Books, autumn colours, friendly conversations and a little time away from our screens at Holden Clough Nurseries.
Hello again, book lovers and fellow wanderers! I’m delighted to say that I’ll be heading back to Holden Clough Nurseries on Sunday 1 November 2026, joining Promoting Yorkshire Authors (PYA) for another Slow Down Sunday.
November already! Where has the year gone? It seems only yesterday that we were enjoying our first Digital Detox Day back in July. What a lovely day that turned out to be, with people stopping to browse books, discover independent authors and enjoy a proper conversation. Since then, Slow Down Sunday has become a regular opportunity to do something that modern life doesn’t always make easy.
Slow down. Switch off. And enjoy the world around us.
🎄 A Little Early Christmas Shopping!
I know, I know, it’s only the beginning of November, and here I am mentioning Christmas already! But if you’re anything like me, you’ll know how quickly December seems to arrive. If you’re looking for something a little different this Christmas, why not consider giving someone a book by an independent author?
Books make wonderful presents. They can take us on adventures, introduce us to new places, make us laugh, bring back memories or provide a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
I’ll have a selection of my own books available, including walking adventures, poetry and stories for younger readers. Whether you’re buying for an enthusiastic walker, a poetry lover, a keen reader or a youngster who enjoys a good story, you might find just the thing.
And if you’d like a book signed or personally dedicated as a Christmas present, I’ll be very happy to do that!
You’ll also have the opportunity to discover books by other talented independent authors from Promoting Yorkshire Authors. There’s something rather special about giving a book that you’ve chosen personally and having the chance to meet the person who wrote it.
So why not get a little Christmas shopping done while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Holden Clough?
A good book, a personal dedication and a little festive thoughtfulness all wrapped up in one present! 🎁📖
A Sunday without the constant notifications
We spend so much of our time looking at screens, answering messages and rushing from one thing to another. Sometimes it’s rather nice to leave all that behind for a few hours.
Holden Clough, near Bolton-by-Bowland, is a wonderful place to do just that. With its beautiful plants, peaceful surroundings, seasonal displays and the welcoming Reading Room Kitchen, there’s plenty to enjoy at a gentler pace. And with November arriving, there should be a distinctly autumnal feel to the day.
I can think of worse ways to spend a Sunday than wandering among the plants, enjoying something warm to drink and discovering a good book!
Come and meet the authors
I’ll be joining the Promoting Yorkshire Authors (PYA) stall, where visitors can browse books by independent writers, meet authors and enjoy a friendly chat.
I’ll be bringing a selection of my own books, which may include:
- Show Me The Way to Santiago — my walking adventures.
- A Very Alternative Coast to Coast — another journey on foot.
- The Owl and the Mole — a story for younger readers.
- Imprints — my poetry.
There’ll be opportunities to browse, buy books and ask about the stories behind them. And I’m always happy to talk about writing, poetry, walking, publishing or just about anything else!
One of the loveliest things about these events is meeting people who have always wanted to write something themselves.
Sometimes all it takes is a conversation with another writer to make someone think, “Perhaps I really could write that book.”
A little time for yourself
You don’t have to be an avid reader to enjoy Slow Down Sunday.
- Come for the gardens.
- Come for the fresh air.
- Come for a cup of tea and a wander.
- Come to discover an author you’ve never heard of.
- Or simply come because you fancy an afternoon without quite so much rushing about.
Sometimes the most enjoyable moments are the unplanned ones.
Event details
📅 Sunday 1 November 2026
📍 Holden Clough Nurseries
Holden, near Bolton-by-Bowland
Lancashire, BB7 4PF
🕥 Nursery Sunday opening hours: 10:30 am – 4:30 pm
📚 Promoting Yorkshire Authors (PYA) — books, independent authors and friendly conversations.
🌿 Venue: https://www.holdenclough.com/
📖 My website: https://peterkaywordspace.co.uk/
Please check with the venue for any specific stall or event times.
If you’re in the area, I’d love you to come along and say hello.
I’ll be there with my books and, as always, very happy to have a chat.
Come for the books. Stay for the gardens. Leave feeling a little more relaxed.
See you on Sunday 1 November!
Peter Kay
Author | Poet | Walker