9th - 14th August 2025
The Writers' Summer School has been captivating audiences for over 75 years.
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Believed to be the longest running residential writers' school in the world, the magic of 'Swanwick' is legendary.
For one spell-binding week every August, over 200 published and unpublished writers across all genres gather to renew old friendships and to forge new ones.
Many travel vast distances from around the UK
and abroad just to be there.
For them, the whole week is a non-negotiable date in their writing year, a chance to talk shop, swap success stories, and hopefully learn a thing or two. The countdown is underway...
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We look forward to welcoming you to the Writers' Summer School!
More About Our School
OUR STORY
The first annual Writers’ Circle Summer School was held in 1949, born from a suggestion by Cecil Hunt, who was Chair of the London Writers' Circle. His original idea was to bring all the UK based writers' circles together to meet, thus enabling writers to share their passion and enthusiasm for the craft of writing. He formed a committee of five and they agreed to create a week-long residential school the following year. The committee chose The Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick, Derbyshire, as the preferred location and it has been our annual venue since then.
In 1952 the name was changed to the Writers’ Summer School, but is often affectionately known, especially to past delegates, as simply, ‘Swanwick’.
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The initial programme had external guest speakers, but the members themselves ran the courses, workshops and discussions and to this day, many members still attend the school and run courses and workshops.
The programme has grown considerably over the years and is now packed with a comprehensive learning and entertainment schedule. Many delegates contribute their success to attending the Swanwick Writers' Summer School from starting out to becoming well-published authors.
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The Writers' Summer School is now a Registered Charity (No.1168531) and run on a not-for-profit basis. We strive to uphold the original ethos of the School which means that our tutors and delegates gather together to share knowledge, passion and enthusiasm for the craft of writing, giving support to others on their writing journeys and forming lasting friendships with other writers.
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Do I have to attend courses every day?Absolutely not. In fact, we recommend you pace yourself when first visiting Swanwick. There is so much going on that you could forget to enjoy the experience. This is YOUR week, so it is up to you how you spend it.
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Other than courses, what else can I take part in?All delegates are welcome to perform at Buskers’ Night and the Prose and Poetry Open Mic sessions. Use the boxes in the Information Room to put your name forward for these events, which are popular. If you enjoy theatricals, do come along to the Page to Stage sessions, where we will look for volunteers to act in or direct one of the seven plays selected for rehearsed readings. All delegates that attend the School become a Member of The Writers’ Summer School for the year of attendance. Your voice is important, so please do come to the AGM.
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Are you able to cater for special dietary needs or preferences?The Hayes is equipped to meet most dietary requirements. You will need to identify your dietary needs, together with any food allergies, at the time of booking.
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Are all rooms single occupancy or can I share with a friend or partner?All rooms are let on a single occupancy basis, though most have double or twin beds. If you wish to share, please state this on your booking form and tell us the name of your companion. Charges are per person.
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I have mobility issues - can the summer school accommodate me?Yes, it can. The Hayes Conference Centre has accommodation specifically designed for delegates with disabilities. Though should you need individual support or help during the week, contact the Secretary before booking to ensure your requirements can be met.
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I’d like to pay in instalments, is that option available?Yes, it is. Contact the Treasurer who will arrange a payment plan to suit your needs.
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I'm travelling by train. Is it easy to get to Swanwick?Yes, it is. The school runs a coach from Derby station at 3:45pm on Saturday and a return coach on Friday, leaving the Hayes at 9:15am. Include this option when you book a place.
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I'm travelling by car. Is there car parking and is there a charge?There is ample car parking at the Hayes, and it is free!
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Is free Wi-Fi available?Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the conference centre.
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I loved the room I had last year. Can I have the same one again?We will work with our venue, The Hayes Conference Centre, to meet any personal mobility needs of which we are aware, but we cannot accommodate general room preferences at the current time​.
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Can I bring pets?The Hayes policy is that pets are not permitted, although Assistance Dogs are allowed.
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Where can a delegate find information or get help?The Information Room is next to The Book Shop in the Main House; you will find School forms, policies, procedures, notices, updates, and sign-up boxes for events here. Other useful information is also available in this room. A flip chart is provided for you to leave messages to other delegates if you wish, such as arranging an interest group meeting. Please ask any School Ambassador or Committee Member if you need to know anything about the courses, events, room locations, etc. They will wear purple lanyards during the week, so it should be easy to spot. Stop them to ask for their help. The Hayes’ reception staff will be happy to help with any issues that you have with your room or The Hayes’ facilities. For any other matters, please come to the Writers’ Summer School Office (Board Room, 1st Floor, Main House). In addition, the whiteboard outside the dining room area will be used for any notices and programme changes. These are also announced by the Vice Chair before Evening Speakers.