Orange Beak Children’s Book Retreat 2025
We’re delighted to be running a children’s book retreat in 2025! It’s going to be an inspirational, creative, fun, informative week.
In this post you’ll find all the details you need ahead of booking your place.
WHEN?
The retreat will begin on the evening of Friday 26th September and finish on the morning of Friday 3rd October 2025. We’ll be there to welcome everyone, and enjoy a first evening meal together on the opening night.
WHERE?
Our 2025 retreat is based in the historic market town of Leyburn in North Yorkshire, UK. Leyburn sits above the bank of the River Ure in Wensleydale and is the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
The accommodation you’ll be staying in is a spacious, warm, inviting and contemporary environment. From the cosy living room, with log burner and comfy sofas, to the beautiful bedrooms, and bar - there is so much to be enjoyed about this space.
All bedrooms are ensuite, there are a mix of twin rooms (double occupancy) and double rooms (single occupancy.) There is excellent wi-fi throughout and the accommodation is easily accessed with a carpark on site.
The Orange Beak team will be staying onsite throughout the week in separate lodges.
WHO IS THE RETREAT FOR?
We welcome anyone who is passionate about immersing themselves in a week long creative retreat. The retreat will focus on children’s books and our team has expertise in board books through to children’s fiction. You could be a professional illustrator wanting space and time to think about a new project, or a creative who has just started their practice or a children’s book enthusiast keen to give it a go.
Previous retreats have included professional illustrators, students, authors, printmakers, animators and more.
All of the content provided is aimed at a wide range of participants of all levels. We offer one-to-one tutorials (illustration and this year, writing) and the team will be available for questions throughout the week which provides the opportunity for you to really tailor your retreat to your own personal needs.
WHO ARE THE TUTORS FOR THE WEEK?
During the week your tutors will be:
Co-founders of Orange Beak, Ness Wood and Maisie Paradise Shearring
Orange Beak Associate Tutor and Creative Partner, Katie Harnett
Orange Beak Associate Tutor for writing and story, Ramona Reihill
A guest speaker will be announced.
WHAT WILL THE WEEK INCLUDE?
The retreat will include a range of different activities - from one-to-one illustration and writing tutorials, a workshop, talks, a day out, and of course, a walk in the North Yorkshire countryside.
The week is the perfect opportunity to focus on your own work, surrounded by like minded creative people. You will have the chance to learn and be inspired by each other under the guidance of your professional tutors for the week. Alongside the tutoring organised by Orange Beak, you will have dedicated time to work on your own projects.
Once your place is confirmed you will receive all the key timings and information you need for the week.
WHATS INCLUDED IN THE COST?
Welcome drinks
Accommodation in a beautiful, spacious, newly refurbished house (7 nights)
Professionally prepared fresh, nourishing vegetarian food, served on site - breakfast, lunch and dinner (all dietary requirements catered for)
Guidance from the team of professional children’s book tutors and all tutorials, workshop and activities
A guided walk in the North Yorkshire countryside
Optional day out in Richmond
COST?
Double Ensuite Room (single occupancy) £1850. There are 4 places available.
Twin Ensuite Room (double occupancy) £1650. There are 8 places available.
HOW DO I BOOK?
Bookings will open on 20th February 2025, 11am UK time. The links to book your place will be added to our Eventbrite and to our Events page on this date and time.
Rooms will be made available to book via Eventbrite with a non refundable deposit (£250) to secure your place.
Please carefully book for the type of room you want, as there are two options.
The remaining payments for your place will be via BACS and payment plans are available.
The remainder of the balance is due by 1st July 2025.
We look forward to seeing you on the retreat!
Terms and Conditions
All fees must be paid by 1st July 2025.
Your deposit is non-refundable.
Should you need to cancel, you will be eligible for a full refund (excluding deposit) only if we are able fill your place.
In the event of Orange Beak illness or emergency, we may be required to make alterations to the schedule or team and you will be notified of any changes.
In the event of an unexpected and disruptive event beyond our control, such as floods, hurricanes, riots, strikes, war, where we may be forced to cancel the retreat, we will then offer an alternative date or full refund, if this happens before your stay. If anything occurs during your stay, you will not be entitled to a refund.
We advise you to take out Holiday Cancellation Insurance.