SUMMER RESIDENTIAL WRITING RETREAT 2026
23rd – 25th June 2026
Venue: The Abbey, The Green, Sutton Courtenay, Oxfordshire OX14 4AF
What does a writing retreat involve?
The structured writing retreats are designed to provide the opportunities to write and work on outputs, in an optimal environment. The writing model is based on the structured-writing retreat format (Murray and Newton, 2009). The aim of the programme is very much to provide and enforce research/writing time, in a relaxed, supportive, and peaceful group environment. Desks are well spaced out, while writing together, during prescribed timeslots.
While it is a non-surveillance environment with regards to what you do, there are some rules. The first is that you are sitting down and ready to write at the start of each session. The second is that mobile phones are put away out of sight (and sound), and you DO NOT check email or use the internet during the writing sessions (we would recommend no Internet for complete immersion). Research has shown that the retreats are most productive if relevant article searching and downloading has been done in advance. The final rule is that research work/writing is carried out in silence (or with headphones that do not produce sound that could disturb other writers).
This writing retreat will be run by Dr Alison Eardley and Dr Lisa Matthewman who are trained writing retreat facilitators. The retreats are designed to provide a restful and relaxing space to write, meet new colleagues and talk about research. We all write together in a dedicated room during specific timed sessions, and we also take breaks at specific times. Part of the programme will involve (optional) pre-lunch walks (bring waterproofs and shoes you don’t mind getting muddy in case of rain), and (optional) mindfulness sessions at the end of the writing day.
All food at the Abbey is vegetarian (and delicious). They do not sell alcohol, but they have said that if people want to bring alcohol for the evening, that is permitted, as long as people are mindful of other attendees and the staff that live at the Abbey. There is a living room in the annex (where most bedrooms are located). There is also a pub a short walk from the Abbey. The accommodation is in basic – single rooms (with shared toilet and shower facilities).
Location
Trains from London Paddington to Didcot run every half an hour. You will need to catch the 9am train from Paddington to Didcot Parkway to arrive on time (please ensure you arrive at the station in plenty of time, as any train after that will make you late).
The Abbey is only accessible by taxi from Didcot. Please let us know if you plan to travel by train, so we can organise a taxi-share.
You can arrive at the Abbey before 10am (for example, if you are driving or cycling). There is parking onsite for anyone wishing to drive.
Travel Costs
Travel costs can be reclaimed from the Graduate School. It is therefore important to keep tax receipts of your expenses. Please be aware that travel cost claims must be submitted to the Graduate School by 5pm, 24th July to ensure that we can reimburse you. Further guidance will be sent to successful applicants.
Allocation of Places
There is an application process for those who wish to attend.
There are 12 places available. We will have a waiting list, in case of last-minute cancellations. Whatever the stage of your PhD, please do feel free to apply.
Priority will be given to people who feel that the retreat will impact positively on their PhD writing and on their wellbeing, so please do consider applying, whatever the stage of your research project. We do prioritise people in their final year/writing up period, and we also take into account whether or not people have applied previously and have not been offered a place.
The application form will help the Graduate School to allocate places. The questions they will focus on will be (in order of importance):
a) How the retreat will benefit your wellbeing
b) What piece of PhD writing you want to work on and why
c) How the opportunity will benefit your PhD journey.
Please submit your application by 30th April 2026: APPLY HERE
Summer 2026 Retreat Timetable
Day 1: 23rd June 2026
10.00am arrive, set up, grab a drink, sitting down ready to start
10.20am – Start: Introductions and Writing session 1
11.45pm – Break
12.00pm – Writing session 2
1.00 pm – Lunch
2.00pm – Writing session 3
3.30pm – Break
4.00pm – 5.30pm Writing session 4
5.45pm – 6.30pm – Optional mindfulness session
6:45pm – Dinner
Day 2: 24th June 2026
7.30-8.20am – Breakfast (arrive when you choose but make sure you are at your desk ready to write at 8.30am)
8.30am – Writing session 1
10.15am – Break
10.45am – Writing session 2
12pm – Walk (optional)
1pm – Lunch
2pm – Writing session 3
3.30pm – tea break
4.00pm – 5.30pm Writing session 4
5.45pm – 6.30pm – Optional mindfulness session
6:45pm Dinner
Day 3: 25th June 2026
7.30am – 8.15am – Breakfast
8.30am – Writing session 1
10.15am – Break
10.45am – Writing session 2
12pm – Optional Walk
1pm – Lunch
2pm – Writing session 3
3.30pm – End of retreat roundup
4pm – End of retreat/taxis to the station