I knew from the moment I heard about Tŷ Newydd that I had stumbled across something incredible. Nestled in the green countryside of North Wales, Tŷ Newydd is an escape from the real world — a place where writers can get lost in their imaginations and find the peace and clarity they need to bring their ideas to life. And that tranquillity is felt all around from the moment you pass through the gate. 

I decided to come to Tŷ Newydd for work experience as I wanted to see the behind-the-scenes work involved in running such a place. The members of staff here at Tŷ Newydd are some of the nicest and most hardworking people I have ever met, and the warm welcome I received from them when I arrived let me know that the week I was going to spend here would be incredible.  

On Monday, I was given a tour of the house and grounds, where I got a chance to see all the rooms available for guests to stay in. I was also introduced to the online systems that keep the staff connected, and even got access to the Tŷ Newydd website in order to check that everything is up to date. Getting to see the work that goes into preparing the house and courses was incredibly interesting to see, and it has given me a new perspective on what it takes to run a business. I was provided with a list of activities that I could pick-and-choose to complete throughout the week, along with odd jobs that the staff need help with — for example, helping to tidy up the library and make sure that the books were in the alphabetical order they are supposed to be in. As guests were arriving in the afternoon, I helped with making sure the rooms were cleaned and prepared for them. And when the guests did start to turn up, I helped with showing some of them to their rooms. I really enjoyed meeting the writers that had come from all over to visit Tŷ Newydd, especially the two tutors for the week; Owen Sheers and Isabel Galleymore. 

Tuesday was a little less busy since all the guests and tutors had now arrived and settled, and the course for the week (Everything Change – Writing the Climate) had begun. I stayed in the office most of the day, working on some of the tasks on my list. One task was preparing a questionnaire to send out to the school groups that had recently visited Tŷ Newydd for courses, to gain their feedback that will help the staff know if there is anything that needs attention or improvement. I then emailed the form to the teachers at each school and kept an eye on the responses as they slowly started coming in with positive and honest feedback. I then began working on creating an information pack for Nant about attractions and shops available in the local area. And I also got to have a wonderful conversation with Mared about a wonderful poetry project she has in the works with the National Poet of Wales, Hanan Issa. 

Wednesday was very relaxed, and I managed to complete both the English and Welsh copies of the information pack for Nant. I very much enjoyed working on this project as I got to learn more about the area of Llanystumdwy and Criccieth. I also checked up on the responses for the feedback survey and looked over the answers and comments left by the school groups.  

On Thursday morning I did some more organising in the library, sorting through the English poetry shelves and making sure everything was in its place. I then spent most of the day writing up this blog and checking over my list. I then took a break in the afternoon and spent some time in the garden working on one of my writing projects. The garden is overflowing with beautiful greenery and hidden nooks where you can sit. It is so tranquil, and it really helped me to get into a creative headspace — and it gave me a great taste as to what spending a weeklong retreat here would be like! 

And finally, Friday. The guests had all left and it was time to clean the house from top to bottom. I helped in clearing and cleaning the kitchen and general tidying of the house. Again, the hard work of all the staff here will never fail to amaze me, and seeing the care that they put into everything they do is inspiring. 

I have had such an amazing week here and I would like to thank everyone at Tŷ Newydd for everything they’ve done. Lora, I have loved working alongside you in the office (and I love your taste in music!). Mared, I really enjoyed our conversation and I really hope that your idea gets out into the world, it is an incredible idea and I wish you all the best! Leusa, I loved our little walk and chat, it was wonderful hearing about the architecture of the house and thank you for your wonderful advice on the future. Tony, I only met you a couple of times, but I greatly admire all that you do here. The responses from the school groups had nothing but positive things to say about you! (Also, your biscuits were absolutely delicious!) And Miriam, thank you for absolutely everything you have done for me, you are so, so incredible, and this week would not have been possible without you. Thank you!! 

I will never forget the phenomenal experience that I’ve had here, and I’m sure that I will be back at some point in the future!