Thorney How Reading Retreat
A long weekend of books, beautiful surroundings, seasonal food and time to yourself.
Set at the foot of Helm Crag, nestled at the end of the Easedale Valley on the peaceful outskirts of Grasmere, our Reading Retreat is a weekend for people who love books and would quite like a few days in which nobody needs anything from them.
Come for the reading.
Stay for the landscape, the food and the gentle rhythm.
A retreat at your own pace
This isn’t a weekend where every hour needs filling.
There are things to do if you want them: explore Grasmere, browse bookshops, wander through the landscape, join an optional walk, settle in for a long meal, or spend an evening talking books over drinks.
But there is no pressure to do any of it.
You can join the group for brunch and disappear with your book afterwards.
You can spend an afternoon exploring.
Or you can find a quiet corner and read until dinner.
There is no right way to do a Reading Retreat.
The weekend is deliberately unhurried, giving you the rare opportunity to slow down, read properly and enjoy being somewhere beautiful without having to make the most of every minute.
What’s included
Your personal reading selection
Before you arrive, we will ask about your reading tastes and the kinds of books you are drawn to.
In collaboration with The Book Brewery, an independent bookshop in Ambleside, a book selection will be curated especially for you.
A little bit like having your own literary subscription, except you are receiving it at the start of a weekend devoted entirely to reading.
Your home at the foot of Helm Crag
Stay at Thorney How, surrounded by the dramatic landscape of the Lake District. From the foot of Helm Crag, you’re immersed in a landscape of rugged fells, green valleys, stone walls, woodland and winding country lanes. It’s a quiet place to retreat, breathe and take in the scenery that makes this corner of the Lake District so special, while still being within easy reach of Grasmere village.
It is the kind of setting where you can wake slowly, step outside with your morning coffee, settle down with a book by the fire or head out into the valley for a walk.
A place to make yourself at home, switch off and let the weekend unfold around you.
Food worth lingering over
Food is a big part of the weekend.
Expect relaxed grazing boards on the Friday evening.
A generous chef-prepared brunch.
A Saturday night supper of Wagtail pie and sides, followed by Cartmel sticky toffee pudding.
Sunday begins with a relaxed continental breakfast.
Followed by soup and fresh bread for lunch.
In the evening, we will gather for a special storytelling meal prepared by The Lone Wolf Chef, celebrating local produce.
Thoughtfully prepared food and refreshments will be available throughout your stay.
Dietary requirements will be collected in advance so we can work with our catering partners to accommodate them wherever reasonably possible.
Time to read
There will be plenty of unstructured time throughout the weekend.
No compulsory workshops.
No packed schedule.
No expectation that you need to be doing something.
Just uninterrupted time with books and comfortable places to read.
Literary Grasmere
Grasmere is woven into the history of English literature and the landscape around it has inspired writers for generations.
During the weekend, you will have the opportunity to explore the village and its literary connections, including local bookshops, cafés and places of interest. We will also provide recommendations of our favourite places to browse, wander, visit and settle in, so you can make the most of your time in the village.
For those who fancy going further afield, there will also be the option to arrange your own trip into Ambleside and explore some of the area’s independent bookshops and cultural spots.
Walks and the landscape
The landscape begins right outside the door.
For anyone who wants to get outside, there will be optional walks through the surrounding countryside, with a planned Sunday morning walk following Easedale Beck.
You can head out into the valley, take in the fells and enjoy the landscape at a slower pace.
The walks are entirely optional.
If your ideal morning involves staying inside with a coffee and a book, that’s absolutely fine too.
Sunday morning, at your own pace
Sunday morning is yours to spend as you like. Take an optional guided walk through the surrounding landscape, linger over breakfast with a book, or simply enjoy a quiet morning at the house.
Small by design
Our retreats are intentionally intimate.
You can get to know people.
You can keep to yourself.
You can do a bit of both.
An outline for the weekend
Friday
Arrive from 5pm, enjoy a welcome drink, cake and settle into your room. Then take some time to discover your curated reading selection before gathering for a relaxed evening of grazing boards, wine and plenty of time to unwind.
Saturday
An unhurried morning, with a generous chef-prepared brunch.
The afternoon is yours.
Explore Grasmere, arrange a trip to Ambleside, take a walk, browse books and find somewhere for coffee.
Or simply read.
Later, we will gather for an evening supper of Wagtail Kitchen pies, sides and Cartmel sticky toffee pudding.
Sunday
A gentle morning walk along Easedale Beck for those who would like to join.
Then the afternoon allows time to yourself.
In the evening, we’ll gather for a special dinner prepared by The Lone Wolf Chef - a storytelling menu to mark our final night together.
Monday
Checkout at 9.30am. Breakfast will be delivered to your room to enable you to take your last morning in Grasmere at your own pace.
Allow yourself one last wander through Grasmere or head into Ambleside before making your way home.
This is for you if…
You like the idea of slowing down, properly.
You like the idea of spending a few days in the heart of the Lake District.
You appreciate time to pause in the natural landscape.
You love books but rarely get uninterrupted time to read.
You enjoy quality food made with local ingredients.
You want the option of company without the obligation of conversation.
Book your place on our February Reading Retreat
We cannot wait to welcome you.
Wondering what to expect? Head to our Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to the questions we get asked most often.
19 - 22 February 2027 · Grasmere, Lake District
