of prose or 200 lines of poetry. If the work is sent after the retreat, the meeting to discuss feedback will take place on Zoom.
Extra sessions – £90
If you’re staying for more than three days, you might want extra sessions so that you can have a daily check in on your progress. These will be 30-60 minutes and can take place on Zoom or in person.
What you can do while you're here
While you’re at Pen View Retreat you can:
– Visit the grave of Sylvia Plath in nearby Heptonstall
– Attend a local literary festival (specific dates)
– Watch a film at the heritage cinema, Hebden Bridge Picture House
– Join an open mic night at a local venue (music or spoken word)
– See a band at the famous ‘Trades Club’ (Hebden Bridge) or ‘Golden Lion’ (Todmorden)
– Attendance a performance at a local theatre, (Hebden Bridge Little Theatre or Todmorden Hippodrome)
– Visit Haworth and the Bronte Parsonage museum
A creative hub
Hebden Bridge, in West Yorkshire’s Calder Valley, is a quirky town that’s long been known for its creativity with many artists and writers making it their home. Just a short stroll from Pen View Retreat, there are independent shops, cafes, bars and galleries.
The town is home to a historic theatre, heritage picture house and live music venues and hosts festivals including Film, Steampunk, Pride and The Handmade Parade. Nearby Todmorden also has live music venues with open mic opportunities for poets, as well as a literary festival.
Walkers can explore Hardcastle Crags and the Pennine Way. Heptonstall (resting place of poet, Sylvia Plath) overlooks Hebden Bridge, offering stunning views of the town, and Haworth (home of the Brontes) is well worth a visit.
Lorraine McReight (therapist, trainer, retreat owner and passionate writer)
Hello, I’m Lorraine.
I’m passionate about my therapy work and run Writing Retreats and Intensive Therapy Retreats at Pen View, Hebden Bridge.
I’ve always been passionate about writing, both creative and journalistic. I was the co-founder and editor of the professional therapy journal, Hypnoversity from 2008 to 2020 when publication ceased.
My successes.
– Winner of multiple hypnotherapist awards
– Editor of Hypnoversity 2008 – 2020
– Featured in the national press
– Founded London Hypnotherapy Academy
– Founded Pen View Intensive Therapy Retreats
– Launched Pen View Creative Writing Retreats
Unfortunately, due to the property's style and location, Pen View isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those who find stairs a challenge.
Please note that there are two flights of internal stairs at the property and no step-free access.
If this retreat looks appealing but you're not sure about accessibility, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Please contact us for further information.
I am proud to support the circular economy and local businesses.
Most furniture (excluding the bed and bedding) is preloved, upcycled, and recycled.
Glass, plastic, paper, and card recycling receptacles are outside the property and a food waste bin is on-site.
I use eco-friendly cleaning products.
Locally produced palm oil-free hand soap (from Friendly Soap, or Yorkshire Soap Co) is provided.
Writing retreat dates are flexible to suit your diary.
You can book for 3-days (2 nights), 4-days (3 nights), or 5-days (4 nights) Monday to Friday or over a weekend.
On your first day you Lorraine will meet you at Hebden Bridge station or at the property from 11.30am.
You are welcome to enjoy a leisurely departure on your final day (by 2pm please).
Price ranges from £300 (3 days/2 nights untutored) to £975 (5 days/4 nights tutored)
Hebden Bridge, nestled in the Calder Valley in West Yorkshire, is well connected and easy to reach from across the UK.
If coming by car, Hebden Bridge is just off the A646, around 30 minutes from Halifax, 45 minutes from Leeds and about an hour from Manchester.
If travelling by train, there are direct rail services to Hebden Bridge from York, Leeds, Halifax, Manchester, and Chester.
If travelling by train, I can collect you from Hebden Bridge station. If you’re driving, I’ll meet at Pen View, Hebden Bridge.
