All Day Poetry Retreat

Walk with an award-winning poet through the layers of history that overlie this ancient hall and its estate and create your own poem under the guidance of Jean Atkin.

Your day of exclusive access to Acton Scott Hall in a small group will start with coffee, treats and a brief history of the house and grounds with owners Francis and Alison Acton. Published poet Jean Atkin will then lead you on a ramble-with-words through the picturesque-style private gardens of Acton Scott Hall along old paths into woodland and the magical secret garden. The walk will include parts of the beautiful 18th century farmstead made famous by the TV series Victorian Farm.

This is a rare opportunity for a small group of like-minded people to explore the characterful Elizabethan estate that is home to the Acton family. The walk is around a mile on paths and woodland tracks. Please wear stout shoes and bring waterproofs. 

After lunch prepared and served by the Acton Family in the Georgian Conservatory, Jean will provide further inspiration and writing prompts inside the house to enable participants to find their own words for this extraordinary place. Jean is a very experienced workshop leader and participants at all levels are welcome. 

The afternoon will conclude with tea and home-made cake, and a chance for us to share poems created during the day.

If you are coming from some distance or you want to immerse yourself fully in the historic house experience, you might want to arrange to stay the night in one of Acton Scott Hall’s beautiful bedrooms, with delicious breakfast served in the morning. Contact Acton Scott Hall directly by email to book: [email protected]

Jean is available to answer any questions about the poetry content of the day at: www.jeanatkin.com