Join us in Hungary this summer for the second official Editing Cooperative Writing Retreat!

Over five days, we will take the pressures of everyday life out of your hands so you can focus on moving a writing project forward. Come and be part of the Editing Cooperative’s community of practice in Mindszentkálla, a village in a region referred to as the “Provence of Hungary”, known for its vineyards, sunshine, and slower pace of life.

You will stay in a simple but comfortable countryside house, with plenty of space to plan, write, or just sit under a tree and daydream (an important part of the writing process). WiFi will be limited to the nearby café, locally sourced food and drink will be provided, and optional excursions will be included such as lake swims and bike hire to help shake off the day.

The trip will begin in Budapest on Sunday where Kirsty will meet you and bring you on the train to the village, where Tim and Kata will welcome you to their home. After an evening settling in, Monday to Friday will be spent with time gently marked to help guide your writing days. Evenings will be spent sharing food and drink with your writing comrades and relaxing in the green spaces surrounding the house and village. The working week will end with dinner around a bogrács, a traditional Hungarian wood-fired cauldron. We will advise you in organising your onward travel on Saturday morning and send you on your way with a hearty breakfast.

There is an option to arrive a few days earlier in Budapest, where with Kirsty you can explore Hungarian history, politics, culture and society through some of the city’s hidden spots.

There is a maximum of six beds, and we hope to bring together like-minded folk with similar interests. So come and join us to discuss writing, theory, data, and life around the campfire this summer!

We hope for the retreat to be a regular and affordable event for people to come together, write together and slow down together.

We hope to hold the retreat twice in June, depending on how many people would like to join. When signing up, please indicate which week(s) you are able to attend.

See the full brochure here, check out some pictures from the 2025 retreat below, and sign up here!

Cost: £595 GBP (= €675 EUR or $795 USD)

£/€/$150 deposit after sign up to secure your place by 15 February 2026

Remaining fee due 15 April 2026

Because of the small group number and the costs involved we are currently unable to offer bursaries or reduced prices, but do get in touch if you are interested in joining but your financial circumstances may restrict you at this time.