Frequently asked questions
How many people are on each retreat?
There is a maximum of 8-10 guests on our retreats. Come alone or with a friend, we want you to consider Willowbank as your creative, restful home.
Do I already need to be a writer or artist?
No - Willowbank is for women who may already be writing, or sketching or who would simply like to try. While we don't provide tutorials, we are happy to provide prompts and materials to help get you started.
What food is typically served? Do you cater for different diets?
All of our food is home made by Helen, an experienced cook and cafe owner. Breakfast may be porridge, soft boiled eggs, sourdough and fresh compotes. Lunch, a fresh garden vegetable soup with focaccia. Supper, a simple risotto with herb salad, followed by a home made pudding. Afternoon cakes are also served to support your creativity!
We can cater for all dietary requirements if we know in advance.
What should I bring for my stay at Willowbank Retreats?
Bring anything that will make your stay more comfortable. We suggest comfortable clothing, personal toiletries, slippers, outdoor walking shoes or trainers, and a jacket for cold or wetter weather. We provide organic toiletries (shower gel, shampoo and conditioner). Bring your own notebooks or a laptop if that's how you prefer to write. We will provide materials for sketching and other creative activity but if you have materials you prefer to work with, you are welcome to bring these.