2026 Writing Retreats
Time, space and the comfort of your own writing cabin
Artwork by @clairefletcherillustration
“Your time here is precious. Turn off your phone. Walk through the woods. Reconnect with yourself and nature - it really does matter. Forget good or bad, write it down anyway.”
What we offer at
Starcroft Farm Cabins
If you dream of a cosy cabin where you can settle down and write, with a few treats and a little nurturing along the way, you’ll love our small group writing retreats. No action-packed schedules, no pressure at all, just a supportive environment to write in.
We take a bespoke approach, tailored to each writer, offering one-to-one coaching, hand-picked books and a cabin all of one’s own. While moments of connection are woven into the retreat, the focus is on providing you with the precious quiet time you need to think, write and reset. Perfect if you have a project you want to get stuck into but are too distracted at home.
Each of our three historical hideaways is completely self-contained, with everything you need for a comfortable stay. Choose from Matilda, Catherine or Lucy, each unique creative spaces, inspired by women’s stories. Adorned with specially commissioned art, carefully curated bookshelves and two writing desks.
Our writing cabins have featured in The Times, The Telegraph, Homes & Antiques, Prima, Mslexia and more. And we were delighted to be listed as one of The Sunday Times’ 7 best UK writing retreats
We champion new writing wherever we can. Last year we collaborated with Motherhood Uncensored on their Things Left Unsaid competition and anthology. This year we’ve sponsored Hastings Book Fest’s Sussex Prize, enabling two local writers to come on an independent retreat, plus London Writer’s Salon’s Moments of Being contest. And next year we’re very excited to be working with Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction, to offer three non-fiction writers the opportunity to retreat here together as part of a new mentoring scheme.
Here’s what our retreat guests have said…
‘It has been a wonderfully transformative week. My session with Jo helped me to think about the different roles that writing could play, why I want to write and how I can bring creativity into my life. The beautiful setting - the cabin, artwork, surroundings, stars has filled me with ideas, and the books have been perfect to explore. All this enriched by the company of the brilliant women on the retreat - it feels a privilege to be part of it.’ - Laura, spring 2025
‘It has been everything I hoped for and more. The cabins are the perfect blend of comfort and nature. Being able to walk in the woods when I was stuck helped me to power through when the writing got difficult.’ - Carolina, spring 2025
‘It has been magical. The setting has helped me reconnect with nature and who I am underneath all the noise of regular life.’ - Abigail, summer 2025
You can also take a look at our Google reviews, or read this blog by Jenny, who came on our spring 2025 retreat with her dog Cookie, or this one by Nina from Host Unusual, who joined our autumn 2025 retreat.
What’s new this year…
Our guests have told us how much they enjoy our sell-out 4-night retreats, so we’re keeping the key ingredients the same: focused time to write in beautiful surroundings, with a little something each day to rejuvenate.
But we’re always looking for new ways to support and inspire writers. So we’ve now themed some retreats, giving you the chance to get feedback and advice from an experienced writer, editor or coach working in your genre, as well as meet others with shared interests. And we’ve added a group wrap-up session, to help you take your writing forward after the retreat.
As always, we’ll also be open year-round for independent writing breaks, and we’ll be revealing more beautifully bookish weekend retreats too. Plus there’ll be news of our Starcroft summer residency coming soon. We hope you find just what you’re looking for.
2026 writing retreats
All interests with Joanna Norland - February 2 to 6 FULLY BOOKED, April 13 to 17 1 place left, June 8 to 12, October 12 to 16
Whatever your form and experience level, come immerse yourself in your writing and meet other writers, progressing your work with the support of writing coach, Joanna Norland. Whether you wish to develop your novel or play, experiment with poetry, launch a Substack or even write a book for your business, Jo will help you articulate your vision for your writing, see fresh possibilities for your work and overcome obstacles to bring your ideas out of your head, onto the page and into the world.
Jo is a playwright, fiction writer and former journalist, and creator of the Write in Ten writer development program.
Finding your writing voice with Andrea Anderson - March 9 to 13 FULLY BOOKED
Whether you are an experienced writer or just getting started, spending time really getting clear and confident on the uniqueness of your writing voice helps you to expand and amplify it to those you want to reach.
Andrea, author of This is Who I Am: The Autistic Woman’s Guide to Belonging, will help you get clarity on your unique writing voice, how to amplify it and focus on getting you unstuck in areas that are holding you back in your writing. Described as ‘a master in getting you beyond your self-doubt’, she will work with you to make self discovery that leads to lasting change.
Nature writing with Robin Pridy - May 11 to 15
Whether you’re a poet, novelist or avid journaller, incorporating nature into your work can be powerfully symbolic and add rich sensory detail, transporting the reader to a specific time and place.
Writer, editor and nature-lover Robin has worked on many high-profile nature books for both children and adults. She will help you tune into the world around you and learn authentic ways to put your feelings and observations on the page. All amid the splendour of Sussex in spring.
*NEW* Writing lives with Alexis Wolf - June 15 to 19
Do you want to craft a story using photographs, letters, diaries or journals? Are you writing your family history or have an idea for a memoir?
Research and writer Alexis Wolf will help you get to the heart of the story you want to tell about your own or another’s life. She’ll also guide you in using letters, diaries and other research in your work, and share techniques for writing into and around the gaps of our everyday archives.
Travel writing with Joe Minihane - July 6 to 10
Travel writing is, for many, a dream gig. Making sure your work doesn't stray into the cliche of 'contrasts' and 'breathtaking landscapes' is perhaps the biggest challenge.
On this retreat, Joe will help you explore ways to make your writing more singular and personal, helping you draw out details and use them to explore deeper ideas about time spent on the road.
Transformational non-fiction with Kelly Thompson - September 14 to 18
Designed for writers who want to create books that will help their readers grow, change and see the world in new ways. Whether you want to share expert research, knowledge and insights, guide readers through practical self-help exercises and techniques, or tell your story in the form of an inspiring memoir, Kelly will help you bring clarity, focus, depth and authenticity to what you write.
Based on her 25 plus years in the book industry, Kelly’s feedback will help you get to the heart of what you really want to say.
*NEW* Women, walking and writing with Annabel Abbs - September 28 to October 2
Whether you’re an experienced hiker looking to turn a solo expedition into a memoir or a casual ambler interested in incorporating the great outdoors into your novel, join us for this unique retreat focusing on the wonderful things that happen when women, walking and writing come together.
Award-winning writer and author of Wind Swept: Why Women Walk, Annabel Abbs will help you hone your writing project and create a compelling narrative, whether you're working on a novel, memoir, self-help, blended non-fiction, travel writing or journalism.
You’ll also join Starcroft host Hannah, who once walked solo from Bristol to Scotland, for a day of walking in the beautiful Sussex countryside.
Writing for the stage with Joanna Norland - November 9 to 13
Dive into the unique challenges and possibilities of stage and screen writing, working alongside other like minded script writers. This retreat includes a coaching session with playwright, Joanna Norland, whose plays, including Lizzy, Darcy and Jane, have been produced on four continents.
*NEW* Writing and researching the history of women with Elinor Cleghorn - November 23 to 27
For too long, women were neglected in our stories of the past. But, over the last half-century, women have risen up as both the authors and the subjects of historical enquiry, and women’s history has become a rich, vital, and necessary field of study.
There are many stories of the history of women still to be told, yet navigating primary and secondary sources, archives, online resources and other materials can feel daunting. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or just beginning your journey into the past, feminist cultural historian Elinor Cleghorn will be your guide.
Author of Unwell Women and A Women’s Work, a history of mothering and motherhood (published spring 2026), Elinor can work with you on any aspect of women’s history, and advise on anything from structure to style to compelling story-telling. She can also offer insight into how to deepen and refine your research.
*NEW* Writing witchcraft in fiction with Cathryn Kemp - December 7 to 11
Witches and witchcraft have a literary history that defies contemporary sensibilities. From horror to dark folklore to children’s books and literary historical fiction, witches hold an enduring fascination for contemporary writers and readers. Female rebellion, power, rage and revenge exist alongside cosier interpretations involving charms, spells folk tales and magic.
Cathryn, author of award-winning novel A Poisoner’s Tale, will help you dive into the murky depths of writing witches, from discussions around how we handle historical witch trials as contemporary witnesses, to creating a liminal space for exploration on themes that arise. Superstition, magic and the dark nights of the Sussex countryside weave together this rich, sensory backdrop to the writing space.
Scroll down to find out more about our fantastic writing coaches.
And be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to hear about new retreats and offers.
Can’t make these dates?
You can book an independent writing break with us at any time.
Simply book a stay, then email us to let us know how we can best tailor the experience to you.
Sessions with a writing coach and treatments with our massage therapist can be arranged, subject to availability, along with other lovely extras.
Or join one of our weekend retreats!
About our writing coaches
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Joanna Norland
Joanna coaches writers of all experience levels, working in all genres, including novels, nonfiction, plays, screenplays and children’s books. She can coach across genres because she works broadly herself, as a playwright, freelance journalist, children’s author and microfiction enthusiast.
Her plays, including Mothers Have Nine Lives, and Lizzy, Darcy and Jane, published by Concord Theatricals, have been produced off Broadway, off West End, and throughout the US, the UK, Australia and South Africa.
In addition to coaching, she leads creative writing workshops in schools, public libraries, pubs and law firms. After successfully shaking off her own recurring writer’s block, she now shares strategies for remaining joyfully prolific because she believes that if you feel called to write, every day you write is better than every day you don’t. You can find her at www.joannanorland.com.
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Andrea Anderson
Andrea is author of This Is Who I Am – The autistic woman’s guide to belonging.
It was in her late life acceptance of her neurodivergence that she found her writing voice.
In her book and Substack learning community Belong.we are neurokin, blending her knowledge as a coach with her lived experience, she provides insight and learning resources for people to grow in self; understanding, compassion, acceptance and confidence.
As a Coach, Andrea facilitates self-discovery that leads to lasting change for women who want to transform how they work and live.
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Joe Minihane
Joe is an author and travel journalist who lives in Sheffield, right on the edge of the Peak District. He is the author of travel memoir Floating, a travelogue about wild swimming around the UK in search of how the water can ease anxiety.
His travel writing has appeared in The Guardian, Sunday Times, The Times, Mail on Sunday, Lonely Planet and CNN. He has also published two guide books as part of Hoxton Mini Press's Opinionated Guide series.
He is currently working on a book about the UK sauna scene. You can find him at joeminihane.substack.com.
'Lovely, lively, passionate... a celebration of nature's ability to inspire healing and joy' - Robert Macfarlane on Floating
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Kelly Thompson
Kelly is a book doula and editorial consultant with over 25 years’ experience in non-fiction publishing. She has commissioned and edited hundreds of titles throughout her career, guiding writers of all levels to develop their work from the first spark of an idea through to manuscript completion and publication.
An Oxford language graduate, she has also given talks and workshops at writing festivals, and she has been a mentor for the non-fiction module of Falmouth University’s MA in Professional Writing.
Specialising in transformational non-fiction – books based on truths that enrich lives, open new perspectives and help inspire positive change – she brings both depth of knowledge and a warm, nurturing touch to every project. You can find out more at www.bookdoula.co.uk.
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Robin Pridy
Robin is an experienced editor and writer for both children and adults, with an MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University. She writes poems, short stories, children's and adult non-fiction, and is currently finishing her first novel. Many of her stories revolve around nature and our place in the natural world. As an editor, she has been involved with many high-profile non-fiction nature books for both children and adults. She lives in the countryside in East Sussex. You can find out more at www.robinpridy.com.
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Cathryn Kemp
Cathryn is the author of bestselling historical fiction title, A Poisoner’s Tale, published by Transworld/Penguin Random House in 2024/25. Cathryn’s personal memoir Coming Clean won the Big Red Read Prize for Non-Fiction. She is also a Sunday Times bestselling ghostwriter with a prolific career writing celebrity, public figure, true crime, inspirational, addiction and nostalgia titles.
Cathryn’s second novel, They Can’t Burn Us All is published by Penguin in August 2026. When not writing, Cathryn can be found restoring her glorious wreck of a Victorian home on the South Coast with her partner, son, ginger cat and wayward puppy, Barney.
You can find out more about her work at cathrynkemp.com.
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Annabel Abbs
Annabel is a writer of award-winning fiction and non-fiction, covering travel, memoir, science and health (sometimes under the name Streets). Her work has been translated into 30 languages.
Her first novel, The Joyce Girl, won the Impress New Writer Prize. Her second novel, Frieda: The Real Lady Chatterley, was a Times Book of the Year. Her third novel, The Language of Food, was an international best-seller, optioned by CBS.
Her best-selling non-fiction books include The Age-Well Project, 52 Ways to Walk, and The Walking Cure. Her highly acclaimed memoirs include Windswept: Why Women Walk and Sleepless: Discovering the Power of the Night Self. Annabel writes for many newspapers and magazines from The Guardian, to The Washington Post and The Paris Review.
You can find out more about her work at www.annabelabbs.com.
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Elinor Cleghorn
Elinor Cleghorn is a feminist cultural historian specialising in women's health and bodily experiences.
She has a PhD in Humanities and Cultural Studies from Birkbeck College, University of London, and has published widely including in New Scientist, The Washington Post, History Extra magazine, BBC Science Focus and Vogue.Com.
She has discussed her research live on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour, NPR, and Radio 5 Live, at festivals including Primadonna, Latitude and the British Library's HistFest, and on numerous podcasts.
Elinor is the author of Unwell Women: A Journey Through Medicine and Myth in a Man-Made World, which was published in June 2021 in the UK and USA and has since been translated across the world. Her new book, A Woman's Work: Reclaiming the Radical History of Mothering, will be published in March 2026.
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Alexis Wolf
Alexis Wolf is a researcher, writer and editor with a specialism in women’s writing, historical research and memoir.
She has an MA in Biography & Creative Non-Fiction from UEA and a PhD in English & Humanities from Birkbeck.
Her most recent book, Transnational Women Writers in the Wilmot Coterie: Beyond Borders and Boundaries was published in 2024. She has taught Creative Writing at universities in the US and the UK.
You can find out more at www.alexiswolf.co.uk.
What’s included?
4 night’s self-catered accommodation in one of our writing cabins, with your very own bathroom, bedroom, mini kitchen, dining area and deck
Tea and biscuits on arrival
1-hour one-to-one with a writing coach, who will have read some of your work beforehand and be able to offer guidance on your particular project
A group wrap-up session, led by your coach, at the end of the week
Use of a lockable phone jail to help you focus
A bespoke Retreat prescription from The Poetry Pharmacy
30-minute chair massage with Mollie Florence Holistics, helping you loosen up midweek for more writing, plus a nurturing aromatherapy gift
A surprise book gift, hand-picked according to your interests by our award-winning local bookseller at Rother Books
An arrangement of seasonal flowers and foliage from our cut flower beds for your writing desk
A guided woodland walk, introducing Powdermill Woods and the 1066 Country Walk
A cake break with cake from nearby Great Park Farm
An evening round the bonfire with hot chocolate and marshmallows
Each of our cabins also comes with the following as standard:
Wifi
Sussex Tea and Bird & Wild coffee to help power long writing sessions
Luxury, natural toiletries by WiDEye and Handmade by Juliette
Yoga mat
Price: £750
Secure your place with a non-refundable 30% deposit of £225 (full balance to be paid 6 weeks before the retreat begins). Terms and conditions apply.
Please email us to book, detailing your retreat and cabin preference.
Optional extras include:
Breakfast hamper or a selection of pastries
Pre-prepared evening meals
Additional coaching sessions
Author bio photo shoot with Tom Milner Photography
A bunch of flowers from our cut flower beds to take home
Location
Our cabins are in a peaceful Sussex meadow in the High Weald AONB. We’re a short stroll away from Powdermill Woods, and a 45-minute walk via the 1066 Country Walk from the historic town of Battle and Battle Abbey. In Catsfield itself, Great Park Farm Shop & Cafe, The White Hart pub and village shop are all within walking distance.
The arty towns of Hastings, Rye and Lewes, which all have wonderful independent cafes, boutiques and bookshops, are all a short drive away, as are the beaches of Bexhill and Camber Sands if you need some sea air or a wild swim to rejuvenate the soul.
Some famous writers’ homes to visit near us include Monk’s House, Virginia Woolf’s Sussex bolthole, and Sissinghurst, where you can see Vita Sackville-West’s writing tower.
Don’t drive? Don’t worry! Battle station is less than 90 minutes by train from central London, and from there the cabins are just a 5-minute taxi ride away.
How to book
Email us at hello@starcroftfarm.co.uk to let us know which retreat you’d like to come on and if you have a cabin preference.
Please do get in touch with any questions too!