Willowbank Retreats

Welcome to Willowbank Retreats

We offer a welcoming, creatively nourishing environment where women can rest, write, and reconnect with themselves and their creative work, surrounded by nature, quiet and gentle rhythms. 

For women writers, aspiring or professional, avid readers and book lovers. Women who sketch or watercolour and those who would like to. Women recovering from burnout and transitions or simply seeking time out.

We hope you will leave for home feeling settled. Not in a fixed or finished way, but in a grounded, gently held way. You might have baked bread. Made marmalade. You might have written and sketched. A bit of Willowbank will follow you home.

There are retreats, and then there are sacred pauses.

Willowbank is a special place that runs at a gentle pace - less like a getaway, more like a returning. 

Time slows down at Willowbank. The hum of everyday life fades into the background, replaced by the soft rhythm of pages turning, keys tapping, the occasional kettle boiling in the kitchen, whispering stories of the past. 

Come to write. To read and sketch. To wander barefoot across the rolling lawn  down to the river. To sit beneath the apple tree in the dappled light and in the warm stillness of the orangery , where passionfruit vines curl lazily up the sun-warmed walls. 

The house itself holds a magic, old world charm, threaded through with rustic simplicity. Nothing looks precious yet everything feels treasured, from the mismatched tea cups, to the timeworn timber floors there is a deep welcome in every detail waiting for you.

*Now booking*
A gentle September pause
Thursday 25 to Sunday 28 September 2025

Join us as the seasons change for 3 days of space to write, read, sketch...and breathe.

  • Arrival from 3pm on Thursday 25 September
  • Welcome and gentle opening circle
  • Slow daily breakfasts
  • Self-guided writing, sketching or reading time
  • Light lunches
  • Group walks and forest therapy
  • Baking or preserve making
  • Tea, coffee and homemade cakes
  • Creative workshops
  • Simple, nourishing communal suppers
  • Evening sharings and group discussion
  • Departure at 3pm on Sunday 28 September

A Gentle Pause 3 night stay includes all meals and drinks (alcohol and non-acoholic options), guided activities with art and craft materials, a goodie bag to take home. Beds are made with fresh white linen, white fluffy towels and organic toiletries are provided.

From £550 per person (dependent on room) 

Enquire now

Reviews of Willowbank

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The first time I set foot in Willowbank, I knew I had found somewhere special. It has a laid back charm which instantly made me feel at ease. Helen invites you to think of Willowbank as your home, there are no pretensions - it all feels comfortable and easy. It is a wonderful place to write, surrounded by like-spirited new friends. There is space to work alone or alongside others - with delicious food served in a relaxed way. The garden is restful and beautiful and the walks at Titchfield Haven were perfect when I needed to take a break from writing.

Willowbank is a truly enchanting grand home that offers a perfect blend of history, charm, comfort and adventure. Every corner of the house tells a story, brimming with character and history. The interiors are adorned with beautiful artworks and a variety of musical instruments, creating an ambiance that feels both cultured and welcoming. The true heart of this home, however, is Helen, the exceptional host. Her warmth, attentiveness and thoughtfulness made our stay unforgettable. Helen is not only a brilliant host but also a talented cook with an impressive background running cafes in London. She prepared an array of delicious meals for our group, showcasing her creativity and skill. From hearty soups and creamy risottos to divine desserts and her signature herbal roasted nuts, every dish was a treat. The rooms are spacious with incredibly comfortable beds—I struggle to sleep in new places but I slept so well in years. The house strikes the perfect balance between grand and homely, making you feel instantly at ease. Whether you're looking for an escape to relax or an immersive experience surrounded by history, Willowbank offers it all. I cannot recommend this place enough. For anyone seeking a rejuvenating getaway with impeccable hospitality, Willowbank and Helen deliver an experience that’s nothing short of magical.

Just got back from my second writing retreat at Willowbank, where some small miracle happened and I wrote again for the first time in a year or more. Possibly it was the house itself with its gentle and faded grandeur - something beautiful or intriguing to catch the imagination whichever way you turn. Possibly it was the garden where I sat under a cherry tree to write. Or the fact, when lost for a word or an idea, I could stroll across the lawn, taking in the scent of lavender and the hum of bees as I wondered down to the little stream at the bottom of the garden. Perhaps it was the other writers - Willowbank seems to attract an interesting bunch of people and the conversations around the dining table will keep me thinking for the next days and weeks. Not just the conversations - the support, understanding and morale. Or maybe it was Helen herself, keeping us well stocked with lovely, nurturing food and hospitality, and sprinkling her magic dust over everything. Thank you Helen and thank you Willowbank for a transformative few days.

I just wanted to thank you for such a lovely long weekend. The time spent with like minded individuals was invaluable. The individual spaces around the house and gardens to think and write were just what I needed. I really enjoyed wandering around the beautiful grounds looking at all the plants too. The house, gardens and dogs are all a complete joy and add to the feeling of total relaxation. I came away feeling restored and enthused.

The first time I set foot in Willowbank, I knew I had found somewhere special. It has a laid back charm which instantly made me feel at ease. Helen invites you to think of Willowbank as your home, there are no pretensions - it all feels comfortable and easy. It is a wonderful place to write, surrounded by like-spirited new friends. There is space to work alone or alongside others - with delicious food served in a relaxed way. The garden is restful and beautiful and the walks at Titchfield Haven were perfect when I needed to take a break from writing.

Willowbank is a truly enchanting grand home that offers a perfect blend of history, charm, comfort and adventure. Every corner of the house tells a story, brimming with character and history. The interiors are adorned with beautiful artworks and a variety of musical instruments, creating an ambiance that feels both cultured and welcoming. The true heart of this home, however, is Helen, the exceptional host. Her warmth, attentiveness and thoughtfulness made our stay unforgettable. Helen is not only a brilliant host but also a talented cook with an impressive background running cafes in London. She prepared an array of delicious meals for our group, showcasing her creativity and skill. From hearty soups and creamy risottos to divine desserts and her signature herbal roasted nuts, every dish was a treat. The rooms are spacious with incredibly comfortable beds—I struggle to sleep in new places but I slept so well in years. The house strikes the perfect balance between grand and homely, making you feel instantly at ease. Whether you're looking for an escape to relax or an immersive experience surrounded by history, Willowbank offers it all. I cannot recommend this place enough. For anyone seeking a rejuvenating getaway with impeccable hospitality, Willowbank and Helen deliver an experience that’s nothing short of magical.

Just got back from my second writing retreat at Willowbank, where some small miracle happened and I wrote again for the first time in a year or more. Possibly it was the house itself with its gentle and faded grandeur - something beautiful or intriguing to catch the imagination whichever way you turn. Possibly it was the garden where I sat under a cherry tree to write. Or the fact, when lost for a word or an idea, I could stroll across the lawn, taking in the scent of lavender and the hum of bees as I wondered down to the little stream at the bottom of the garden. Perhaps it was the other writers - Willowbank seems to attract an interesting bunch of people and the conversations around the dining table will keep me thinking for the next days and weeks. Not just the conversations - the support, understanding and morale. Or maybe it was Helen herself, keeping us well stocked with lovely, nurturing food and hospitality, and sprinkling her magic dust over everything. Thank you Helen and thank you Willowbank for a transformative few days.

I just wanted to thank you for such a lovely long weekend. The time spent with like minded individuals was invaluable. The individual spaces around the house and gardens to think and write were just what I needed. I really enjoyed wandering around the beautiful grounds looking at all the plants too. The house, gardens and dogs are all a complete joy and add to the feeling of total relaxation. I came away feeling restored and enthused.

The first time I set foot in Willowbank, I knew I had found somewhere special. It has a laid back charm which instantly made me feel at ease. Helen invites you to think of Willowbank as your home, there are no pretensions - it all feels comfortable and easy. It is a wonderful place to write, surrounded by like-spirited new friends. There is space to work alone or alongside others - with delicious food served in a relaxed way. The garden is restful and beautiful and the walks at Titchfield Haven were perfect when I needed to take a break from writing.

Willowbank is a truly enchanting grand home that offers a perfect blend of history, charm, comfort and adventure. Every corner of the house tells a story, brimming with character and history. The interiors are adorned with beautiful artworks and a variety of musical instruments, creating an ambiance that feels both cultured and welcoming. The true heart of this home, however, is Helen, the exceptional host. Her warmth, attentiveness and thoughtfulness made our stay unforgettable. Helen is not only a brilliant host but also a talented cook with an impressive background running cafes in London. She prepared an array of delicious meals for our group, showcasing her creativity and skill. From hearty soups and creamy risottos to divine desserts and her signature herbal roasted nuts, every dish was a treat. The rooms are spacious with incredibly comfortable beds—I struggle to sleep in new places but I slept so well in years. The house strikes the perfect balance between grand and homely, making you feel instantly at ease. Whether you're looking for an escape to relax or an immersive experience surrounded by history, Willowbank offers it all. I cannot recommend this place enough. For anyone seeking a rejuvenating getaway with impeccable hospitality, Willowbank and Helen deliver an experience that’s nothing short of magical.

Just got back from my second writing retreat at Willowbank, where some small miracle happened and I wrote again for the first time in a year or more. Possibly it was the house itself with its gentle and faded grandeur - something beautiful or intriguing to catch the imagination whichever way you turn. Possibly it was the garden where I sat under a cherry tree to write. Or the fact, when lost for a word or an idea, I could stroll across the lawn, taking in the scent of lavender and the hum of bees as I wondered down to the little stream at the bottom of the garden. Perhaps it was the other writers - Willowbank seems to attract an interesting bunch of people and the conversations around the dining table will keep me thinking for the next days and weeks. Not just the conversations - the support, understanding and morale. Or maybe it was Helen herself, keeping us well stocked with lovely, nurturing food and hospitality, and sprinkling her magic dust over everything. Thank you Helen and thank you Willowbank for a transformative few days.

I just wanted to thank you for such a lovely long weekend. The time spent with like minded individuals was invaluable. The individual spaces around the house and gardens to think and write were just what I needed. I really enjoyed wandering around the beautiful grounds looking at all the plants too. The house, gardens and dogs are all a complete joy and add to the feeling of total relaxation. I came away feeling restored and enthused.