Is This The Perfect Retreat For Book Lovers?

Avid reader? Us too. When we want to escape the world for a little while, we turn to a good book. But what if you wanted to escape for a little while longer? Introducing a first-of-its-kind Book Retreat coming to famed literary Wales town Hay-on-Wye next month, hosted by a riverside eco glamping resort. Here’s what to know, plus how to secure your spot.

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By The Wye’s Book Retreat

If you’re looking for some time and space to nestle down with a good book, this is the perfect retreat for you. And where better for bibliophiles to retreat to than the UK’s book capital, Hay-on-Wye? Home to more than 20 independent bookshops, the world famous Hay Festival, and plenty more, it’s the perfect place to stay for some readerly escapism.

On this retreat, though, guests will really delve beneath the skin of the town with exclusive bookshop events, workshops and local tours. Highlights on the itinerary include breakfast in a bookshop, movie night with tapas and cocktails at a bookshop with its own cinema, and a bookshop tour of the town led by local author Jack Strange. Dotted amongst it all are plenty of opportunities for reading and self-guided exploring, too.

‘Reading retreats at By the Wye are a little bit different,’ says By the Wye founder Edith. ‘Think grown-up summer camp meets book club, with fun events, published authors, workshops, bookshop tours and most importantly time for attacking the to-be-read pile – and shopping for even more books in Hay’s 20 plus independent bookshops.’

Where Do You Stay?

Introducing By the Wye, an award-winning luxury glamping site, and the masterminds behind this retreat. Guests will stay in one of their pods nestled in woodland and featuring beautifully rustic four poster beds, stylish sitting and dining areas, fully equipped kitchens, en-suite bathrooms and wood-burning stoves. Outside, find a private covered veranda with idyllic views of the River Wye, complete with a fire pit.

For the full retreat experience, By the Wye is totally off-grid, designed to run with solar energy and generators – though there’s great phone signal and 5G when you need it. Because this is a nature reserve (and home to some special untouched Sites of Special Scientific Interest), expect encounters with woodland creatures, too – just like something out of a storybook.

Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay on Wye

When Is It?

The first Book Retreat will take place from 4–6 September 2024. The next retreat is scheduled for 23–25 October 2024 with a special Halloween theme, and a further Retreat in February 2025 will be announced soon.

BOOK IT

The Book Retreat is priced at £495pp based on two people sharing a safari tent, including exclusive bookshop events, workshops, local tours, and all meals, snacks and refreshments. There are options for groups, too, with some tents sleeping up to five.

To secure your spot, email [email protected] and learn more about By the Wye at weekendcandy.com