RESIDENTIAL WRITING RETREAT AT LOWBYER MANOR COUNTRY HOUSE SET IN THE BEAUTIFUL AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY OF ALSTON MOOR, CUMBRIA
Monday 29th June to Friday 3rd July 2026
“Everyone has a book inside them”. Well, what if that’s true but don’t know where to start? Maybe you have started a book and can’t continue? Whatever the reason, you might like to come along to one of our Writer’s Retreats. Open to all levels of writing, it’s a great opportunity explore your creativity and harness the power of words.
We are delighted to be able to welcome Angharad Hampshire to Lowbyer Manor to host this year’s Writer’s Retreat. Angharad has worked as a radio producer for BBC Radio 4 and the World Service in London, honorary lecturer in journalism at the University of Hong Kong and regular contributor to the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong. She has a Doctor of Arts in Creative Writing. Angharad currently works as a lecturer at York St John University and teaches on the Creative Writing MA. She is als0 a published Author of The Mare, which was shortlisted for the Walter Scott prize for historical fiction in 2025.
What’s included during your stay at Lowbyer Manor Country house?
Angharad will guide you through three days of creative writing workshops each morning looking at different elements of craft, and through one-on-one sessions each afternoon going through your creative writing drafts with individualised feedback. The course will conclude with the chance to share an extract of your work with the group.
Exclusive use of Lowbyer Manor Country House for writers during your stay.
• Full board including full English breakfast, lunch, tea and a delicious home cooked 2 course meal in the evening with a glass of wine.
• A full stocked cosy bar is open for you to enjoy a drink before dinner which is available in our spacious dining room. This is a great opportunity to network with other writers and swap stories, experiences, successes and frustrations.
• We have a large comfortable lounge with a roaring fire overlooking the garden and fells beyond where you
can relax and enjoy afternoon tea.
• Public areas are available to write should you wish to move around.
• Free wifi throughout.
• A pretty garden with beautiful views over Cross Fell is available to guests.
• Located within an hour’s drive of Penrith, Hexham, Newcastle and Durham. However, for those non drivers, transfers to and from Penrith and Hexham stations can be arranged.
• Off street parking.
• All rooms in the main house are en suite, TV, writing desk and a hospitality tray of teas, coffee and biscuits.
We welcome all writers at any stage of their writing journey.
Should you wish to be accompanied by a non writing guest sharing a room a discounted rate will apply upon request.
Accompanied nearby walks and wild swimming is available upon request at an extra cost with a qualified local guide.
Room 1 – King double or twin room £745 single occupancy. £509 per person 2x people sharing
Twin or Double bed, en suite shower with toilet and hand basin. Toiletries, hairdryer, TV and hospitality tray provided.
Room 3 – £785 single occupancy
Suite with sofa, kingsize bed, full size bathroom with bath, walk in shower, toilet and hand basin. Toiletries, hairdryer, TV and hospitality tray provided.
Room 4 – £745 single occupancy
Standard double room, en suite shower with toilet and hand basin. Toiletries, hairdryer, TV and hospitality tray provided.
Room 5 – £745 single occupancy
Standard double room, en suite shower with toilet and hand basin. Toiletries, hairdryer, TV and hospitality tray provided.
Room 6 – £745 single occupancy
Standard double room, en suite shower with toilet and hand basin. Toiletries, hairdryer, TV and hospitality tray provided.
Room 7 – £745 single occupancy
Standard double room, en suite shower with toilet and hand basin. Toiletries, hairdryer, TV and hospitality tray provided.
Room 8 – £745 single occupancy
Kinsize four poster bedroom, en suite bath with shower overheard. Toilet and hand basin. Toiletries, hairdryer,TV and hospitality tray provided.
Room 9 – £785 single occupancy
Kingsize bedroom, en suite bath with hand held shower. Toilet and hand basin. Toiletries, hairdryer, TV and hospitality tray provided.
Room 10 – £600 single room.
Single bedroom, en suite Shower room with toilet and hand basin. Toiletries, hairdryer, TV and hospitality tray provided.
Room 11 – £625 single room.
Single bedroom, en suite Shower room with toilet and hand basin. Toiletries, hairdryer, TV and hospitality tray provided.
Room 12 – £785 single occupancy – £694 based on 2 people sharing
Kingsize bed or twin room, en suite bath with shower overhead. Toilet and hand basin. Toiletries, hairdryer, TV and hospitality tray provided.
Check in 3pm on Monday with cream tea served in the lounge.
Check out from 10am after a full English breakfast.
A deposit of £100 per person is required to secure your place on the course with balance paid no later than 8 weeks of course commencing.
Cancellation can be accepted up to 8 weeks before the course date with a £50 non refundable charge.
To book contact us at stay@lowbyer.com or Tel 01434 381230 to reserve your place for 2025
“It has been wonderful from start to finish. I didn’t want the stay to end as I don’t want to go home!”
“Thank you Clare for you excellent help“.
“The writing retreat at Lowbyer Manor Country House – has been exceptional…”
“This wonderful experience will live long in the memory“.
