Writing & Meditation Retreats

A PLACE TO CONNECT

Immerse yourself in six days of writing and meditation in a secluded 18th-century rectory on the stunning Pembrokeshire coastline.

Designed to support deep creative practice, this retreat provides you with the opportunity to explore your writing ideas and projects far from the usual interruptions of daily life.

Open to writers of all genres and experience levels, you will be supported by nourishing food, connection with fellow writers and time for creative rest.

With a maximum of twelve participants on the retreat, you will have the chance to be offered personalised writing tuition in a supportive and friendly environment.

Coastal landscape with rocky beach, green cliffs, and blue sky.
A person sitting in a cozy chair indoors, writing in a notebook on their lap. They are wearing a green and white striped sweater and appear focused on their task.

RETREAT DATES

This retreat is for you if…

You want dedicated time away to focus on your writing; and are open to stepping away from your phone, wifi and the noise of everyday life
–
You are interested in connecting with and learning from writers working in different genres; and learning about craft
–
You would enjoy a spacious retreat over a highly structured writing course;
and appreciate a blend of self-directed writing time and group workshops
–
You are either a keen novice or an experienced writer and have a project in mind, or are looking to experiment and explore
–
You are open to questions of justice, solidarity, and the world we live in

What you will experience on this retreat

– Group workshops designed to refine your craft skills

– Independent writing time to allow for projects to unfold

– Nourishing vegetarian cuisine to feed your creative spirit and enhance your well-being

– The joy of connecting and creating with other writers

– Daily mindfulness practices to tap into your creative flow

– Invigorating cold sea swims to connect with nature, followed by hot tub dips for relaxation of body and mind

– Periods of silence for deep connection to your writing voice

Two people in a cozy room; a man in a red shirt sits and talks, while a woman with glasses listens. Shelves with books and a wooden cabinet are in the background.
View through a window showing a grassy field, ocean, and clear sky.

Accommodation

An 18th Century rectory with huge gardens on the slopes of Angel Mountain, overlooking the famous wild North Pembrokeshire coastline, less than a mile walk to the sea. From the doorstep, you can explore beautiful walks through sacred sites, mountains, woods and valleys, and the incredible Pembrokeshire coast path.

A variety of accommodation is available including:
Triple, twin, singles, doubles, and luxurious ensuite doubles. Each room offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and boasts a plush, inviting bed to ensure a restful night's sleep.

Steaming bowl of soup on a wooden table near a window.

Food

Our local chef Martin Simcock, also known as The Constant Cook, will provide a fully catered selection of nourishing vegetarian meals throughout the retreat. Working with natural, locally sourced ingredients, Martin cooks mindfully and from the heart.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included. Expect generous seasonal dishes, vibrant flavours, and freshly baked cakes served with afternoon tea. His food is always a highlight of the retreat and regularly receives rave reviews, which you can read here.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Daily Retreat Schedule

7:30am – Mindful morning

8:30am – Breakfast

9:30am – Independent writing time

12pm – Retreat circle

1pm – Lunch

2pm – Personal time (cold water swimming & hot tub available)

5pm – Group workshop

6:30pm – Dinner

8pm – Evening gathering

9pm – Retreat moves into silence until the next day

A person with long dark hair and glasses, wearing a brown sweater, standing outdoors with trees and greenery in the background.
Person meditating indoors, sitting cross-legged on a wooden floor, surrounded by chairs.

Silence

This retreat will include periods of silence as an essential element of creative practice. If you are new to spending time in silence in the company of other people, it can feel awkward to begin with. But you will be encouraged to explore the silent periods with a spirit of openness and curiosity – many writers find it a very powerful experience.

The retreat will typically move into silence in the evening from 9pm – 12pm the following day.

Woman sitting in a cozy chair by a window, writing in a notebook, surrounded by potted plants.

Digital detox

Participants will be invited to engage in a digital detox for the duration of the retreat, as this can significantly enhance focus, creativity, and overall well-being. By disconnecting from technology, individuals create space for deeper connections with themselves and others, fostering an enriching environment for creative inspiration to flourish.

Laptops with WiFi disabled are welcome.

Retreat team

Holly Rigby

Alongside her writing retreats, Holly facilitates meditation retreats at The Barn at Sharpham Trust. Her practice is primarily influenced by the Plum Village and Insight meditation traditions, and has undertaken courses with the Centre for Mindful Self-Compassion, led by Kristin Neff and Chris Germer. She draws on heart-centred approaches across all her writing, teaching, and activist work.

Retreat Leader

Nadia Abdel-Karim

Nadia is a British-Palestinian meditation teacher, retreat leader and community organiser. She's worked within the mental health, charity and health care sectors as a trauma-informed Mindfulness Practitioner, support group facilitator and a Focusing Oriented Practitioner.

Guest Teacher

Viren is currently a retreat co-ordinator at The Barn at Sharpham Trust, where he regularly co-leads retreats for people of colour. Previously, Viren worked for a decade in the NHS, training staff in group coaching, facilitation, and guided meditation. Viren is passionate about sharing mindfulness to help people connect with their full experience and enrich their lives.

Guest Teacher

Viren Jeram

Eva has written for BBC and RTÉ, with her plays winning awards including an Edinburgh Fringe First and the Filipa Bragança Award. She campaigned to help repeal the 8th amendment, and her play ‘Maz & Bricks’ toured during the lead-up to the 2018 Irish referendum. A writer on Taigh, Tŷ, Teach 2024, produced by Fishamble, she also co-runs the climate arts festival Future Limerick with Hildegard Ryan.

Guest Teacher

Eva O’Connor

Person sitting on a tree stump chair outdoors, writing in a notebook, surrounded by foliage.

“Life changing. Genuinely one of the best weeks of my life. Wrote 10,000 words and felt amazing - rested, grounded, and well.”

Retreat guest Jan 2025

  • “Nadia and Holly gave so much care and tenderness to the retreat; this was immensely supportive. It helped to offer those same conditions to oneself and others. The retreat circle was amazing. They both created deeply nourishing conditions that rippled through the rest of the time in how we took care of each other.”

    — Davina, Jan 21 2026

  • “Digital detox was absolutely glorious - it took out all other noise of life and responsibility and made me feel really, truly 'present' in both body and mind, which in turn hugely facilitated my creativity and writing. The retreat was so blissful that it was very easy to be without a phone”

    — Emily, Jan 17 2026

  • “Silence and mindful movement and meditation, all of it added to a calm nervous system, and a mind that I could hear, and a body I could understand, for once.”

    — Ben, Jan 16 2026

  • “Being a beginner, I didn’t think I would end up sharing my writing, but I found the trios a really lovely way of building confidence, and I so loved the opportunity to share. I also really liked the independent writing time and hearing everyone’s writing in the final workshop - that was such a privilege”

    – Olivia, Jan 16 2026

  • “I adored having the circles. They have helped me be a better listener and have been a good way of sharing the individual internal experiences that might otherwise be overlooked in the community. Also loved the bonfire and all the laughter that went along with the tears. Big credit to Holly and Nadia for facilitating a space that allowed for both. Incredibly well done.”

    – Liv, Jan 15 2026

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Yes. Many participants come to the retreat at the very beginning of their writing journey.

    Some people arrive with a clear project they want to work on, while others come simply with a curiosity about writing and a desire to explore what might emerge on the page. The workshops are designed to meet people wherever they are in their process, and there is no expectation that work is polished or complete.

    The most important thing is simply a willingness to show up, write, and engage with the experience.

  • Each retreat hosts up to 14 participants.

    Keeping the group small helps create a calm and supportive atmosphere while still allowing space for meaningful conversation and connection. Many participants find that the small group size helps foster a sense of community while still leaving plenty of room for quiet and solitude.

  • Yes. Most retreat participants come on their own, and we actively encourage this.

    Coming alone often helps people step more fully into the retreat experience. Without the usual roles and routines of everyday life, many people find it easier to settle into the rhythm of writing, reflection, and rest.

    Although participants arrive independently, the small group size and shared experience naturally create a warm and supportive atmosphere. By the end of the retreat, many people feel they have formed meaningful connections while still having had plenty of space for solitude.

  • Yes, very much so. Many participants use the retreats to work on academic writing, research projects, or longer-form pieces.

    We encourage downloading any reading or research materials in advance, as the retreat asks everyone to take part in the digital detox and work offline.

  • Yes. The retreat follows a clear structure but is intentionally flexible. There is space to move, rest, step out, or engage in ways that work for you.

    If you have specific needs or questions, you are very welcome to contact Holly in advance.

  • The venue does not have step-free access. However, all workshops and meals take place on the ground floor, and there are two private bedrooms available on the ground floor.

    The shared communal living and writing space is located upstairs and is accessed via one flight of approximately 15 stairs.

    If you have access needs or questions and are unsure whether the retreat will be suitable for you, please feel very welcome to contact Holly in advance to discuss this.

  • New retreat dates are released throughout the year, and places often fill quickly.

    The best way to stay informed is to join the mailing list, where new retreats are always shared first.

  • The retreats are designed as a digital detox. We encourage you to hand in your phone on arrival. There will always be an emergency contact number that loved ones can use if they need to reach you urgently.

    Laptops are welcome for writing, but there is no WiFi available during the retreat.

    If you have specific circumstances that require access to your phone, please let us know in advance and we can discuss what might work best.

  • Yes. Walks along the coast, swims in the sea, and time spent outdoors are a wonderful part of the retreat experience, and we strongly encourage them.

    However, we ask retreatants not to go into the nearby town during the retreat. The intention is to create a contained environment where everyone can step away from everyday life and fully enter the slower rhythm of the retreat.

    Most people find that staying within the retreat space helps deepen the sense of focus, community, and creative immersion.

  • All retreats are held at:
    The Old Rectory
    Gelli Olau, Fishguard Road
    Newport SA42 0UE

  • The nearest train stations are Fishguard & Goodwick and Haverfordwest.

    Local taxis are available but must be pre-booked, as this is a rural area.

    Once you’ve booked, you’ll be invited to a ride-sharing form where retreatants can offer or request lifts or share taxis. Return journeys are often easiest to organise once everyone is together.

    For international guests, the nearest airport is Bristol.

  • Arrival is from 4pm on the first day.
    Departure is by 10:30am on the final day.

    It is an important part of the shared experience to arrive and depart together.

  • We ask retreat-ants to commit to the full duration of the retreat, including the opening and closing circles.

    If you’re unable to attend the full retreat on these dates, we recommend choosing a different retreat that better fits your availability.

  • The retreats are either vegetarian or plant-based.

    We can comfortably accommodate vegan and gluten-free diets, as well as nut allergies. Please tell us about any dietary requirements via the form sent with your booking confirmation.

    More specific or complex dietary needs may require a small supplement to cover additional catering costs. We will always contact you in advance if this applies.

  • Sadly no. Some retreatants have allergies, and we need to keep shared spaces pet-free.

  • Apart from prescribed medication, we ask retreatants to refrain from using drugs and alcohol for the duration of the retreat.

  • This is sometimes possible. Retreat pricing is per person rather than per room, and sharing a private room with a partner may be available with an additional supplement. Please contact Holly directly to discuss availability.

  • Cancellations made eight weeks or more prior to the start date of the retreat will incur the loss of the deposit. Cancellations made less than eight weeks before the start date of the retreat will result in the loss of the full payment.

    We wish we could offer refunds to everyone who asks for compensation in relation to illness, family emergencies, bereavement, injury, or other unexpected circumstances. However, as a small independent retreat business we are not able to underwrite these kinds of costs, and therefore our cancellation policy is non-negotiable.

    If a retreat is fully booked, we may at our discretion attempt to re-sell your place to someone on the waiting list. If your place is successfully re-sold, you will still incur the loss of the £175 deposit.

For any further questions, please contact Holly at hello@hollyrigby.co.uk

RETREAT COSTS

  • £695 – Triple Room, Shared Bathroom

    £750 – Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

    £955 – Private Room, Shared Bathroom

    £1095 – Double Room, Ensuite

    All meals are included.

  • Two fully funded places are available on each retreat — one for a social movement activist and one for a frontline worker.

    For more details click here.

  • A non-refundable deposit of £175 is necessary to secure your place, with full payment due 8 weeks before the retreat begins.

    For full terms and conditions please click here.

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