SUMMER RESIDENTIAL WRITING RETREAT 2025
Dates TBC
Venue: Cumberland Lodge, TBC
The Great Park, Windsor, SL4 2HP
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 with Dr Sally-Shakti Willow 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) yoga sessions at the end of the writing day (further information will be sent out about this later). Yoga is led by Sally-Shakti, who is a qualified yoga instructor.
The Venue
Cumberland Lodge is a historic 17th century venue, beautifully decorated and furnished and offering spaces and activities for your free time plus excellent dining (all food is included in your stay). It is set in the beautiful and peaceful surroundings of Great Windsor Park. You can see plenty of information and images about the venue on the website. After dinner, there is the opportunity to relax in the games room, or the bar of Cumberland Lodge, or you will also have your private room to retire to.
Location
Cumberland Lodge is easily accessible. You can download travel directions from this webpage: https://www.cumberlandlodge.ac.uk/find-us/how-find-us
Retreat places are funded but attendees will need to claim back travel costs from the Graduate School after the Retreat (there is free parking onsite for anyone wishing to drive). Travel expenses cover your journey from London to the venue.
Travel Costs
Retreat places are funded but attendees will need to claim back travel costs from the Graduate School after the Retreat (there is free parking onsite for anyone wishing to drive). It is therefore important to keep tax receipts of your expenses.
Allocation of Places
There is an application process for those who wish to attend. For this retreat, it is running Friday – Sunday, and we will prioritise PT PhD researchers who may otherwise struggle to attend one of the residential retreats that have been previously run Monday-Friday.
We do also prioritise applicants who are towards the end of their PhDs or in their writing up period. We will have a waiting list, in case of last-minute cancellations. Please do consider applying, whatever the stage of your research project.
We will endeavour to let people know if they have gained a place on the writing retreat by TBC.
Please submit your application by: Deadline TBC
APPLY HERE
Summer Retreat Timetable
Day 1: 2025
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
5.45-6.45pm – Optional yoga
7pm – Dinner
Day 2: 2025
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 – Optional Yoga
7pm Dinner
Day 3: 2025
7.30-8.15am – 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