Attend a Reading Retreat in the UK with Boutique Book Breaks
Ad - This post was written in paid partnership with Boutique Book Breaks, however, all opinions are my own)
It’s every book lovers dream - a cosy getaway with bookish friends, spent reading, relaxing and eating good food. That’s exactly what Boutique Book Breaks offer, and their very first retreat is located in Shakespeare’s hometown, Stratford-Upon-Avon.
Founder Emma Donaldson started the company after returning to reading following a postpartum reading slump:
“I was struggling to enjoy anything, not even music or podcasts. I was recommend A Court of Thorns and Roses (which is very marmite for people) but it was able to help me escape my own mind and really enjoy storytelling again.
I gobbled it up, along with a few more Romatasy books, and it was just the silly, joy inducing salve for my anxious mind. It was a gateway to get back into me-time and losing myself in any story or book. It kick-started me into reading enjoyment again.”
Emma designed the reading retreats to allow what she craved after having her baby: time to cosy up, be taken care of and enjoy reading her book. These luxury retreats are one of a kind and provide an experience that hasn’t previously been available in the UK, providing a high end weekend including fabulous food, a pilates instructor and a swimming pool!
About the Retreat
The very first Boutique Book Break is taking place between the 21-23 February 2025 in the incredible Ettington Park Hotel, which is located just outside of Stratford-Upon-Avon. This four star gothic mansion dates back hundreds of years, and is set in 40 lush acres by the River Stour.
Inside you’ll find modern furnishings that complement the building’s heritage and retain classical features including stained glass windows, wooden panelling and high ceilings. With many rooms to explore, the Ettington Park Hotel makes the ideal February retreat with cosy fireplaces to warm up the short days.
Everyone is welcome at the retreat, whether that’s alone or with friends, and booking options include both solo and shared rooms depending on your preference.
Pricing
Rooms at the retreat start at £650/pp for Shared Rooms and £850 for the Classic Individual Room.
This two night stay includes the following:
All meals, snacks & non-alcohol drinks
Welcome afternoon tea on Friday
Box & seated lunch options
3 course dinner
Sunday Roast send off
Tea/Coffee & Biscuits/Fruit available all day
Wine Tasting
Activities and goodies
Morning Pilates + country walks
Access to the hotel pool + spa
Gift bag on arrival
Guest Speaker
Guided Book Talks with the group - 1 hour each day
Book Fair
Pictured above are the swimming pool and one of the Classic Double Rooms at the Ettington Park Hotel
You can secure your room with a £300 deposit, and the remaining balance will be payable each month leading up to the retreat.
Can’t make it this time? Emma is planning to host future retreats later in 2025, with some warmer weather options available too. To be notified of all future events you can sign up to the mailing list on their website here.
I’m so excited to be working with Boutique Book Breaks to share this incredible experience with you. When booking your space, make sure that you use my discount code JULIA10 for 10 percent off.
More Blog Posts
All About Gladstone’s Library in Wales