Cotswolds, England
Tucked in the heart of the Cotswolds village of Painswick, this beautifully restored Grade II listed home offers the ultimate charming setting for a Reading Retreat.
Indulge in literary bliss at our exclusive Reading Retreat, where leisure meets literature, and like-minded women come together for a celebration of words.
Join us solo, or better yet, come with your best friend, sister or another incredible woman in your life for a weekend retreat that blends relaxation, literature, and laughter.
Location
ARC Painswick, Stroud
Tucked in the heart of the Cotswolds village of Painswick, this beautifully restored Grade II listed home offers the ultimate charming setting for a Reading Retreat.
With eight stylish bedrooms, it’s ideal for both quiet reading moments and evening gatherings. Inside, interconnected rooms, cosy lounges, a cinema space, and a kitchen made for feasting invite guests to explore, unwind, and connect.
Surrounded by rolling countryside and honey-stone buildings, Painswick offers scenic walks, charming cafés, and a warm village welcome—making it a serene yet social escape for book lovers ready to immerse themselves in literature and leisure.
Itinerary
Scheduled Experiences
These are the signature moments we’ll share together—curated to connect, inspire, and delight.
Meet & Greet: It all begins with an introduction over cocktails. Meet the other ladies and get ready for a gorgeous few days.
Welcome Dinner: Come together over an incredible three course meal to chat and take part in our coveted book swap.
Country Walk: Take a walk along the Cotswold Way to get a breath of fresh air and finish up with a pint at the local pub.
Murder Mystery Dinner Party: Step into a world of intrigue and suspense as you become both detective and dinner guest at our Murder Mystery Dinner Party.
Afternoon Tea: Indulge in an afternoon tea complete with warm scones and clotted cream.
Movie Night: Wind down with a book-inspired movie evening and all the treats you'd expect.
Book Discussion: An evening filled with delicious food whilst we chat about the book of the trip and what we’re currently reading.
Independent Indulgences
Your time is yours. These offerings are always available when you’re in the mood to unwind solo or in smaller groups.
Explore Historic Painswick: Honey-stone cottages, winding lanes, yew trees and more are ready for you to enjoy and explore.
Reading Time: Your evenings may be full, but your days are free with time to focus on you (and your TBR pile).
Goodie Bag: Leave with a brand new tote bag filled with a few goodies inside.
Rooms
Classic double bedrooms with ensuite. Some beds are available to configure as a twin room so please just let us know if you would prefer this option. In some cases shared occupancy will be in a double bed.
Gallery
Explore more of our Reading Retreats
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What our guests are saying about their stay
Pure magic! From the moment we arrived at the most breathtaking villa nestled in the rolling Tuscan hills, Meagan made sure every detail felt like it had been curated straight out of an Italian dream.
I attended the February Caribbean reading retreat and wish I could rate it higher than 5 stars! This was the best vacation I could have imagined. Not only was the resort amazing, the conversation and the ladies could not have been better.
I had such a lovely time on my retreat to Sicily. Megan is an amazing host who really looked after all of the group and made the trip feel like a fab holiday with friends. I went alone and everyone was lovely - I will happily book again next year. Book! You won't regret it.
Find out first...Join the book club
Join the Ladies Who Lit book club and be the first to know when new retreats drop and last minute spaces become available.
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