Wainford Mill Poetry Retreat with Luke Wright
A welcoming, fully catered poetry retreat with Luke Wright, offering time to write, room to unwind and expert guidance beside the River Waveney.
19–23 April 2027 · Norfolk–Suffolk border ·
Four nights by the river, three days devoted to poetry, and time to give your writing the attention it deserves.
Join poet Luke Wright at Wainford Mill House for a small, welcoming retreat in the Norfolk–Suffolk countryside. Whether you’re beginning to write poetry or returning to a longstanding love, this is a chance to find fresh ideas, develop your craft and enjoy the company of other writers.
With just six participants, there’ll be plenty of space for conversation, individual attention and quiet work.
Time for your poetry
Luke will lead a three-hour workshop each morning, with afternoons left free for your own writing. You’ll also have two private, 20-minute sessions with him during the retreat: time to talk through your poems, ask questions and think about where to take your work next.
Luke brings more than 25 years’ experience of writing and performing poetry. A regular on BBC Radio 4, he has toured with John Cooper Clarke and won a Fringe First, a Stage Award and the Saboteur Spoken Word Artist of the Year award.
On Monday evening, Luke will read from his work and answer questions. Tuesday brings a reading and conversation with a guest poet. Wednesday is yours to enjoy, with the option of a walk to the Green Dragon—Luke’s favourite pub, which brews its own beer. On Thursday, we’ll gather to share something we’ve written during the week.
A gorgeous home by the river
Wainford Mill House sits on the River Waveney, with spacious bedrooms and a private riverside garden reached by a little footbridge. There’s room to wander, find a quiet spot with a notebook or simply sit and watch the water.
Just over the road is The Silo, a former grain silo turned coffee bar—a lovely spot for coffee, pastries and a change of scene. It’s also home to Secret Sauna, tucked away through the woods on the banks of the Waveney. Your retreat includes a session in this wood-fired riverside sauna: a chance to sink into the warmth, look out across the water and let your thoughts wander.
Chef Nancy Campbell will keep us well fed with freshly prepared, seasonal food using local ingredients. Expect generous lunches of homemade soup and bread, quiches and colourful salads, and comforting suppers such as chicken tagine or lasagne primavera. There’ll be puddings, homemade sweet treats and snacks, too. All dietary requirements can be catered for.
Your stay
Arrive on Monday afternoon, 19 April, and depart on Friday morning, 23 April 2027.
Prices include four nights’ accommodation, full catering, workshops, individual sessions and a visit to Secret Sauna:
Double room: £1,200 — three available
Double room with en suite: £1,300 — two available
Private one-bedroom cottage next door: £1,400 — ideal if you’d like a little more space
There’s parking at the mill, or we can collect you from Diss or Beccles railway station.
To apply, contact Luke with a short message about why you’d like to join us and a link to an example of your writing. Places are limited to six.
