Testimonials
Here’s a selection of our most recent testimonials. If you’d like to contribute a quote, please email us on tynewydd@literaturewales.org
“Ty Newydd is a wonderful place. It feels such a privilege to spend time there, away from normal life, concentrating on every aspect of your writing. Returning home afterwards felt like a wrench away from something magical.”
– 2022 Course Participant
“This has to be the best writing course I’ve been on – and I’ve done loads over the years, including an MA.”
– 2022 Course Participant
“I just know that the effects of this course will continue to come back to me year after year.”
– 2022 Course Participant
“My favourite thing was having such comfortable surroundings and time to write.”
– 2020 Course Participant
“I was able to structure my own time in beautiful surroundings and then being fed wonderful food.”
– 2020 Course Participant
“Everything was great – the course, the feedback, the food and the location.”
– 2019 Course Participant
“My favourite thing was the sense of community, the welcome and tranquillity of the location.”
– 2019 Course Participant
“I loved the company of others and the support from tutors and other course participants.”
– 2019 Course Participant
“Beautiful location near to the sea.”
– 2019 Course Participant
“Wonderful place, and very welcoming.”
– 2019 Course Participant
“Lovely to be able to concentrate on my writing in peace.”
– 2019 Course Participant
“An extremely warm atmosphere.”
– 2019 Course Participant
“It is a beautiful house with splendid views.”
– 2019 Course Participant
“An opportunity to learn and to focus on writing in such lovely surroundings. Everyone was very helpful and welcoming.”
– 2019 Course Participant
“Great atmosphere with like-minded people.”
– 2019 Course Participant
“Go for it. Tŷ Newydd is a stunning place in a beautiful area which radiates creative energy. The price is worth it for the food! Tony is a culinary genius!”
– 2018 Course Participant
“It’s definitely worth doing just for the workshops, for meeting other writers and for the lovely setting and atmosphere at Tŷ Newydd.”
– 2018 Course Participant
“Tŷ Newydd is a beautiful place and brings out the creative side in everyone. I found my time at Tŷ Newydd to be enjoyable, useful and memorable. Treat yourself and do it.”
– 2018 Course Participant
“Just do it! Take the opportunity to spend time reflecting on your work in the company of inspiring people, and in a truly inspiring place. Be prepared to work hard, be open to learning new things, and to having fun.”
– 2018 Course Participant
“Don’t think about it, do it. It is an experience. If you are not certain about your direction, this will help you focus on it. It’s not as scary as you think.”
– 2018 Course Participant
“Do it! It’s a wonderful environment, and easily the most useful as well as enjoyable thing I’ve done to help my writing.”
– 2018 Course Participant
“It will be an inspiring week alongside other developing writers in beautiful surroundings with a supportive staff, that will probably change your life.”
– 2018 Course Participant
“Just do it; it will enhance your life in many different ways.”
– 2018 Course Participant
“Do it! As well as the focused period of writing, and excellent tuition, you will make a lot of contacts with other writers and these can be invaluable in exploring mutual opportunities for publication and readings. You will gather a lot of material for drawing on later. You will enjoy the wonderful Dwyfor valley, the coast and surrounding countryside. The accommodation is comfortable … and the food very enjoyable! (Sorry, that’s longer than a sentence!)”
– 2018 Course Participant
“Tŷ Newydd is an amazing place. When I walk through the door I feel that I am coming home.”
– 2018 Course Participant
“It will be the best thing you ever choose to do.”
– 2018 Course Participant
“A superb and transformative course. I am so glad to have met Carol-Ann and Gillian. They have offered me poetry opportunities I never thought possible.”
– 2018 Spring Poetry Masterclass
“The course was excellent. If you don’t get these guys back on a regular basis you’re making a big mistake!”
– 2018 Song and Lyric Writing
“The tutors were a fantastic team. Belinda and Jasper were brilliant; it was fun as well as a learning curve. They were engaging and generous with their time. Outstanding course!”
– 2018 Crime Fiction
“This course kick started my novel, can’t thank you enough.”
– 2017 A Novel Journey Participant
“My favourite thing about the course was the people, and the door opening to a world I had being trying to reach for some time.”
– Short and Long Fiction Participant 2017
“Excellent. Lots of suggestions and useful tips and ideas. Excellent idea to get delegates helping in the kitchen – and now I can make soda bread!! Lovely food and great company.”
– 2017 A Novel Journey Participant
“My favourite thing was the chance to switch off from ‘normal’ life and focus on my own work.”
– Short or Long Fiction Participant 2017
“My favourite thing about the course was spending a week as part of a community of educated writers. We worked hard and that was great. Thank you for welcoming me from Texas. I’ll spread the word!”
– 2017 Poetry Masterclass Participant
“Carol Ann and Gillian were phenomenal, and very generous with their advice. The interaction with the other participants and the tutors was priceless. Thank you all for a wonderful experience.”
– 2017 Poetry Masterclass Participant
“My favourite thing? Tony’s incredible food, the beautiful scenery, and the wonderful staff and tutors.”
– 2017 Poetry Masterclass Participant
“Being part of this course was an honour, my brain hurts!”
– 2017 Poetry Masterclass Participant
“The exercise generated such material! And the staff were so accommodating. Thank you for the yoga mat; Tŷ Newydd was a perfect, quiet place to do yoga exercises to prepare for the writing workshops.”
– 2017 Poetry Masterclass Participant
“I appreciated the affirmation of progress, support, humour, appreciation and constructive feedback”
– 2017 Poetry Masterclass Participant
Highlights: I’m trying not to say Tony’s cooking…but that is a total highlight. There were others – the teachers, the delightful staff, lovely accommodation. I just love this place!”
– 2017 Poetry Masterclass Participant
“Tŷ Newydd is a wonderful venue, as good as Arvon, if not better. But cheaper! Think of Ty Newydd as a cultural ambassador for Wales!”
– Mindfulness and Writing Participant 2017
“The warmest welcome”
– Mindfulness and Writing Participant 2017
“I loved the tutors, and the walk down to Cricieth Beach. You guys are awesome.”
– 2017 Poems after Poems Participant
“Food was delicious. Venue was great. The bed was comfy.”
– 2017 Poetry and Dementia Course
“It was a very informative course with two friendly and talented tutors. Excellent catering and accommodation, a peaceful venue.”
– 2017 A Novel Journey Participant
“Very much enjoyed the course , we worked through a lot of content. The tutors were friendly and knowledgeable. Food was excellent. Enjoyed my kitchen shift and working with Tony was good fun. The house and grounds were beautiful. It was great to be working at such an intense level but to do so in such a lovely setting, with such a friendly and supportive vive was something very special. All the staff at Tŷ Newydd were really helpful and welcoming.”
– 2017 A Novel Journey Participant
“Very helpful and uplifting course. Staff were very friendly and clearly liked their jobs. I liked that you sent all of us emails before the course with detailed instructions.”
– 2017 A Novel Journey Participant
“I loved the location, the food was wonderful, and the course too. A.L.Kennedy was fantastic”
– 2017 A Novel Journey Participant
“Inspirational”
– 2017 A Novel Journey Participant
“Very good course. Well-structured with plenty of relevant material. Tutors worked well together as a team. The social feeling of togetherness that developed in the group was a highlight, and I learned a lot from them as well as the tutors. Great venue and location. Informed, capable staff. A.L.Kennedy was a hoot and tutors were clearly passionate about their work. Diolch!”
– 2017 A Novel Journey Participant
“The tutor was outstanding – I’ve been twice before and learn more and more each time. Kaite is rigorous, supportive and exciting to work with. Accommodation perfect. Food fabulous. Atmosphere magic. The garden and Maggie the cat a highlight. Delighted to be back – everyone so warm and welcoming. Special thanks to Tony for his fabulous meals.”
– 2017 Writing for Performance Participant
“I was very pleased by the comfortable and well decorated room, and felt that the way we had the full run of the house, space and facilities without interruption or distraction was special.”
– 2017 Writing for Performance Participant
“Inspiring. The right balance for me of support and challenge. All staff are so supportive, helpful and friendly. Food superb. Magical surroundings. Felt at home, thank you.”
– 2017 Writing for Performance Participant
“The company of like-minded people was an encouragement.”
– Short or Long Fiction Participant 2017
“Highlight? The spaces – so many inspiring, quiet, beautiful places to be.”
– Short or Long Fiction Participant 2017
“This has been an extremely valuable and wonderful experience! The lodgings are clean and comfortable and the house really does feel like home. The staff gracious and extremely helpful, especially with me being from the USA! The tutors professional and personable, everyone who attended were special.”
– Short or Long Fiction Participant 2017
“I enjoyed stepping out in to the garden with a view of the sea.”
– Short or Long Fiction Participant 2017
“The TN staff are truly wonderful. Thank you for making my stay extra special.”
– Short or Long Fiction Participant 2017
“Extremely good tutors. Room was beautiful, place spectacular, food wonderful. The library was my favourite room, and the grounds were lovely.”
– Short or Long Fiction Participant 2017
“Both tutors were amazing, generous, very smart and encouraging. I have been on courses when the author-tutors were not so skilled or supportive so this has been wonderful. Mavis and Francesca worked so well together, great complimentary experiences. I loved my room and had a lovely welcome from the staff who were very helpful.”
– Short or Long Fiction Participant 2017
“Tŷ Newydd is the best writing centre in the UK – it has the best location, staff, organisation and food. It would be hard to improve. I think everyone appreciates the friendly, helpful and laid-back attitude of the staff which really sets the tone and makes everyone feel comfortable, supported and free!”
– NAWE Retreat Participant 2017
“Catering was really brilliant – Tony kept us well fed and catered for a wide variety of food intolerances”
– NAWE Retreat Participant 2017
“Highlights: I’m tempted to say the food. But that was only part of feeling safe and nourished by the group, the staff, the house and Tony.”
– NAWE Retreat Participant 2017
“My favourite things were beautiful surroundings, great company, brilliant vegan food by Tony and being able to get on with lots of work.”
– NAWE Retreat Participant 2017
“The solitude helped me to focus on my projects in addition to the setting, and being around other writers.”
– NAWE Retreat Participant 2017
“Visiting Tŷ Newydd always feels like coming home. Everyone is so lovely.”
– 2016 Storytelling Retreat Participant
“The tuition was fantastic. I came here to find inspiration for my next poetry collection. I left happy knowing I’d found it.”
– 2016 Sky in the Eye Participant
“I loved every part of my Tŷ Newydd experience. They helped me find my voice, my passion and my energy.”
– 2016 Poems about People Participant
“I could live here. It’s so beautiful and relaxing. I couldn’t have been more pleased.”
– 2016 Writing for YA Participant
“My favourite thing about the course was the enclosed atmosphere and being wrapped in stories.”
– Storytelling from the Start Participant 2017
“My highlight of the course was the ambience – a beautiful setting with such a lovely group of people.”
– Storytelling from the Start Participant 2017
“I’ve had such a lovely weekend. Thank you!”
– Storytelling from the Start Participant 2017
“… the tutors, the participants, the location, the food, the welcome team… everything has been great! Keep up the good work.”
– Storytelling from the Start Participant 2017
“The course was inspirational. Thank you!”
– Storytelling from the Start Participant 2017
“I’ll be back…!”
– Storytelling from the Start Participant 2017
“The course was excellent and well-organized. There is really nothing you could’ve done better.”
– Storytelling from the Start Participant 2017
“It was a privilege to be taught by such expert tutors.”
– Communicating Flavour Participant 2016
“The course was absolutely amazing. It was like being in a real creative bubble.”
– Communicating Flavour Participant 2016
“The course totally exceeded all expectations. I came to draw and to paint and did so much more. Both tutors were amazing.”
– Communicating Flavour Participant 2016
“The course was amazing, absolutely fantastic. The tutors were wonderful. I feel as if my poetry has moved on as a result – I feel like a real poet now!”
– 2016 Spring Masterclass Participant
“Tony’s food was delicious, and I loved helping out in the kitchen. The building is amazing offering so many creative places to write.”
– 2016 Spring Masterclass Participant
“I have never felt so welcomed and made myself at home so quickly before. I really appreciated getting feedback on a poem each day, this was very valuable.”
– 2016 Spring Masterclass Participant
“As a veggie with food intolerances, staying anywhere can be such a headache. I was so pleased to find a chef that understood all of this and not only made it simple, but tasty too. Thank you, Tony, you’re a star.”
– 2016 Spring Masterclass Participant
“The veggie food was wonderful! On some courses this is an afterthought. So thank you, Tony!”
– 2016 Spring Masterclass Participant
“My favourite thing about the course was the people, including all Tŷ Newydd employees who were unfailingly helpful as well as both tutors and participants. I felt cared for.”
– 2016 Spring Masterclass Participant
“My en-suite room was perfectly lovely, as well as the good, honest food.”
– 2016 Spring Masterclass Participant
“A very magical experience created by both tutors and participants.”
– 2016 Storytelling Retreat Participant
“The tutors worked so incredibly hard – we did so much in such a small timeframe.”
– 2016 Storytelling Retreat Participant
“I’d like to experience it all again. I wish I’d booked an extra 2 nights here to contemplate all that I had learned. This was my fourth course at Tŷ Newydd and definitely the best one yet!”
– 2016 Poems about People Participant
“A fantastic week! Really homely atmosphere and fantastic food. The small group sizes and the fact that you could help yourself to anything in the kitchen were the best bits.”
– 2016 Poetry Bootcamp Participant
“Incredible tutors. Knowledgeable and progressive and very interested in their pupils and their work. Tŷ Newydd staff were excellent, very welcoming and kind. Thank you!”
– 2016 Poetry Bootcamp Participant
“It was an excellent course, with comfortable rooms, welcoming staff, friendly participants and great food!”
– 2016 Autumn Masterclass Participant
“Superb learner centred approach by the tutors. Outstanding teaching and group work. I’ll be back soon.”
– 2016 Writing Radio Drama Participant
“This course has been fantastic in so many ways. I’ve learned SO MUCH. Thank you!”
– 2016 Writing Radio Drama Participant
“It was exactly what I needed. Inspirational and such good fun.”
– 2016 Storytelling from the Start Participant
“What an absolutely wonderful course full of useful information and practical experience.”
– 2016 Storytelling from the Start Participant
“A wonderful week with excellent tutoring and feedback from co-participants.”
– USW Retreat 2016 Participant
“The location is fantastic. I loved being surrounded by books and a house full of literature.”
– USW Retreat 2016 Participant
“I love how all the staff are so passionate about their jobs. It really makes a difference.”
– Participant on the BGJ Retreat 2016
“Some of my favourite things about my stay was the beautiful sunrise, the walks to the coast and up the river, the lovely cosy welcome of the house, quiet spaces and the wonderful food.”
– Participant on the BGJ Retreat 2016