Orange Beak Children’s Book Retreat 2026
We’re delighted to be running our children’s book retreat again in 2026!
It’s an inspirational, creative, fun and informative week.
In this post you’ll find all the details you need ahead of booking your place.
“The retreat has been a wonderful balance of inspiration, education, rest, and productivity (plus fun!).” 2025 participant
WHEN?
The retreat will begin on the evening of Friday 19th June 2026 and finish on the morning of Friday 26th June 2026. The tutors will be there to welcome everyone, and we’ll all enjoy our first evening meal together on the opening night.
WHERE?
Our 2026 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 at the accommodation throughout the week in separate lodges.
“Absolutely perfect! Cosy, easy to relax, comfy (best sleeps ever!), nice and close to town & lovely walks with stunning views.” 2025 participant
“It’s very good value for money. Very comfortable and clean. Nice location (beautiful actually), spacious room, lovely downstairs rooms . . . worth every penny.” 2025 participant
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 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
“You are all so encouraging, knowledgeable and lovely. I was so pleased that I invested in myself, to spend a week immersed in all things picture books” 2025 participant
“I want to compliment all the tutors for the amazing work you did throughout the week. Everything went so smoothly, we were taken such good care of and you were very approachable. Thanks so much for all your hard work. You’ve given me the confidence that I was hoping to find.” 2025 participant
WHAT WILL THE WEEK INCLUDE?
The retreat will include a range of different activities - from one-to-one illustration and writing tutorials, workshops, talks, 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.
“You all went above & beyond. Plenty of opportunity to ask any questions. I really appreciated the one-to-one time as well. Loved the workshops, it was the perfect balance of information vs being challenged.” 2025 participant
WHATS INCLUDED IN THE COST?
Welcome drinks
Luxury accommodation in a beautiful, spacious, newly refurbished house (7 nights)
Professionally prepared fresh, nourishing vegetarian food by a Private Chef. All served on site - daily breakfast, lunch and dinner (all dietary requirements catered for)
Tea and coffee included throughout your stay
Guidance and support from the team of professional children’s book tutors
One-to-one tutorials - illustration and picture book story tutorials are offered during the week
All workshops, talks and briefs
Optional access to a private whatsapp group with your tutees and other retreat participants before the retreat
A guided walk in the North Yorkshire countryside
A post retreat online meet up
“The retreat was 100% value for money for the location and amenities (food and quality of accommodation) alone - adding in the tutorage, it is excellent value.” 2025 participant
COST?
Double Ensuite Room (single occupancy) £1980. There are 4 places available.
Twin Ensuite Room (shared occupancy) £1770. There are 8 places available.
HOW DO I BOOK?
Bookings will open on 11th December 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 (£300) 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 2nd April 2026.
We look forward to seeing you on the retreat!
Terms and Conditions
All fees must be paid by 2nd April 2026.
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.
“It was so nice to have dedicated time to work on personal projects with plenty of feedback, as well as dedicated time to build new skills and knowledge - what an absolute treat!” 2025 participant
Photos of tutors and 2025 retreat by Beth Lynton-Jenkins