Reading Retreats

Reading retreats offer the chance to slow down, travel thoughtfully, and spend time immersed in a great book in a place that brings it to life. At Books in Places, our reading retreats combine shared reading, gentle exploration, and relaxed conversation, all set in destinations closely connected to the book we are reading.

What is a reading retreat?

Our reading retreats are a short break or holiday, built around a specific book, bringing readers together in a location that has a strong connection to the story. Reading retreats are intentionally small, sociable, and unhurried. 

Time is built in for reading and discussion, as well as time to soak up the atmosphere of the area, visit sites, enjoy local experiences, and most importantly, shared meals. You don't need to be part of a book club to take part. The discussion is best described as new friends getting together to discuss the book.

What makes a Books in Places reading retreat different?

There are solo holidays and then there are reading retreats. The difference is the people you meet. Reading retreats naturally attract those who love books and enjoy sharing what they have read. That shared enthusiasm creates an instant connection, so even strangers feel part of the group from the moment they arrive.

• Small, friendly groups with a relaxed atmosphere
• Carefully chosen books with a strong sense of place
• Locations that deepen your understanding of the story
• Guided walks and visits linked directly to the book
• Plenty of free time to read and explore at your own pace
• Book discussion is relaxed, just a book chat with friends.
• Many find themselves booking another reading retreat soon after, which feels like the strongest endorsement we could ask for. 

Who are reading retreats for?

Reading retreats are ideal for readers who enjoy fiction with a strong sense of setting, enjoy travel and meeting new people. The majority are solo travellers, with a mix of ages, some travelling alone for the first time. The trips are built around being sociable first and foremost, so you come alone, but leave with new bookish friends. 

• Solo travellers
• Readers who prefer a gentler style of travel
• Anyone who enjoys talking about books informally
• Book club members

What happens on a reading retreat?

Each reading retreat is structured slightly differently, but based around a single book, with relaxed group discussions and time to read either in advance or during the trip.

• Book-focused walking tours
• Visits to relevant landmarks
• Shared meals and relaxed evenings
• Free time for reading or independent exploration
• New bookish friends are made.

Why travel for a book?

Reading a book in the place that inspired it adds depth and atmosphere, helping stories feel newly alive. When you read a book and then visit, the story comes alive in a whole new way.

About Books in Places

Books in Places has been running reading retreats and book-inspired trips since 2023 and has been featured in The Times, BBC Travel, and National Geographic Travel amongst others.

Solo traveller reading retreats

Most people on a Books in Places trip are travelling alone, many for the first time. These trips give you the best of both worlds: the freedom to travel solo, with the comfort of being part of a friendly group whenever you choose.

New trips are added regularly

New reading retreats and literary holidays are announced throughout the year. Sign up to the newsletter to hear about future trips as they are added. As groups are small, many trips fill up quickly.