FAQ
Frequently Asked
Questions
The Essentials
Booking & Payment
Browse our upcoming retreats, choose the one that speaks to you, and click "Book Now." You'll need to create an account (or sign in), select your preferred room type, and complete your booking with payment. You'll receive a confirmation email with all the details.
We accept all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) through our secure Stripe payment gateway. All transactions are encrypted and PCI-compliant.
Full payment is taken at the time of booking to secure your place. As our retreats have limited availability, this ensures your spot is guaranteed. Please review our cancellation policy for details on refunds.
Absolutely! We love hosting book clubs, friends, and families. Each person will need their own booking and account, but please get in touch if you'd like to coordinate a group visit — we can help arrange adjacent rooms and ensure you're seated together at meals.
What to Expect
The Retreat Experience
Each retreat includes accommodation, all meals and refreshments, the full literary programme (author talks, reading sessions, workshops), and any scheduled activities. Travel to and from the venue is not included. Check individual retreat pages for specific inclusions.
Mornings typically begin with breakfast and quiet reading time, followed by a literary session or workshop. Afternoons offer a mix of structured activities and free time to explore the grounds, read by the fire, or join optional excursions. Evenings feature dinner, author talks, or group discussions. Every schedule is flexible — you're welcome to participate as much or as little as you like.
Not at all! Our retreats welcome everyone — from casual readers to published authors. The only requirement is a love of books and a desire to immerse yourself in a beautiful setting. Each retreat page notes any specific focus, so you can choose the experience that suits you best.
Bring comfortable clothing suitable for the Scottish climate (layers are key!), walking shoes if you'd like to explore the grounds, and of course your current read. We'll send a detailed packing list and any pre-reading suggestions once your booking is confirmed.
Practical Details
Accommodation & Travel
Room types vary by venue and may include standard rooms, superior rooms, and premium suites. Each castle has its own unique character — some offer four-poster beds, turret rooms, or loch views. Full room details and photos are available on each retreat's booking page.
Absolutely. Our chefs are experienced in catering for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs. Please let us know your requirements when booking, and we'll ensure every meal is a delight. We're also happy to discuss any allergies or specific needs in advance.
Travel details are provided after booking, including directions by car and public transport. Many of our venues are accessible from Edinburgh or Glasgow, and we can suggest train connections and local taxi services. For some retreats, we arrange shared transfers from the nearest station.
As our retreats are held in historic castles, accessibility varies by venue. Some offer ground-floor rooms and step-free access to communal areas, while others may have limitations. Please contact us before booking if you have specific accessibility needs, and we'll do our best to accommodate you.
Good to Know
Cancellation & Changes
Cancellations made more than 30 days before the retreat start date are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations between 14 and 30 days receive a 50% refund. Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds for cancellations made less than 14 days before the retreat. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance.
If you'd like to switch to a different retreat, please contact us as soon as possible. Subject to availability, we're happy to transfer your booking to another date. Date changes made within 14 days of your original retreat may incur an administrative fee.
In the rare event that we need to cancel a retreat, you'll receive a full refund and the option to transfer to any upcoming retreat at no extra cost. We'll notify you as soon as possible and help you find an alternative that works for you.
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help. Get in touch and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.