Writing a full-length creative work is an exercise in sticking power and application. The typical first draft of a novel can be around 90,000 – 100,000 words and fitting a weekend of writing around other commitments at home can be tricky, especially in today’s fast-paced world.
That’s where a weekend creative getaway can be a real game-changer. Even better? You don’t have to fly or book a week off work. In fact, just 2.5 hours away from Birmingham by train you’ll find a cosy cabin designed for a weekend getaway, with just your work-in-progress for company: the Writers’ Cabin writer’s retreat in Machynlleth, Mid Wales. The Writers’ Cabin is close enough for a spontaneous getaway, but far enough to truly disconnect…
Why Writers Struggle to Make Time for Writing
Writers are known for their empathy, so the demand to meet the needs of others can often trump turning attention to their own creative lives. If you combine that with myriad daily pressures – keeping on top of the inbox, family demands, caring responsibilities, social commitments – it is no wonder that our creative projects get sidelined. Add a dash of self-doubt, and suddenly writing can feel more like a guilty indulgence than a necessary part of your life.
The Solution: A Retreat That Foregrounds Nature Connection
The Writers’ Cabin, situated just 10 minutes from the ancient capital of Wales, Machynlleth, offers a place where you can be alone while simultaneously being surrounded by nature. Guests retreating here over the summer months say they make friends with the resident swallows on the spacious veranda within hours of arriving.
Unlike expensive, international retreats this writing retreat is reachable by rail and designed with writers front of mind:
- The writing desk privileges the view over the mountains
- Umpteen seating options, both indoors and outside
- Surrounded by hills and woodlands, the deep quiet inspires uninterrupted focus
- There’s no retreat programme to follow, so you can decide if you want to write for twelve hours straight, or indulge in afternoon naps or countryside walks
- The private sauna is the perfect place to sweat out the small stuff: forget typos as your pores open
How to get here by train:
Board a direct train from Birmingham New Street to Machynlleth (on occasion, you change at Shrewsbury, while most services are direct). The journey is straightforward, and, especially as you pull out of Shrewsbury, it becomes increasingly scenic. We can either arrange to collect you, or taxis are available. Coop, Tesco and ASDA all deliver to the Cabin, and there is fantastic Wholefoods Shop in Machynlleth as well as many places to eat and drink out.
What recent guests have said:
“Truly idyllic retreat with welcoming and warm hosts. Spent a few days writing here, I’ll definitely be back, not just for writing. There’s so much to do in the local area too if you’re just looking for a break. Forest valley views, starry skies, charming nearby town, beaches lovely walks, you couldn’t ask for more!”
Book your weekend getaway today here. We offer three-night stays from Friday to Monday for £390 which includes a complimentary sauna, a bottle of ‘Retreat’ Poetry Pharmacy Pills and all the cooking basics you’ll need including complimentary coffee, tea, milk, oil, herbs and spices.
