Refund Policy

Last Updated: 19 February 2025

This Refund Policy outlines the terms and conditions for cancellations and refunds for courses and retreats offered by Creative Writing Retreats Ltd. Please read this policy carefully before enrolling in any of our programmes.

1. Online Courses

1.1 Cancellation Before Course Start

  • 30+ days before start date: Full refund minus £50 administrative fee
  • 15-29 days before start date: 50% refund
  • Less than 15 days before start date: No refund, but you may transfer to a future course session (subject to availability and a £75 transfer fee)

1.2 Cancellation After Course Start

Once an online course has commenced, no refunds will be issued. However, in exceptional circumstances (serious illness, family emergency), we may consider:

  • Transferring you to a future course session
  • Providing access to course materials for self-study
  • Partial credit towards another course

Such requests must be made in writing with supporting documentation and are subject to approval by our management team.

1.3 14-Day Cooling-Off Period

Under UK Consumer Contracts Regulations, you have the right to cancel your enrolment within 14 days of purchase without giving a reason. However, if the course begins within this 14-day period and you have accessed course materials or attended sessions, you forfeit this right.

2. Residential Retreats

2.1 Cancellation Policy

  • 60+ days before retreat: Full refund minus £150 administrative fee
  • 30-59 days before retreat: 50% refund
  • 15-29 days before retreat: 25% refund
  • Less than 15 days before retreat: No refund

2.2 Transfer to Another Retreat

If you cannot attend your booked retreat, you may transfer to another retreat date subject to:

  • Availability in the alternative retreat
  • Request made at least 30 days before your original retreat date
  • Payment of a £150 transfer fee
  • Payment of any price difference if the new retreat costs more

Transfers are permitted once only. No refunds will be given if you subsequently cancel the transferred booking.

2.3 Travel and Accommodation

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover cancellation costs. We are not responsible for:

  • Non-refundable travel expenses (flights, trains, etc.)
  • Additional accommodation costs outside the retreat package
  • Personal expenses incurred in preparation for the retreat

3. Hybrid Programmes

For hybrid programmes that combine online courses with residential retreats:

  • Cancellation terms depend on which component has commenced
  • If only the online portion has started, residential retreat fees may be refundable according to Section 2.1
  • If the residential portion has occurred, no refund will be given for the online component
  • Partial refunds are calculated on a pro-rata basis for each component

4. Cancellation by Creative Writing Retreats

4.1 Course or Retreat Cancellation

We reserve the right to cancel any course or retreat due to insufficient enrolments, instructor illness, or unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, you will receive:

  • Full refund of all fees paid, or
  • Transfer to an alternative course or retreat date at no additional cost, or
  • Credit towards any future programme

We are not liable for any additional costs you may have incurred (travel, accommodation, etc.).

4.2 Changes to Programme

We reserve the right to make changes to course content, instructors, or retreat locations. Minor changes do not entitle you to a refund. Significant changes will be communicated in advance, and you may choose to:

  • Continue with the modified programme
  • Transfer to another programme
  • Receive a full refund

5. Force Majeure

In the event of circumstances beyond our reasonable control (including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemics, government restrictions, or acts of terrorism), we may need to cancel or postpone programmes. In such cases:

  • We will work with you to reschedule or provide alternative arrangements
  • Refunds will be provided if rescheduling is not possible or acceptable to you
  • We are not liable for consequential losses or additional expenses

6. Payment Plans

If you are on a payment plan:

  • Cancellation terms apply based on the total programme cost, not the amount paid to date
  • Any refund due will be offset against outstanding payments
  • You remain liable for any outstanding balance according to the cancellation terms

7. Refund Processing

  • Refund requests must be submitted in writing to hello@creativewritingretreats.co.uk
  • Refunds will be processed within 14 business days of approval
  • Refunds will be issued to the original payment method
  • Bank transfer fees or currency conversion charges are the responsibility of the customer

8. Non-Refundable Items

The following are non-refundable under any circumstances:

  • Course materials that have been downloaded or accessed
  • One-on-one consultation sessions that have been completed
  • Administrative and processing fees
  • Third-party services arranged on your behalf

9. Disputes

If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of our service, please contact us immediately. We are committed to resolving issues fairly and promptly. If we cannot reach a satisfactory resolution, you may refer the matter to:

Alternative Dispute Resolution:
Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR)
www.cedr.com

10. Your Consumer Rights

This policy does not affect your statutory rights under UK consumer protection law. For more information about your rights, visit:

  • Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
  • Consumer Rights Act 2015

11. Contact Us

For cancellations, refund requests, or questions about this policy, please contact:

Creative Writing Retreats Ltd
47 Bloomsbury Square
London WC1A 2RA
United Kingdom
Email: hello@creativewritingretreats.co.uk
Tel: +44 20 7946 8352