An Arvon residential writing course provides a nurturing environment where newcomers can begin writing, and existing writers can expand their skills and hone their craft. With expert tuition and the support and encouragement of a writing community, all our participants experience an irresistible chemistry of collective enthusiasm and individual breakthrough.

Founded 40 years ago by the writers John Fairfax and John Moat, who were close friends of the poet laureate Ted Hughes, Arvon today has a leading position in the world of creative writing because of what is called The Arvon Magic – the uniquely creative spirit which is the hallmark of our organization. The formula for this has remained the same ever since Arvon began. There are four key ingredients to the Arvon Magic:

Our Writing House and their Outstanding Settings

Come on our four and half day writing courses at Arvon, and you will find yourself living, working and eating in a historic writing house in an inspirational countryside setting. Cut off from the distractions of your daily life – no friends, family, wifi, internet and barely a mobile signal at all, you will have an intense time to concentrate solely on your writing and discovering the power of your words.

Our Inspirational Courses led by Published Writers

These are led by two published writers who live and work with you for the residential period. The writers lead workshops in the morning, and guarantee to each writer  a one to one tutorial each also. In the afternoons you have free writing time and in evenings there are readings by all the writers, including the tutors, except for on the Thursday night.

Eating and Cooking


Everyone on an Arvon course comes together to eat  and share life stories and experiences. Everyone also takes it in turns to cook together in teams with menu cards supplied by our Centre Directors. Sharing the preparation and eating of food means new friendships and ideas are formed.

The final ingredient is You 



Your imagination, your words, your life experiences and your desire to write. You will meet people on an Arvon course who come from every possible walk of life. What you have in common is your love of writing.

To ensure that as many people can access our writing courses, we provide writers grants to those who need them due to low income.