Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
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Our writing retreats are the perfect sanctuary for a wide range of writing endeavours. This includes working on books, journal articles, PhD theses, research proposals, funding grants, blogs, conference papers, poetry, novels, non-fiction etc.
To maximise your retreat experience, it’s advised to come prepared with a clear action plan. This could range from having a basic outline, such as a series of subheadings and summaries, to being ready for final draft editing. Structuring your time effectively around your project’s goals and subgoals will enable you to dedicate the majority of your retreat to writing.
While pre-retreat reading is beneficial, it’s recommended to limit the number of texts you bring along. Choose key materials that are essential for reference, allowing you to concentrate primarily on writing. Remember, the essence of the retreat is to foster your writing, not to get lost in reading!
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Your attendance is expected and valued at writing sessions as the collective group benefits from everyone writing together. During 4-day retreats you are permitted to miss only one writing session, if absolutely necessary.
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Laptop & charger;
Notebook(s) & relevant printed materials;
Glasses (if required);
Mobile phone charger;
Headphones/earphones
Laptop stand, Bluetooth keyboard and mouse to help posture;
Key texts/book (limit the number to essentials);
Comfortable & warm clothing;
Walking boots/sturdy shoes (if you wish to explore);
Waterproof & warm outerwear;
Personal toiletries;
If you are tempted to do some nearby wild swimming, please bring suitable outdoor swimwear, warm clothes and perhaps a hot water bottle for afterwards.
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Whatever is comfiest! Make sure to pack warm and comfortable clothes for the duration. If you like to be particularly cosy during writing sessions, you are welcome to bring a shawl or blanket.
You may wish to dress up a little for our final dinner together to celebrate. However, comfort is key, so there is no pressure.
Please be mindful that the weather in Scotland is often temperamental so waterproofs are essential.
Sturdy walking boots will be useful if you wish to explore. -
At Acorn Writing Retreats, we focus exclusively on in-person retreats. We deeply value the unique dynamics and inspiration that come from physical gatherings, where individuals can thrive both independently and as part of a collective community.
While we don’t offer online retreats, we understand they can be a great resource for many writers. For those interested in virtual options, we recommend exploring Rowena Murray’s Writing Group on Facebook where a range of online writing retreats are often posted that might suit your needs. -
We believe in the power of small, focused groups to enhance the writing experience. Therefore, we maintain a small and supportive gathering for each retreat. The number of participants varies, typically ranging from 5 to 12, depending on the specific retreat. This approach ensures a personalised experience, allowing for meaningful interactions, dedicated attention and a productive environment for every writer.
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Absolutely! Our retreats are open to all writers, regardless of background. Whether you are working on academic projects, creative writing or anything in between, you are welcome to join and take some time to focus on your work.
We believe that each writer brings a unique lens and valuable insights to the group, enriching the experience for everyone involved.
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Acorn Writing Retreats operates a tiered pricing model, allowing writers to select the rate most appropriate to their circumstances.
Three-Day Writing Retreats:
Growth Rate: £425 | Standard Rate: £555 | Community Rate: £675Four-Day Writing Retreats:
Growth Rate: £550 | Standard Rate: £695 | Community Rate: £850All rates are per person and include accommodation, meals, refreshments, retreat materials, the structured writing programme and facilitation. Every writer receives the same experience and standard of hospitality, regardless of the rate selected.
Sprout Rate places are limited and subject to availability. Travel, extended stays, accommodation upgrades and personal expenses are not included.A £200 deposit secures confirmed booking with the remaining balance due 28 days before the retreat begins.
Your can learn more about choosing the right rate on our Tiered Pricing page.
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No. Acorn’s three-tier rates apply to writing retreats at The Oak Tree Inn, Madeira in Fife and Crosswoodhill Farm Holiday Cottages. Writers choose their rate according to their circumstances rather than their preferred venue.
The number of Sprout Rate places available may vary between venues. Optional extras such as extended stays or accommodation upgrades may have separate charges. Any additional costs will be clearly shown on the relevant retreat page or confirmed before booking.
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Yes! If you would like to treat a dear writer in your life to a transformative writing retreat please contact Rebecca directly via email: rebecca@acornwritingretreats.com
If you have funding that you need to use up but don’t know when you can make a retreat, this option may be a suitable for you.
Questions Regarding Retreats at
The Oak Tree Inn
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Yes, you are welcome to book extra nights at The Oak Tree Inn, before or after the retreat. If you are travelling from afar, it is recommended to arrive a day earlier so you are refreshed and ready to write at the commencement of the writing retreat.
Please contact The Oak Tree Inn directly via email or phone reception (01360 870357) for the best deal available. -
A private chauffeur, Gregor Murray, is available for transport from and to Glasgow Central Train Station. Transport from Glasgow Airport can also be arranged. His phone number is 079427 607100.
Pick up is normally around 12.15pm to ensure arrival at the Oak Tree Inn for around 1.30pm. As trains are renowned for delays please make sure to plan your travel accordingly, so you arrive on time.
Cost depends on how many are travelling. Please consult the driver for exact price. He requires payment in cash.
If you are travelling to any other nearby city, station or airport it is recommended you either travel to Glasgow Central for the private taxi/bus or make your own travel arrangements.
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Yes, there are plenty of spaces available at The Oak Tree Inn. You will be provided a parking permit for the entirety of your stay.
There is a small car park behind the main building. When you arrive, please head to reception where you will receive a parking permit and directed to where best to park that is closest to your accommodation. -
Yes, there is wi-fi available across the vicinity of The Oak Tree Inn including the writing room and bedrooms. However, during writing sessions you will be strongly discouraged from using wi-fi so you can focus on your writing and not get distracted.
Please note that there is limited phone signal. -
Yes, The Oak Tree Inn has a well-equipped kitchen and can accommodate a range of dietary requirements. Please inform us of any requirements at time of booking.
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pizza & refreshments upon arrival
2 course dinner (+ soft drink) each night, 3 course dinner option for final night.
Breakfast buffet each morning.
Lunch + soft drink each day (option for packed lunch)
Use of private meeting room
Standard private bedroom accommodation with en-suite.
Locally roasted coffee, speciality teas & sweet treats throughout
Free coffee & cake token for St Mocha’s on final day.
A magical memento to remind you of your transformative & productive experience at Acorn Writing Retreats.
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If you would like to attend, please fill out the Reservation Form. Once confirmed, you will be sent the bespoke Retreat Handbook alongside payment details.
Questions Regarding
Tiered Pricing
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Honestly and without pressure. Read the descriptions above and select the one that best reflects your current financial situation when reserving your retreat.
There is no means-testing process or additional financial application when selecting your rate.
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All retreat rates are all-inclusive of accommodation, meals, refreshments, retreat materials, structured writing programme, facilitation and thoughtful treats throughout.
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Payment plans may be available, depending on how far in advance you reserve your retreat. Please contact us before booking to discuss the available options.
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No, the Growth Rate is not means-tested and we will not ask you to provide financial evidence. We trust writers to choose this limited rate thoughtfully based on their own personal circumstances and whether the Standard Rate would otherwise make attending difficult.
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Sprout Rate availability varies per venue. We normally offer up to two places at Madeira in Fife and The Oak Tree Inn and one place at Crosswoodhill.
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Growth Rate places are limited and offered subject to availability. If none remain for your preferred retreat, you are welcome to join the waiting list, select another retreat with Growth availability or book at the Standard Rate if this is affordable to you. A place may become available following a cancellation or through additional Community Rate contributions, although this cannot be guaranteed.
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Not at all. Every writer receives the same accommodation, meals, structured writing schedule, facilitation and thoughtful treats throughout regardless of the rate selected. Your chosen rate remains private.
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Potentially, although it is best to check with your institution beforehand. We can provide an invoice for universities, employers and other organisations.
Where organisational funding is available, we encourage booking at the Community Rate to support Acorn extend access to writers with fewer financial resources.
Please read our How to Fund a Writing Retreat blog post for practical options.
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The additional contribution helps Acorn offer reduced-rate Growth places and sustain wider access initiatives. Community contributions are used collectively, so they may support access to a different retreat from the one you attend.
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The Sprout Rate is a limited, reduced rate incorporated into Acorn’s tiered pricing model. It is intended for writers for whom the Standard Rate would make attending financially difficult.
The Acorn Access Fund provides additional support to writers who would still be unable to attend at the Sprout Rate. Depending on the funding available, this may take the form of a further contribution towards the retreat fee.
Both forms of support are subject to availability.
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The Acorn Access Fund is intended for writers who face a significant financial barrier to attending an Acorn Writing Retreat, including writers on low incomes, students without institutional funding and those experiencing difficult or unexpected circumstances.
Applications are considered confidentially and according to individual circumstances,. the support requested and the funding available.
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At this time, the Acorn Access Fund primarily offers discounted retreat places. The level of support available depends on current funding and retreat availability. As the fund is still growing, we are only able to offer small discounts of up to £150 towards a retreat place.
Even a small contribution can make a meaningful difference, and we are committed to expanding the fund over time so we can offer greater support to more writers in future. -
Please complete the Acorn Access Fund application form and explain briefly how attending a retreat would support your writing and why financial assistance is required.
Applications are reviewed confidentially. Submission of an application does not guarantee funding or a retreat place, and applicants should wait for written confirmation before making travel arrangements.
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The number of discounted places varies by retreat and is limited by the size of the Acorn Access Fund. We are working to increase this through donations, grants and partnerships.
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We review each application individually, considering both financial need, available space on upcoming retreats and funding available. We aim to distribute support fairly and with care.
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We are actively seeking donations and would greatly appreciate your support in helping us grow the Acorn Access Fund.
You can make a one-off or recurring donation using the button on this page. Your contribution helps reduce financial barriers and opens the door for writers to flourish through our restorative writing retreats.
Questions Regarding
Acorn Access Fund
If you have any further questions, please contact us and we’d be happy to help