CREATIVE WRITING COURSES
Our 6-day Creative Writing Retreat is led by author and professional tutor Katherine Clements.
This residential course is designed to reignite your creativity, boost your confidence and help you make meaningful progress with your writing – whether you’re just starting out or have been writing for a while.
Through daily workshops and expert guidance, we’ll focus on generating new ideas and exploring key elements of craft and process – from building a sustainable writing practice, to finding your voice, developing character and editing your work.
This course is ideal for writers of fiction and creative non-fiction, but you’ll find inspiration whatever you write. The emphasis is on growth and experimentation in a small, supportive group, with plenty of opportunities to share work in a safe, encouraging space.
The programme includes three-hour daily workshops, one-to-one tutorials, and a relaxed participant reading and celebration evening. You're welcome to bring work-in-progress for feedback or simply arrive with a notebook and an open mind.
You’ll also have free time to write, relax in the grounds or find inspiration in the beauty of the region, perhaps walking or cycling along the nearby Canal du Midi.
An evening restaurant visit is included as well as an afternoon visit to the stunning medieval walled city of Carcassonne.
2026 COURSE
TESTIMONIALS
“I currently don't have the words (ironic given I was on a writer's retreat) to explain what a brilliant week I've had. France, the scenery, the writing, the wine, the pina colada and most importantly the amazing people I shared it with!! Thank you all.”
- Caroline Green, May 2024, UK
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“A writing retreat with new friends, writing, more amazing food, a side quest to try to visit a windmill, dinner in Castlenaudary and more. So much laughter and a knowledge that this experience is a great privilege.”
- Sally Murphy, May 2024, Australia
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“I had never been on a writing course before and did not know what to expect but it was a brilliant few days. I was met at the airport and immediately put at ease. The house was comfortable, the food and wine excellent, the company entertaining and pleasant and I left feeling generally cosseted and cared for. I would recommend this to others absolutely without reservation.”
- Ann McGrath
Tutor
Katherine Clements is a novelist and writing coach best known for her dark, atmospheric fiction. She has published three novels, the most recent of which – The Coffin Path – was nominated for the HWA Gold Crown Award and is currently in development for the screen. Her latest book, Turbine 34, was published in November 2025 by Wild Hunt Books.
A highly experienced tutor and accredited coach, Katherine was a Royal Literary Fund Fellow at Sheffield and Manchester universities and is a Fulbright Scholar, for which, as part of the scholarship prize, she was able to spend almost a year in New Orleans as research for a novel.
She lives in West Yorkshire where she runs her own business supporting other writers though editing, coaching and workshops, and hosts The Inkwell on Substack – a flourishing community of ambitious authors.
