May 12-17
Totleigh Barton
Residential Writing Course: The Essay
One form, infinite possibilities



Arvon is a charity that has been supporting writers at every stage of their journey since 1968. We offer inspiring courses and retreats – both in-person and online – led by leading authors.
Whether you have an hour, a day, or a week to spare, we’re here to help you transform your writing and unlock your creativity. Grants and concessions are available to keep our courses accessible to all.
A transformative 5-day Arvon experience
Our courses, held in three historic countryside houses, are led by leading authors and offer a powerful mix of workshops and one-to-one tutorials, with time and space to write, free from the distractions of everyday life.
Flexible online writing courses to suit your schedule
Whether you’ve got just two hours or a few evenings a week, Arvon at Home offers flexible options to fit around work, family, and everything else life brings – including virtual Writing Weeks, Months, Days, two-hour Masterclasses, and the Saturday Writing Club.
Give your writing the time and space it deserves
The Clockhouse is specifically designed for writers on retreat. It has four apartments for writers, each with bedroom, study-lounge and bathroom. All food is provided for you, so you can spend your time as you please.
Do you believe that everyone should have the opportunity to unlock their creative potential?
Arvon is a charity that believes everyone deserves the freedom to imagine, write and explore ideas regardless of their age or financial background.
We offer residential weeks for schools, young people and adult groups.
Our weeks for schools and groups follow the same pattern as our adult course programme – led by two professional writers, with tutorials, group workshops, and time and space to write.
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Read more“Every time I’ve taught at Arvon - going back over fifteen years now - I’ve seen how much difference just a handful of days can make in the life of writers. There’s a perfect mix of tutorials, writing time, socializing, and discussion - all those elements come together to create an atmosphere in which writing projects move in that longed-for but often unattainable direction: forward.”
—Kamila Shamsie