Welcome to Reading Havens by Script Haven!
Our first reading haven will take place 26th – 29th September 2025. We will be staying at the beautiful Angel Hotel, Alton, Hampshire.
Your hotel
Nestled in the breathtaking and idyllic Hampshire countryside and surrounded by the stunning Southdowns National Park, the Angel Hotel is within easy reach of Winchester; with its 11th Century Cathedral (and incidentally the longest cathedral in Europe), Basingstoke; renowned for its shopping centre, and Portsmouth and Southampton
Local attractions include Jane Austen’s House at Chawton, the Watercress Steam Railway at Alton, the Curtis Museum in Alton, Gilbert White’s House at Selborne, St Lawrence’s Church Alton. Highclere Castle that provides the exteriors for the TV show Downton Abbey is less than 45 minutes away.
All rooms are equipped with luxury Hypnos beds, flat-screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities and a modern en-suite bathroom with a power shower and complimentary toiletries provided. You will have your own room – no need to share (however, if you do wish to do so let us know at the time of booking so we can make arrangements). The hotel has accessible rooms but please let us know your specific requirements at the time of booking so we can ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.
The beautiful surroundings of our venue
What happens at our reading haven?
Imagine being able to get lost in the magic of a book with absolutely NO guilt about simply sitting and reading, or to take leisurely walks and explore the local area, absorbing the beauty of your surroundings.
Finding down-time to recharge is increasingly difficult in today’s environment, to unwind and relax, get back in touch with nature, and reap the mental and emotional wellbeing benefits of switching off.
How you choose to read is up to you – book, e-reader, magazines, audiobooks – the choice is yours! Engage with other readers or enjoy quiet time on your own – this is your time to spend how you choose.
This carefully curated package includes everything you need to unwind, connect, and indulge in your passion for reading, where you can come with friends, or make new ones.
There will be a ‘Reading Haven Book’ that everyone is encouraged to read and discuss on the final evening – but don’t worry, if that’s not for you then there’s no obligation to do so. You’re welcome to bring any books you’d like to read, and we will also have a small library on hand for you to choose from as well as a uniquely curated selection of books for you to buy.
There will also be an opportunity to enjoy an evening with a published author, to talk about their writing and reading, and how books have shaped their lives.
Switch off. We understand it’s not practical to leave those electronic devices at home, however, to help you detox you can take advantage of our ‘Device Sitting’ service, whether it’s for a few hours or an afternoon, aiding you to reduce stress and anxiety from being constantly online.
Included in the price
- 3 nights accommodation
- Breakfast Saturday, Sunday & Monday
- Meet & Greet on arrival with welcome drink
- Gift bags
- Book fair
- Activities
- Bespoke leaving gift
Extras available (chargeable)
- Discounted excursion to Jane Austen’s House (subject to availability – an alternative may be offered. Must be selected at time of booking)
- Lunches and evening meals
- Drinks
Schedule
Day 1 – Arrival: Friday 26th Sept
§ From 5:00pm – Arrival & Welcome Reception
§ 8:00pm – Welcome Dinner
Day 2 – Saturday 27th Sept
§ 8:00am – 10am Breakfast available
The morning is free reading time
§ From 11:30am – Explore Alton including its beautiful independent bookshops, meeting for lunch at 12:30pm
§ 2:00pm – Excursion to Jane Austen’s House (NB or alternative if unavailable)
OR
spend some time on your own, whether you wish to read, reflect, or explore the surrounding area. We can make recommendations for you of places of interest to help you choose.
§ 5:00pm – Book Discussion or Quiet Time. Join in a group discussion about the book you’re currently reading or enjoy some peaceful personal reading time.
§ 7:00pm – Dinner with an Author
§ 9:30pm – Evening Relaxation : spend time unwinding, quiet reading, or board game
Day 3 – Sunday
§ 8:00am – 10am Breakfast available
§ The morning is free reading time
§ 12:30pm –Lunch in Alton
§ 2:00pm – Craft activities
OR
spend some time on your own, whether you wish to read, reflect, or explore the surrounding area.
§ 5:00pm – Book Discussion or Quiet Time. Join in a group discussion about the Reading Haven book or enjoy some peaceful personal reading time.
§ 7:00pm – Last evening dinner with quiz
§ 9:30pm – Evening Relaxation : spend time unwinding, quiet reading, or board games.
Day 4 – Departure: Monday
§ 7:00am – 9:00am Breakfast available
§ Enjoy a final delicious breakfast prepared for you, allowing time for last reflections and farewells
§ 10:00 AM – Departure
Costs:
£480 p.p. PLUS £10 optional charge for excursion. Lunches, evening meals, drinks payable at the venue.
20% deposit at time of booking (£96 – £106 with excursion). Remaining balance (£384) to be paid no later than 29th August (non-payment of the balance by this date forfeits your reservation and deposit).
Cancellation:
By 28th June : 100% deposit refund
By 27th August : 50% deposit refund
After 27th August : 0% deposit refund
(If we have to cancel the retreat all monies will be refunded)
Payment is via Bank Transfer – details on the booking form
How to book: Complete our form here
Getting there: The Angel Hotel, Gosport Road, Privett, Alton, Hampshire GU34 3NN
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If coming by car, there is an 80-space car park (fully covered by CCTV) on-site, which is free subject to availability. Please be aware, cars and contents are left at the owner’s risk.
By train: Petersfield station – 14 mins (car) / Alton station – 15 mins (car)
There are no bus services or taxi ranks outside the stations. A taxi can be booked (Alton Taxis is approximately £40 – Uber approximately £20) – we can arrange to collect you if you let us know in advance what time you will be arriving. We would prefer to collect you in small groups of 2-3 people to save journey time (and fuel!) so will liaise with you before the day to make arrangements if you wish us to pick you up.