The Jewish Literary Foundation invites guests to an intimate literary retreat in the heart of Bath, centred around conversation, close reading, and shared exploration of the British Jewish literary tradition.
Over three days, guests will enjoy guided discussions, curated readings, and time for reflection in elegant surroundings, alongside a special evening with Howard Jacobson.
Literary sessions and discussions throughout the retreat will be led by poet and literary scholar Aviva Dautch.
Monday 5 October – Arrival & Opening Session
From 3.00pm | Arrival at The Queensberry Hotel
Guests are invited to arrive from mid-afternoon and settle into the hotel.
4.00 – 5.00pm | Opening Literary Session
An opening gathering and guided discussion introducing the themes and readings of the retreat, with Aviva Dautch, and Jewish Literary Foundation director, Claudia Rubenstein.
5.00 – 6.30pm | Time at Leisure
Time to relax, enjoy the hotel, or take a quiet stroll through Bath’s Georgian streets.
6.30 – 7.30pm | An Evening with Howard Jacobson
Howard Jacobson reflects on his work, including his latest best-selling novel, Howl.
7.30pm | Dinner with Special Guest
A hosted dinner at the hotel with Howard Jacobson.
Tuesday 6 October – Reading, Conversation & Exploration
10.00am – 12.00pm | Private Walking Tour of Bath
A guided exploration of Bath’s architectural and cultural history.
12.00 – 2.00pm | Lunch & Time at Leisure
2.00 – 4.00pm | Literary Seminar
A further guided session of reading and discussion.
4.00 – 7.00pm | Reading & Reflection Time
An opportunity to read, reflect, write, or simply enjoy the city and hotel.
7.30pm | Evening at Leisure
Guests may join an informal dinner at a recommended local restaurant, or enjoy an independent evening in Bath. Please note that dinner on Tuesday evening is not included in the retreat cost.
Wednesday 7 October – Closing Reflections & Departure
8.00 – 9.30am | Breakfast
10.00 – 11.00am | Closing Session
Final reflections and concluding discussion.
Late Morning | Departure
Check-out late morning. Luggage storage will be available for guests wishing to spend additional time in Bath before travelling home.
Retreat Inclusions
- Two nights’ accommodation at The Queensberry Hotel, with a choice of room categories
- Two breakfasts
- Hosted dinner with Howard Jacobson
- All scheduled literary sessions and discussions
- Curated reading materials and extracts
- Tea and coffee refreshments during sessions
- Private walking tour of Bath with an expert guide
Dining and Dietary Requirements
All meals provided as part of the retreat will be vegetarian or pescatarian.
The hotel is able to accommodate kosher dietary requirements. Standard kosher meals are included within the retreat cost; however, guests requiring food prepared within a fully kosher kitchen should note that this may incur a supplementary charge.
Guests are warmly encouraged to let us know any dietary requirements in advance.
This retreat offers a rare opportunity to engage deeply with British Jewish writing in the company of fellow readers, in one of the UK’s most beautiful cities.
