creative retreats in somerset
Retreats for those ready to slow down and draw strength from the natural world.
At Oakhill Ponds we host a small number of retreats, from elemental day retreats to long weekends dedicated to reading and writing, in a beautiful landscape, with spring-fed swimming, wood-fired saunas and creative work shaped by the seasons.
Time in nature to reclaim your thoughts and step away from the interruptions of everyday life.
Whether reading, writing, moving or simply being outdoors, each retreat is designed to weave stillness with imagination in a setting alive with wildlife and history.
Guests can choose to stay in cosy shepherd’s huts or Lotus Belle tents with sweeping meadow views, or in the elegant Georgian retreat house, The Beeches, set on the edge of the land
Whether you come alone or with a friend, you will meet kindred spirits and enjoy a sense of connection, community and ease throughout your stay.
There is space for both solitude and connection, with the gentle rhythm of the retreat encouraging authentic conversations, shared experiences and new friendships.
Cosy nooks for reading and writing are thoughtfully placed among the trees, beside the ponds, overlooking the meadows and in peaceful indoor spaces.
You will leave feeling rested, rebalanced and deeply connected to nature, with renewed clarity and a flow of fresh creative ideas.
Our upcoming retreats
All overnight retreats are fully catered. See each retreat page for details of accommodation and what’s included.
Reading Retreat · 28-31 August 2026
Three spacious days for readers craving time, quiet and deep reading - with spring-fed ponds, sauna, firelight, and a celebratory supper with a visiting author.
Includes an optional full-moon swim on Friday evening.
A reading retreat hosted by Amanda Miles + guest author
From £645pp · 3 nights · all meals included
Poetry - led Writing Retreat in rural Somerset · 2–5 October 2026
An immersive retreat for writers who want to deepen the sense of place in their work.
Led by award winning poet JLM Morton this three-night retreat uses poetry, observation, field notes, sensory prompts and creative mapping to help you write with greater texture, presence and atmosphere.
With Oakhill Ponds as our starting point, the process can lead us anywhere — to landscapes, buildings, childhood places, imagined worlds or inner terrain.
For poets, prose writers, nature writers, memoirists and reflective writers at any stage.
From £675pp · 3 nights · all meals included
