We’re delighted to be running our children’s book retreat again in 2027 and are excited to share all the details of our new venue with you.
It’s an inspirational, creative, fun and informative week.
In this post you’ll find all the information you need ahead of booking your place.
“The retreat has been a wonderful balance of inspiration, education, rest, and productivity (plus fun!).” Retreat 2025 participant
“A wonderful, inspiring week. Gave me confidence, insight and inspiration. Better than any online courses.” Retreat 2026 participant
WHEN?
The retreat will begin on the evening of Friday 2nd July 2027 and finish on the morning of Friday 9th July 2027. The tutors will be there to welcome everyone, and we will all enjoy our first evening meal together on the opening night.
WHERE?
Our 2027 retreat is at a beautifully restored 19th-century farmhouse near Richmond, North Yorkshire. Hidden away in a secluded glacial bowl in the Yorkshire Dales, surrounded by miles of open countryside, it’s a magical setting. Alongside the luxury farmhouse accommodation, the space includes a separate studio to work in, plus a sauna, hot tub and secluded wild swimming - it is absolutely amazing!
The accommodation you’ll be staying in is a spacious, warm, inviting and contemporary environment. The space combines the character of a traditional Yorkshire farmhouse with beautiful stylish country house interiors and all the comforts of a luxury retreat.
As well as your bedroom, the farmhouse includes two dining areas, two sitting rooms and a sun room. There are lots of places inside and out to read, draw and relax. From the cosy sitting rooms, to the beautiful bedrooms, and views across the countryside - there is so much to be enjoyed about the setting.
Most of the bedrooms are twin rooms (double occupancy) and there are two double rooms (single occupancy.) The majority are ensuite. Each is stylishly decorated with their own unique design aesthetic. There are different price tiers for the rooms, see all the details below.
Outside the main farmhouse there is a huge outdoor seating area, fire pit, sauna and hot tub.
Within the grounds there is a separate studio building for creative work during the week. This will be a real creative hub for the week, where you can spend time focusing on your illustration and writing, share work with others, experiment with the Orange Beak art materials and read from the vast library supplied. We’ll also use the studio for our tutor led workshops.
There is excellent wi-fi throughout and the accommodation is easily accessed with a carpark on site. The carpark has an electric charger.
The Orange Beak team will be staying at the accommodation throughout the week in the Cart House building.
“I can’t really put into words how much this time has meant to me. I feel a tremendous amount of growth and a sense of having a very clear path to getting my picture book ideas out into the world.” Retreat 2026 participant
“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” Retreat 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, authors, students, printmakers, lecturers, animators and more.
All of the content provided is aimed at a wide range of participants of all levels. During the week we offer one-to-one tutorials (illustration and writing) and the team will be available for questions throughout. This provides the opportunity for you to really tailor your retreat to your own personal needs and goals.
“The tutors all made the sessions feel very relaxed and individualised. Outside of the actual tutorials they also always offered feedback which was amazing.” Retreat 2026 participant
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
“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.” Retreat 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.” Retreat 2025 participant
“Books everywhere. The feedback/direction. The entire week has been super full and I felt free to work on whatever was most inspiring. The walk day was amazing. Connection with like minded people is always a highlight.” Retreat 2026 participant
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE COST?
Welcome drinks
Luxury accommodation in a beautiful, spacious farmhouse (7 nights)
Separate creative studio space
Access to hot tub, sauna, fire pit, secluded wild swimming
Professionally prepared fresh, nourishing vegetarian food by private chefs. 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
3 one-to-one tutorials - both illustration and picture book story tutorials are offered during the week
All workshops and talks
Use of Orange Beak art materials and a wide selection of children’s books are available all week
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.” Retreat 2025 participant
COSTS
x 1 Large Double room with ensuite including bath (single occupancy) £2180
x 1 Double room with ensuite (single occupancy) £1980
x 5 Twin room with ensuite (shared occupancy) £1780
x 1 Twin Room not ensuite, but with bathroom next door (shared occupancy) £1680
HOW DO I BOOK?
Bookings will open on 10th November 2026, 11am UK time. We will add the links to book your place to Eventbrite and our website Events page on this date and time.
Rooms will be made available to book via Eventbrite with a non refundable deposit (£300 plus Eventbrite fee) to secure your place.
Please choose your room type carefully, as there are four options.
You can pay the remaining balance by BACS, either in full or on a payment plan; details will be sent once we receive your deposit.
The remaining balance is due by 5th April 2027.
Here are some previous photos, we hope you can join us for our 2027 retreat.
Terms and Conditions
All fees must be paid by 5th April 2027.
Your deposit (plus Eventbrite fee) is non-refundable.
Shared rooms are only available for 2 people of the same sex sharing.
Should you need to cancel, you will be eligible for a full refund (excluding deposit) only if we are able to 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.
Accessibility Information
Telfit does not have full disabled access throughout. Please contact Orange Beak directly to discuss any questions about mobility or access.
“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!” Retreat 2025 participant
“I really enjoyed my week. It was a great mix of learning and moving my own projects forward and also meeting creative and inspiring women. Thank you for everything. I am so happy to have come and spent such an amazing week.” Retreat 2026 participant
Photos of tutors and 2025 retreat by Beth Lynton-Jenkins