Join internationally bestselling author and poet Dr Kate Forsyth for a week in beautiful Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, at a writing retreat designed to regenerate your creativity and help you build a sustainable writing practice.
"I was asked to devise an inspirational retreat that would combine practical classes on the art and craft of creative writing with all the fun and fascination of a literary tour.
"I sat down and listed all the things that would make it a perfect retreat for me:
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Kindred spirits
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Workshops that would challenge, provoke, and stimulate new ideas
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Literary pilgrimages to places where beloved authors once lived and worked
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Time to think and dream and read and write
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Castles, old churches, circles of standing stones bluebell woods and wildflower meadows
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Optional visits to art galleries, museums, and the theatre
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Fabulous feasts in fabulous places
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"I thought to myself, where in the world would fulfill all these dreams?
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"And so Creative Writing in the Cotswolds was born!"
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Kate Forsyth
Creative Writing in the Cotswolds
About the Tour
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This retreat is for writers at any stage of their careers - from those who have always wanted to write but never found the time, to those already immersed in a creative project and want to find new inspiration to take it to the next level.
Spend your mornings talking, listening, laughing and playing with words in writing workshops with Kate, and your afternoons exploring the best of the Cotswolds – glorious rolling countryside and villages that have inspired some of the world’s most beloved authors.
Learn the craft of writing from one of Australia’s most acclaimed creative writers in one of the world’s most historic – and most magical – literary settings.
KATE FORSYTH
Dr Kate Forsyth wrote her first novel at the age of seven and has now sold more than a million copies internationally. Recently voted one of Australia’s Favourite Novelists, Kate Forsyth has been called ‘one of the finest writers of this generation’. She has written more than forty books, for all age groups and across many genres, and published in almost 20 countries.
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Kate's most recent novel, The Crimson Thread, weaves her personal connection to WWII Crete with the ancient myth of Ariadne and the Minotaur. Her forthcoming novel Psyche reinvigorates new life into another Greek mythological tale.
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Tour Itinerary and Highlights
Discover Oxford, ‘the city of dreaming spires’, and have a restorative ale in the pub where C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien first shared their enchanted worlds. Walk in Shakespeare’s footsteps throughout Stratford-upon-Avon, sojourn in the historic inn where the Great Bard drank mead, and read the curse he cast on anyone who would dare to disturb his grave. Visit Stow-on-the-Wold (where the wind blows cold!) an ancient market town at the crossroads of several major roads dating back to Roman times. Wander through some of England’s most enchanting gardens, and be inspired by romantic castles, mysterious stone circles, thatched cottages and haunted manor halls.
On three afternoon tours, you will discover the most fascinating historical and literary sites that the region has to offer. One evening you will learn the history of Stratford-upon-Avon on a spine-tingling tour through town, and on another you’ll see a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, one of the world’s most esteemed production houses. On the remaining afternoons and evenings you are free to write in your room or at a local bar or café, or join in an informal writing circle with the other participants. Or you may explore the many charming shops, museums, literary sites, manors and castles in the area. Let your imagination decide!
PRICE
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Price is $9,450 for single accommodation.
To secure your booking, a deposit of 30% is required within 7 days of receiving your booking form.
Please note the following payment due dates.
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Full payment needs to be completed before 29 March 2024.
Contact us for twin share price.
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PACKAGE DETAILS
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What is included in the cost?
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Seven writing workshops with award-winning author, Dr Kate Forsyth (Tour Leader).
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Dedicated Tour Coordinator.
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Three literary tours with local Blue Badge Tour Guide, Roger Bailey, an expert on Cotswolds history, culture, literature, local lore and legends.
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Premium seat ticket to a performance at the Royal Shakespeare Company theatre.*
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Historic evening tour led by professional actors and historians.*
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All entrance fees on tours and experiences listed in itinerary.
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Reading list curated by Kate and selected text excerpts to be discussed in workshops.
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Single accommodation at the historic White Swan Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon.
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All meals listed in the itinerary including daily breakfast and exclusive dining experiences on our Welcome Dinner and Farewell Dinner.
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All transfers listed in the itinerary, including final transfer from Stratford-upon-Avon to Oxford Station.
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What is not included in the cost?
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Airfares to and from England.
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Any transfers not mentioned in itinerary.
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Travel Insurance. (This is compulsory).
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Services, meals, drinks or gratuities not mentioned in itinerary.
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Incidentals and expenditures of a personal nature.
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Covid-19 testing or medical-related expenses.
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*Subject to amendment, pending availability.
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Final Payment due by 29 March 2024 (30%) | $2835.00 |
Second Instalment due by 4 Dec 2023 (40%) | $3780.00 |
Deposit to Secure Booking (30%) | $2835.00 |