I Took A Mini 'Reading Retreat' Instead Of A Pricey Holiday – I've Already Planned My Next One
As it happens, the anniversary coincided with another book-lover's dream: ' reading retreats,' which involve spending much of your holiday with your nose buried in a novel, are all over my TikTok FYP.
Some of them are run by official companies, which offer days-long, themed stays with trips, reading lists, and hotel stays; you can take part in groups, and they look incredibly fun.
Personally, though, I didn't want to use any time off for my own version (nor did I particularly want to spend too much money on the break).
So, I enjoyed a quick couple of days at a family member's house and decided to explore the author's iconic scenes – and now, I think it's going to become the basis for my next 'big' holiday.
What is a 'reading retreat'?
A reading retreat involves immersing yourself in books for a couple of days solid, but it doesn't mean you have to read nonstop.
You can also visit the places the author may have stayed at, lived, or written about, or simply soak in the 'vibe' of a novel (I used mine as an opportunity to get an 'Austen walk' in).
You don't have to stick to a particular author or theme. Some people just read a lot on their 'reading retreats' – you can go alone or with others, and I plan to try both.
Professional reading retreats can be fully prepared with food, planned excursions, and set discussions, but publisher Penguin notes that if you don't want to leave your house to try the trend, you don't have to.
Simply refresh your own space, invite people over if you want (possibly cooking a book-themed meal), choose your books, and set an itinerary if you want to.
I found my 'reading retreat' really relaxing
I usually hate overly-structured breaks, but I don't love worrying that I'm constantly wasting my time while away.
For me, a reading retreat – which involved reading, walking, and going to appropriately gorgeous houses – was the perfect combination: I had a list of stuff I wanted to do, but no set time to do it.
Plus, almost everything was cheap or free, and I could recreate a lot of the fun I had (walking, reading, and visiting spots Austen had mentioned or been to) just as well at home as I did away.
I'm already planning two follow-up reading retreats: one on my own, and another group saunter around Bath (with Catherine Moreland-level delusions of Gothic drama, hopefully).
Speaking to HuffPost UK, Dr Pamela Walters, a consultant psychiatrist, said: 'Unlike the more structured types of wellness getaways, they allow for more of a deep mental rest.
'This can be valuable for people experiencing chronic stress, burnout, or symptoms of anxiety and depression,' she added.
'I think it's wonderfully restorative and frankly overdue. We often overlook the psychological power of slow, intentional activities like reading because they don't appear 'active' in the typical wellness sense.
'But this trend reflects a shift toward more sustainable forms of self-care. It recognises that wellness doesn't always have to mean doing more: it can also mean doing less.'
Having tried it, I couldn't agree more.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Newsweek
Map Shows Most-Popular Bridges in US
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. From coast to coast, America's most-iconic bridges are drawing more than just traffic—they are pulling in travelers, photographers, and architecture buffs with their sweeping vistas and striking designs. A new study by car rental company SIXT ranked 200 bridges from around the world based on visual appeal and tourist experience; bridges in New York and California dominated the top 20 rankings of bridges with the most-scenic vistas in the United States. Topping both the U.S. and global rankings is San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, a crimson icon known as much for its dramatic setting as its art deco towers. "The Golden Gate doesn't just connect two shores—it connects city and nature, engineering and emotion," said Georgia Fowkes, a travel adviser for Altezza Travel, told Newsweek. Fowkes said: "I praise this bridge for the mix of scale and setting. Those two art deco towers look engineered for drama—solid steel holding its ground against cliffs, ocean, and wind. The towers echo the rhythm of the city's skyscrapers." The rankings were based on multiple factors, including height, length, architectural significance, traffic volume, pedestrian access, parking availability, and popularity across platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. "Bridges connect more than just places—they bring people together, whether through shared experiences or breathtaking views," Joseph Gerbino, head of communications for SIXT North America, told Newsweek. The Brooklyn Bridge, second on the U.S. list, is no less iconic. With over 4 million Instagram posts, its Gothic arches and skyline views make it a centerpiece of New York City. Justin Goldsberry, a public policy fellow with Leadership Newark, told Newsweek that bridges such as the Brooklyn and Golden Gate "don't just get us from point A to point B—they connect us to history, culture, and even pop culture." "Since most bridges are built near water, you're almost guaranteed a stellar view—and it gets even better when city skylines and architecture come into the picture," said Goldsberry. But, beyond the views, he added, bridges have a symbolic pull. Goldsberry said: "They invite us to pause, look around, and take it all in—sometimes even sparking our imagination about what lies ahead as we cross from one side to the other." In third place is West Virginia's New River Gorge Bridge, which rises above a lush ravine in the Appalachian Mountains. The study praised it for offering "a peaceful and uncrowded experience," ideal for travelers seeking dramatic natural scenery without the urban noise. Fourth is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, which connects Virginia Beach to the state's Eastern Shore. Its unusual blend of bridge and underwater tunnel offers a dramatic transition from open sky to beneath the bay. Bridges in New York dominate the list, such as The George Washington Bridge, which ranks ninth. Connecting, New York to New Jersey over the Hudson River, it is one of the busiest bridges in the world, but also one of the most visually compelling. The Manhattan Bridge (ranking 11th), Verrazano-Narrows Bridge (14th), and Williamsburg Bridge (17th) all earned high marks for their skyline views and design. Other regional favorites include the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge (12th) in New Mexico, Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge (13th) in South Carolina, and Sunshine Skyway Bridge (15th) in Florida. Top 20 U.S. Bridges With the Most-Iconic Views Golden Gate Bridge — San Francisco, California Brooklyn Bridge — New York City, New York New River Gorge Bridge — Fayetteville, West Virginia Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel—Virginia Beach to Eastern Shore, Virginia Mike O'Callaghan—Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge—Near Hoover Dam, Nevada/Arizona Mackinac Bridge—Connecting Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas Foresthill Bridge — Auburn, California Oakland Bay Bridge — San Francisco to Oakland, California George Washington Bridge — New York City, New York, to Fort Lee, New Jersey Glen Canyon Bridge — Page, Arizona Manhattan Bridge — New York City, New York Rio Grande Gorge Bridge—Near Taos, New Mexico Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge — Charleston to Mount Pleasant, South Carolina Verrazano-Narrows Bridge — Staten Island to Brooklyn, New York Skyway Bridge (Sunshine Skyway Bridge)—St. Petersburg to Terra Ceia, Florida Perrine Bridge—Twin Falls, Idaho Williamsburg Bridge — New York City, New York Benjamin Franklin Bridge — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Camden, New Jersey Phil G. McDonald Memorial Bridge—Near Beckley, West Virginia Sidney Lanier Bridge—Brunswick, Georgia Do you have a travel-related story to share? Let us know via life@ and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
New York Times
6 days ago
- New York Times
Read All About It: True Tales of Men and Fiction
To the Editor: Re 'Attention, Men: Books Are Sexy!,' by Maureen Dowd (column, Aug. 3): Backpacking solo in 1995, reading voraciously, I met one of the loves of my life in Ubud, Bali. I was on a veranda overlooking rice paddies when Cherie, who was traveling with her mother, brazenly snatched the book I had my nose so buried in that I had not noticed her staring at me. It was a Penguin paperback, 'How Much Land Does a Man Need? And Other Stories,' by Leo Tolstoy. Cherie's eyes got wide, and I could tell she approved of my choice of authors, and my bookish interest in that collection of stories, to the exclusion of all around me. She told me that's sexy right then and there. We talked long into the night. The trip to Bali became ever better after that. Even her mother liked me. Lifetime memories. All because I was reading Tolstoy. Gowan McAvityBedford, N.Y. To the Editor: Maureen Dowd writes compellingly about men and fiction. Jane Austen of course is wonderful for men and women, and I read her voraciously because she is so good with language and thought. An added appeal is hearing the thoughts of a woman on men that we can all recognize: that our social posturing is just that, and a conscious female observer can see through it. I find myself far less interested in nonfiction. When I travel, I read a novel or a short story collection from the land I will visit rather than a travel guide — say, José Saramago before going to Portugal — because it tells me about how people there think, their worldview. It makes me feel at home and more understanding of the culture than any guidebook. Bill EslerChicago To the Editor: Maureen Dowd laments that men are reading less and reports, 'Women make up 80 percent of fiction sales.' Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Forbes
31-07-2025
- Forbes
How To Spend The Perfect Weekend In Bath, England
N estled in the rolling hills of Somerset, Bath is a glorious English city that seduces with its honeyed townhouses, stately colonnaded crescents, swish spas, and timeless Roman relics. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city owes much of its acclaim to the legendary Roman Baths—still bubbling with mineral-rich waters today that have enchanted visitors for centuries. Beyond these ancient springs, you can wander along the lazily curving Royal Crescent, catch a play at the opulent Theatre Royal, or toast Jane Austen's 250th anniversary with an Austen-themed afternoon tea beneath the glittering chandeliers of the elegant Pump Room Restaurant . Or, simply amble through charming cobbled streets overflowing with independent cafés, treasure-filled antique shops, and glowing bakeries that perfume the air with warm, buttery pastries. Whether you're melting into the rooftop thermal pool at Thermae Bath Spa or gazing at a blazing sunset sinking behind the spires of Bath Abbey— Moët in hand—you'll be utterly spellbound by the city's golden glow. The beautiful exteriors of Bloomfield House. Bloomfield House Just a mile south of Bath's city centre, Bloomfield House is a gorgeous Georgian mansion that marries Regency elegance with suave modern comforts. Originally built in the 1790s, it once served as the residence of the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Bath—and today stands as a Grade II-listed golden palace offering Bridgerton-style stays for hedonists and high-flyers—complete with a private chef and discreetly attentive housekeepers. Forbes How To Spend The Perfect Weekend In Bakewell By Lewis Nunn Swipe your keycard and glide down a sweeping drive (EV charger in tow) as you meet Bloomfield's majestic limestone facade. Step through lion-handled French doors into a glowing reception hall lit by a champagne globe chandelier. Ahead of you, lies a mammoth kitchen-diner—dressed with a long banquette table, quirky pop art (one piece of Queen Elizabeth II ), and glass-boxed cabinets brimming with honesty-bar spirits and crystal champagne flutes—perfect for a celebratory welcome toast. Kitchen-diner at Bloomfield House. Bloomfield House Mornings beckon bean-to-cup cappuccinos and lazy continental breakfasts laid out by your private chef: think buttery croissants, velvety Greek yoghurt, rustic granolas, and fresh fruit platters. Meanwhile, a grand Georgian staircase leads to nine individually styled bedrooms—light-filled and elegant—sleeping up to 23 guests; with seven en-suites and a snug kids' chamber with six bunk beds. Expect stylish features like sumptuous wingback beds, soft-toed wool carpets, and oak-panelled wardrobes. While marble bathrooms dazzle with brass finishes, rainfall showers, and luminous vanity mirrors: and some rooms boast four-poster beds and freestanding bathtubs perched atop platforms fit for royalty. Bedroom at Bloomfield House. Bloomfield House Spend sunny afternoons sinking into your bubbling hot tub as you sip salt-laced margaritas or bask in Bath's golden glow, surrounded by ornate landscaped gardens—anchored by a towering Holm Oak. Then, fire up the BBQ while the little ones play Jenga in the Garden Room . Inside, however, you can relax in one of two plush living rooms—think Turkish rugs, five-tier chandeliers, grand oil paintings, and Art Deco sofas—perfect for curling up for a cozy night watching Pride and Prejudice as you grab a tipple from the honesty bar (think gin, vodka, and Jack Daniel's). Read More: Forbes How To Spend The Perfect Weekend In Guernsey By Lewis Nunn For something a little more extravagant, book a private at-home wine tasting with award-winning Minerva Wine—proprietors of the 2-hectare, 10,000-vine Corston Vineyard Estate in Bath. Inspired by a Newcastle University study, you'll sample fine wines while listening to classical music, varying in moods, to explore how it alters flavour perception—prepare to be awestruck. Comfy lounge at Bloomfield House. Bloomfield House Final flourish? Indulge in a three-course dinner, lovingly prepared by your private chef—think smoked mackerel, followed by tender Welsh lamb or silky crab linguine. Finish with a divine Eton mess—bursting with ripe strawberries and clouds of whipped cream. Then, swirl down a sweeping staircase into your cozy cinema room, crunchy popcorn in hand, ready to lose yourself in Gladiator on your epic 4K 120' screen surrounded by 13 thunderous speakers—no words needed. Pure, hedonistic bliss. Best Things To Do In Bath The Roman Baths Built around 70 AD atop natural hot springs, the Roman Baths stand among the world's most astonishingly preserved ancient bathing complexes—once the heart of Roman Britain's social and religious life, known as Aquae Sulis. Over 1.1 million litres of geothermally heated water still flow daily into the baths at a steamy 46°C—and while swimming is no longer allowed—you can explore the mystic Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, and the Great Bath itself; with an immersive audio guide. Don't miss its adjoining museum—a trove of archaeological treasures unearthed on-site, from eerie inscribed curse tablets to the majestic gilt bronze head of Sulis Minerva —goddess of healing to whom the Roman Baths are dedicated (tickets from $37 per person). Read More: Forbes How To Spend The Perfect Weekend In Cirencester By Lewis Nunn Thermae Bath Spa Open-air rooftop pool at Thermae Bath Spa. Thermae Bath Spa For those craving a contemporary soak, slip into Thermae Bath Spa —offering a rare chance to bathe in Britain's only naturally warm, mineral-rich waters—just as Celts and Romans did over 2,000 years ago. Begin in the Minerva Bath , where swirling whirlpools meet a lazy river. Then rise to the rooftop pool—its steamy shimmer offering panoramic views of Bath's golden skyline. Finale? Retreat to the Wellness Suite —housing Roman and Georgian steam rooms, an Ice Chamber, Infrared Sauna, and the celestial-themed Relaxation Room —inspired by astronomer, William Herschel. Or, for an exclusive dip, book the Cross Bath —a Grade I-listed Georgian gem fed by sacred springs once steeped in royal fertility legends (a two-hour session from $55 per person). The Holburne Museum Exteriors of Holburne Museum. Holburne Museum Framed by the leafy Sydney Gardens, the Holburne Museum is Bath's oldest public gallery, housed in a Grade I-listed Georgian building—once the Sydney Hotel —now home to the eclectic collection of Sir William Holburne, a 19th-century naval officer and art collector. Inside, you'll discover a rich tapestry of fine art, from Renaissance bronzes and exquisite Chinese porcelain to masterpieces by Gainsborough and Zoffany. The museum's grand ballroom still glitters with silver and china ready for a Georgian banquet—while more recently, Holburne has stepped into the limelight as Lady Danbury's residence in Bridgerton —drawing a steady stream of Netflix pilgrims (tickets from $17 per person). Read More: Forbes How To Spend A Weekend At Burghley House By Lewis Nunn Bath Abbey Exteriors of Bath Abbey. Bath Abbey With its origins tracing back to 675 AD, Bath Abbey is one of England's crowning jewels of Perpendicular Gothic architecture. Its current structure was commissioned by Bishop Oliver King , who—according to legend—dreamt of angels climbing golden ladders to heaven: now immortalized on the Abbey's West Front . Over centuries, the abbey has evolved through phases of monastic life, Norman might, and Tudor grandeur—surviving destruction under Henry VIII's Dissolution and later revived by Queen Elizabeth I. Step inside and marvel at its fan-vaulted ceilings, ornate stained glass, and 52 windows flooding the sacred space with light—earning it the nickname 'Lantern of the West' (tickets from $10 per person). Best Restaurants In Bath The Olive Tree Beneath the Georgian elegance of Russell Street, The Olive Tree is Bath's Michelin-starred secret—equal parts culinary theatre and quiet sophistication. It whispers luxury, never screams, serving seven-course tasting menus that read like edible sonnets. Begin with Isle of Skye langoustine—smoky and citrus-kissed, dancing with jalapeño. Fallow deer follows, earthy and dramatic, tangled with Cheltenham beetroot and Kampot pepper. Vegetarians? Prepare to be serenaded with black onion seed gnocchi and BBQ cauliflower, laced with Perigord truffle. Desserts are a dream: think Tahitian vanilla crème chiboust with jasmine tea or lush islands chocolate adorned with 50-year-old balsamic. Read More: Forbes How To Spend The Perfect Weekend In Plymouth By Lewis Nunn Corkage Bath Courtyard of Corkage Bath. Corkage Bath Hidden away on charming Chapel Row, Corkage Bath is a wine lover's fever dream—half candlelit hideaway, half small plate playground. It hums with clinking glasses and aromatic swirls: silky Scout & Sage gin-cured salmon, red lentil dahl with coconut yoghurt, and smoky beef shin croquettes crisped to perfection. For serious indulgence, the hanger steak shines—rosy and rich with mushroom purée, crispy cabbage, smoky bacon, and velvety jus. Plant-based dishes hold their own, too—from caramelised courgette in cashew-miso velvet to salt-baked celeriac with burnt apple and black truffle. The wine list? Wildly worldly—from zippy Grüner Veltliner to inky South African Cinsault. How To Get There Travelers in London can hop on a 75-minute direct train service from London Paddington to Bath Spa with Great Western Railway . To book your escape at Bloomfield House, visit For more Bath inspiration, head to Read More: Forbes How To Spend The Perfect Weekend In Bakewell By Lewis Nunn Forbes How To Spend The Perfect Weekend In Guernsey By Lewis Nunn Forbes How To Spend The Perfect Weekend In Cirencester By Lewis Nunn Forbes How To Spend A Weekend At Burghley House By Lewis Nunn Forbes How To Spend The Perfect Weekend In Plymouth By Lewis Nunn
