What it’s about
There are days when we need to step away from the pace of ordinary life.
The Art of Slowing Down is a one-day Society of Poets experience designed to help you step away from the pace and noise of everyday life. Expect time in nature, gentle walking, reflection, writing, poetry, conversation and plenty of space simply to be. There is no pressure to achieve anything or be anyone other than yourself.
Simply to have some space to think, to notice, to breathe and perhaps to see things a little differently. This is a small, immersive experience inspired by the Romantic poets and their belief in the restorative power of time, nature, imagination and attention.
Nine other people, a house in the Hampshire countryside, and seven and a half hours with nothing in them that you have to do.
We walk in the morning. We read a little, and write a little, though nobody ever asks to see what you've written. We eat a long lunch. There is an hour in the afternoon that is entirely yours, to sleep or wander or sit by the water, whichever you need.
It's built on a simple idea the Romantic poets took seriously: that attention is restorative, that walking thinks bet
Meet the Instructor
Ash founded Society of Poets after 10 years running wellbeing sessions inside organisations, schools and professional football clubs. The Lakeland poets have been a long-standing love, and the practice grew out of a simple observation: the people who most needed a day like this were the least likely to give themselves one.
The Art of Slowing Down gives you something ordinary life seldom does: enough time, and enough quiet, to think about your own pace and whether you actually chose it.
§ 2.3 · Who It Is ForThis day is for
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The one whose calendar has swallowed the year, and who cannot remember the last time an hour belonged to them.
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The one who wants a few real hours away from screens, notifications, and the low hum of being always available.
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The one who loves walking, nature, books, writing or ideas, and the slower forms of paying attention.
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The one carrying something they have been meaning to think through, but who has not yet had the room.
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With work, home life, and other commitments, you never have time to just be.
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The one who would value a few hours of meaningful conversation with people who are actually listening.
The great outdoors plays a huge role in all our retreatsThe Art of Slow Living FAQs. The things people usually ask first.
What is The Art of Slowing Down?
A one-day Society of Poets retreat in Hampshire. Time in nature, gentle walking, reflection, writing, poetry, quiet conversation and plenty of space simply to be. A small, unhurried day for people who need to step away from the pace of everyday life.
When and where is it held?
Held in Hampshire throughout the year. The specific venue is Houghton Lodge, chosen for its quiet and for the walking around it.
How much does it cost, and what is included?
£149 per person, paid in full at booking. That covers the day itself, materials, and food and drink through the day.
How many people are there?
Ten places. Kept small on purpose so that everyone can be heard and no one has to perform.
Can I come with someone?
Yes. Book both places on the form. A friend, a partner, or a colleague. Some people come alone and value the quiet of that. Others prefer to arrive with company. Either way is welcome.
Is it right for me if I am going through something hard?
Sometimes. The day is a quiet room, not a treatment. If you are carrying something heavy, this can be a place to breathe alongside it, but it is not a stand-in for therapy or care. If you are unsure whether the day is right for you, send a short note first and we will talk it through honestly.
Do I need to be a writer, or have retreat experience?
No. Writing is one of the ways we slow down and pay attention, but no one asks to see what you produce. You do not need any prior experience of writing, poetry, or retreats. You simply need to feel that you could use a day away.
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes for walking outside for part of the day, a notebook if you have one, and an open frame of mind. Nothing else is required.
Who leads the day?
Ash, founder of Society of Poets. A long-standing love of the Lakeland poets, and years spent running wellbeing sessions inside organisations before building this practice.
What is the cancellation policy?
Full refund if you cancel more than four weeks before the day. Half refund between four and two weeks before. Inside two weeks the fee is non-refundable, but we will do our best to transfer your place to a future scheduled retreat. If we ever cancel a day, every penny you have paid comes back.