Summer: Poetry at the Abbey workshop
Write your own poetry in a series of creative workshops with poets Jacob Sam-La Rose and Bella Cox, exploring nature, identity, and spirituality in the heart of Westminster.
Step into the poetic heart of Westminster Abbey with three creative writing workshops led by acclaimed poets Jacob Sam-La Rose and Bella Cox. Set in the Abbey’s gardens and spiritual spaces, these sessions are an invitation to connect deeply - with the setting, the past, and your own voice. You’ll be guided through thoughtful prompts exploring themes of Nature, Faith, and Identity in a supportive and welcoming atmosphere. No prior experience needed, just bring your curiosity and a willingness to explore. Come to one workshop or all three, each session offers something unique.
Each session will focus on a different theme:
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Thursday 14th August - Nature in College Garden
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Saturday 23rd August - Faith in the cloisters
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Thursday 28th August - Identity in the cloisters
About Bella Cox
Bella Cox is a British Spanish writer, poet, and performer whose poetry centres around relationships and how personal identity influences politics and ways of loving one another. Her debut poetry pamphlet; Sikiliza was published with Flipped Eye in 2023. She has performed and shared work at events such as TEDx Pretoria, Sköll World Forum, Bi Pride UK, and the Malta Mediterranean Literature Festival, among many others. Her work has also appeared in numerous anthologies, and she has been commissioned to write for institutions such as the Barbican Centre, HSBC UK, Time Out London and others, as well as Westminster Abbey where she was the Poet in Residence for 2023.
About Jacob Sam-La Rose
Jacob Sam-La Rose is a poet, educator, and creative facilitator whose work bridges written word, performance, and community. His poetry has been widely anthologised and translated into Portuguese, Latvian, French, and Dutch. His collection Breaking Silence was shortlisted for multiple awards and is studied at A-level. Alongside his writing, Jacob is known for his work in arts leadership, curriculum design, and participatory practice. He is the founder and lead facilitator of the Barbican Young Poets programme.
Ticketing information
There is a maximum of 25 people per workshop.
This event does not include entry to Westminster Abbey. We recommend looking at the Visit us pages to plan a visit during opening hours.
Age Suitability
Adults and young people over the age of 17 are welcome to attend this event.
Timings
This workshop will last for 2 hours.
Meeting Location
This event will meet at the Cloister Entrance to Westminster Abbey which can be found in Dean’s Yard.
Access and Security
Please have your ticket ready to show our staff (either printed or on your mobile phone).
On your arrival, your bag will be searched and we ask you not to bring any large items with you (for example suitcases, large backpacks or folding bicycles) as these will not be allowed inside and we are unable to store them for you.
The Abbey is committed to creating inclusive and accessible events for all. If you have any access requirements or questions about your visit, please contact us when booking [email protected]
Filming and photography
Please note that filming and sound recording are not permitted at the Abbey. See our photography policy for more information.
Summer at the Abbey
Discover Westminster Abbey in new and unexpected ways this summer. Be inspired with creative workshops, poetry, live music and hidden stories waiting to be uncovered.
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This event has been made possible through the support of Westminster City Council. It is part of Inside Out Festival 2025, a season of cultural programming taking place across Westminster in August 2025. |
