Tickets now on sale for the 2026 Bournemouth Writing Festival! Masterclasses, agent 121s, talks, walks and much, much more!
See the programme here
Write without the distractions of home in our nurturing writing retreat
Two days of writing, workshops, writing experts on tap and activities, all designed to improve the quality of your writing and get your word count up.
The Bournemouth Writing Sanctuary is perfect for everyone currently writing a novel or creative non-fiction/memoir. Whether you're just starting out, in the middle or nearing the end of your manuscript, this two-day writing escape offers a dedicated space to write with intention, get expert guidance from industry professionals, and connect with fellow writers.
PLUS! Book in a 15-minute 1-2-1 writing surgery with our writing experts or come for the day.
13th and 14th June 2026
Choose to come on one day or both days, with workshops or just to write surrounded by other writers - the choice is yours!
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£169 per day (includes workshops).
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Come for both days and get dinner included. Maximum 10 per day.
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£65 per day (excludes workshops).
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Only want to write? Come along to focus on your writing.
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Both tickets above include lunch and snacks/drinks and run from 9am to 5pm. Book both Saturday and Sunday and we'll include dinner on the Saturday night where we will eat together and chat about writing!
Need help on a specific issue of your writing? Then book in a 1-2-1 writing surgery with our writing experts. Send in 500 words and your query in advance for maximum benefit.
There are NO booking fees with any of our tickets.
Accommodation is not included but we can help you find somewhere within your budget.
Workshops
You can join us for the day with or without attending a workshop led by a top writing professional.
Our workshops are small and intimate with only ten per session to make sure you get the most out of them.
How to Tell Your Stories (Without Losing the Plot)
Maz Evans - Saturday 13th June
Do your plots end up in a tangle?
Stories are an art – but plotting is a science. Don’t miss Maz Evan’s fun and interactive workshop in which she demystifies the process. Come along on Saturday 13 June to learn invaluable plotting tools, plus tricks of the trade to help your story flow.
Unlocking the power of backstories
Francesco Sarti - Sunday 14th June
This immersive workshop reveals how unforgettable stories are built from the inside out, showing you how a character’s backstory can electrify or sabotage a narrative.
Through vivid examples spanning from Madame Bovary to The Boys, you’ll learn to harness thematic resonance, avoid common pitfalls, and unlock the emotional power that makes readers lean in. With many thought‑provoking exercises, you’ll leave with sharper instincts, deeper insight, and a toolkit to use immediately in your own writing.
Writing Professionals
Experts to help you with your words
1-2-1 Writing Surgeries
If you are stuck on a particularly area of your writing - whether that's a technical aspect or need guidance on where to go next - then book in a private 1-2-1 with our writing professionals who will give you expert advice from their experience.
You do not need a ticket to the sanctuary to book in a 1-2-1 session. Each 15-minute session costs £30 and you can send in 500 words of your writing and your query in advance for the experts to prepare. Send to info@bournemouthwritingfestival.co.uk before 31st May 2026. If you send after this date, there might be enough time to read in advance.
There are no booking fees on any of our tickets.
Photos from our previous Writing Sanctuaries
Location
Our sanctuary will be at the Cottonwood Hotel, with stunning sea views, a sun terrace and a private garden.
Originally built in the 19th Century, the Cottonwood Hotel is a characterful building that still carries echoes of its former glory, with creaking floors and old-fashioned details creating a relaxed, unpretentious space that’s ideal for thinking, writing and slowing down. It is accessed by Grove Road.
Please note the Cottonwood Hotel is NOT accessible. There are stairs leading to the entrance and stairs to the toilets.
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Driving: There is free parking for all sanctuary writers.
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Bournemouth train station is less than a mile away.
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The number 33 bus stops outside the hotel.
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Bournemouth Town Centre is less than a mile away.
Bournemouth has an abundance of accommodation, with lots of hotels, guest houses and AirBnBs to choose from to suit all ranges of budgets. Contact us if you'd like recommendations or help finding the right place to stay (free service).