Terms & Conditions for Attending
Acorn Writing Retreats

Reservations & Booking Confirmation

Acorn Writing Retreats are intentionally kept small and thoughtfully structured in order to foster a supportive, inclusive and productive environment for all participants.

Submission of a reservation form does not guarantee a place on a retreat. All reservation requests are reviewed prior to confirmation.

If your reservation is accepted, you will receive written confirmation alongside the bespoke Retreat Handbook and payment instructions.

Acorn Writing Retreats reserves the right to decline or cancel participation where it is deemed necessary to protect the wellbeing, safety, comfort and/or group dynamic of participants, facilitators, venues and staff.

  • Deposits: A £200 deposit is required to confirm your booking. Deposits are non-refundable.

    Fees: Please note, the all-inclusive standard package fee varies per writing retreat due to length of stay. Prices for the standard all-inclusive package per retreat are listed below:

    • 8th - 11th of September | (Tues - Fri, 4 days) | £675

    • 6th - 9th of October | (Tues - Fri, 4 days) | £675

    • 21st - 23rd of October | (Wed - Fri, 3 days) | £525

    • 17th - 20th of November | (Tues - Thurs, 4 days) | £675

    • 15th - 18th of December | (Tues - Thurs, 4 days) | £675

    For retreats held at the Oak Tree Inn, reservation requests are made via the Reservation Form. Once your place has been confirmed, payment instructions will be sent to you alongside the bespoke Retreat Handbook.

    Remaining Balance Due Date: Full payment is due 28 days prior to the commencement of the retreat.

    Transfers: You may transfer your booking to another writing retreat at The Oak Tree Inn, subject to availability, up to 28 days before your original scheduled retreat. All fees paid will be allocated to the new retreat.

    Funding Bodies: If you are applying for funding via your institution please start this process as soon as possible as some have lengthy approval processes.

  • Deposits: A £200 non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your booking.

    Fees: Please note, the all-inclusive standard package fee varies per writing retreat due to length of stay. Prices for the standard all-inclusive package per retreat are listed below:

    • 6th - 9th July 2026 | Mon - Thurs, 4 days | £675

    • 4th - 7th Aug 2026 | Tues - Fri, 4 days | £675

    • 8th - 10th Dec 2026 | Tues - Thurs, 3 days | £525

    Payment: For retreats held at Madeira in Fife, reservation requests are made via the Reservation Form. Once your place has been confirmed, payment instructions will be sent to you alongside the bespoke Retreat Handbook. Retreat fees are not subject to VAT.

    Extending: If you wish to extend your stay before or after the retreat, this must be arranged directly with Madeira in Fife and will be subject to their own availability and terms.

    Transfers: You may transfer your booking to another writing retreat at Madeira in Fife, subject to availability, up to 28 days before your original scheduled retreat. All fees paid will be allocated to the new retreat.

    Funding Bodies: If you are applying for funding via your institution please start this process as soon as possible as some have lengthy approval processes.

Cancellations

More than 28 Days Notice: If cancellation occurs more than 28 days prior to the retreat start date, we will refund any payments made, excluding the deposit.

Less Than 28 Days Notice: For cancellations within 28 days of the retreat start date, fees are non-refundable. However, in the event of cancellation, we will attempt to resell your place. If successful, we may offer a partial refund or credit towards a future retreat, at our discretion.

Cancellation by Acorn Writing Retreats: In the unlikely event that we must cancel a retreat, you will have the option to receive a full refund (including deposit) or credit towards a future retreat, with priority booking.

Participation

Creating a Supportive Atmosphere: At Acorn Writing Retreats, we pride ourselves on fostering supportive, inclusive and productive environments. We cherish respect: for the property, fellow guests, and the natural surroundings that make our retreats special.

Respect and Conduct: We uphold a standard of conduct that values respect and consideration for others. As such, we reserve the right to discontinue the participation of any individual who engages in abusive, derogatory, or disruptive behaviour, without a refund.

Engagement in Activities: Active participation enriches the retreat experience for everyone. Participants are encouraged to fully engage with the retreat structure, including writing sessions and group debriefs, in order to foster a supportive and productive shared environment.

The structured writing sessions are times of focused productivity and we ask all participants to respect a silent, undisturbed environment for the benefit of everyone.

Accommodating Your Needs: We understand that each writer may have unique needs. If you have any specific requirements or concerns, please reach out to Rebecca prior to booking. We are committed to doing our utmost to accommodate your needs and ensure a fulfilling retreat experience.

Loss: Acorn Writing Retreats is not responsible for any loss, damage, or expense incurred by guests due to events or circumstances outside our control.

Future Reservations: Acorn Writing Retreats reserves the right to refuse future bookings from individuals whose behaviour is deemed incompatible with the ethos and wellbeing of the retreat environment.

Privacy

Data Collection: Your personal information, including contact details, dietary and access needs, will be collected for booking administration and to meet your needs during the retreat. We do not store credit/debit card details. Information is stored securely on-site and electronically.

Mailing List: You may opt to join our mailing list at the time of booking for updates on future retreats and offerings.

We do not share any personal information with third parties.

Travel Insurance

Acorn Writing Retreats cannot reimburse any travel expenses, including in cases of retreat cancellations by either party. We strongly advise all participants to secure comprehensive travel insurance. Carefully choose a policy that meets your specific needs, ensuring it provides adequate coverage for both retreat fees and travel costs. Proper travel insurance offers financial protection and peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy your retreat experience worry-free.