This winter, at Chelsea Physic Garden, experience the darker side of nature in a creative writing workshop that fuses folklore, history, and the paranormal.

Set against the atmospheric backdrop of London’s oldest botanical garden, where rare plants slumber and shadows lengthen, you’ll join a group of budding writers to craft your own flash fiction inspired by the Garden’s haunting beauty. You’ll listen to spooky stories, enliven your senses, and practice writing techniques within a supernatural framework.

Over the afternoon and into the early evening you will delve into the art of ghostly storytelling, explore local botanical folklore, and unlock your senses to create spine-tingling tales. Led by Helen Haxell-White, this workshop will provide a supportive space to experiment with supernatural themes, using the Garden’s history and plant life as a source of inspiration.

Part 1: Foundations

The session begins with an exploration of what makes a great ghost story. Helen will guide a discussion on the essential elements of suspense, atmosphere, and character development, as well as share classic botanical ghost stories to spark creativity. The group will participate in a playful game of Consequences, collaboratively crafting eerie flash fiction inspired by the garden’s unique plants.

Part 2: Sensory Inspiration to Create Atmosphere

Next, we shift focus to character development and sensory inspiration. Through a guided mindfulness walk in the Tropical Glasshouse, you’ll use your senses to explore the garden in a new way, noting what you hear, smell, touch, taste, and see. These sensory experiences will serve as the foundation for crafting evocative scenes, helping you bring a supernatural touch to your writing.

Part 3: Crafting the Tale

After a refreshment break, you’ll put pen to paper, using the ideas and sensations gathered to start writing your ghost story. Helen will be on hand to provide prompts and support, encouraging peer feedback and discussion to help you shape your narrative.

Part 4: Sharing the Story

Finally, participants will gather in the glasshouses after hours, to share their stories, if they wish. Amidst tropical plants, poison beds, and the glow of green of the glasshouse, we will listen to each other’s tales, providing constructive feedback in a supportive, creative environment.

Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced writer looking to try something new, this workshop will help you connect with the natural world and explore the mysterious and the unknown.

Spaces are limited, so book early to secure your spot and let your paranormal imagination bloom within the ancient walls of Chelsea Physic Garden.

Tutor Bio:

Helen Haxell-White  

Helen Haxell-White is a professional storyteller who runs creative writing workshops on the paranormal in Somerset, where she is based. Originally from Suffolk, ghost stories and the paranormal have been under her skin from an early age. Helen can often be found after dark, exploring historical monuments and dark woods to get her heart racing and feel the fear for creative inspiration.

Helen is currently finalising her ghost story anthology, titled 33 Ghosts, which is a collection of flash fiction for the digital age.

Booking Information:

• Cost: £25 (includes all materials and Garden entry)
• Location: Inside our upstairs Gallery (this space is not wheelchair accessible—please contact us regarding accessibility) and outdoors; we recommend dressing for the Great British Weather.
• You’re welcome to explore the Garden before the workshop begins.