Crafts, Creativity and Writing Retreats in the Lake District
Renowned for its spectacular scenery and serene ambiance, the Lake District is a sanctuary for creativity and self-expression. Whether you’re an experienced artist, a budding writer, or are simply looking to explore your creative side, there are a wealth of opportunities to engage in crafts, creativity workshops, and writing sessions. Immersing yourself in this stunning environment can ignite your imagination and inspire your artistic spirit. Here, we guide you through various local options that will help unleash your creative potential.
Amy Bateman, British Life Photographer of the Year, rose to fame through the beautiful and fascinating ‘Forty Farms’ project, which explored the diversity of and challenging facing Lakeland farming, through her exquisite photography and interviews. She offers photography workshops in various Lake District locations, some of which are beginner friendly and most of which will require outdoor clothing. Even if you don’t book a workshop, we’d urge you to buy the Forty Farms book for the Lake District enthusiast in your life.
The other renowned local photographer willing to impart knowledge and experience is Stuart McGlennon. You may have seen his gallery on Bank Street near the Post Office (recently moved from opposite George Fisher) – his work is breathtaking and he has been ‘Commended’ and ‘Highly Commended’ year after year in Landscape Photography awards. He will tailor a day of landscape photography tuition to your needs and interests, and his knowledge of the fells and the light conditions is incredible … book early and bring wellies!
Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns is a peaceful, rural, creative venue offering an inspiring range of art, craft and heritage ‘Quirky Workshops’ and courses, from their 17th Century farmhouse in the village of Greystoke, not far from Fornside. Fresh coffees, teas and a tasty lunch are delivered either to the workshop or taken in the garden during summer. Offering everything from floral watercolour painting, textured porcelain projects, stitching creativity, to building your own cob pizza ovens and gardening advice, Greystoke’s Quirky Workshops will certainly fire your imagination. bound to have something up your creative street.
The Makers’ Mill is a former 19th Century Mill in the heart of Keswick, overlooking the River Greta and Fitz Park and housing art galleries, artists’ studios, and a range of workshops. Visitors are welcome to explore the beautiful spaces filled with work in progress and finished pieces, and many of their artists run workshops if you would like to get more involved. Pottery, painting, mosaic making, sewing, ceramics, stained glass … they have all sorts in their upcoming schedule. The courses can be booked either individually, in which case you’ll meet like-minded people when you arrive, or you can book a private group workshop for your creative group.
Rheged is a gallery, café, cinema, shopping venue, workplace and creative space, all housed under a grass roof so that many people drive past on their way to Fornside, without even spotting it! A flexible space for getting together or enjoying time alone with a book or notepad; a place where stories are told, ideas are sparked and the Cumbrian landscape is a constant source of inspiration. Upcoming workshops at Rheged include weaving, sewing, Christmas decorations, portraits in watercolour, oil painting, lino printing, gilding, and jewellery making.
Nearby Whinlatter Forest offers a range of creative workshops throughout the year in this fabulous forest setting. Current listings include an introduction to landscape photography and Christmas wreath-making workshop. There is something for everyone at Whinlatter, from Go Ape to Gruffalo trails to mountain biking and a superb café. Or just take a walk through England’s only mountain forest, lose yourself in the trees and enjoy the occasional vista over Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and the mountains beyond.
If you have tried the wonderful high-end skincare and scent products by Pure Lakes, you may be interested in a masterclass in soap-making or candle-making, using only the finest natural ingredients. Their production is entirely based in Far Sawrey near Windermere but you can buy their products online or in Love the Lakes in Keswick.
The Cowshed Creative is also a little further from Fornside, in the Kentmere Valley near Windermere. Cowshed’s classes are offered to a maximum of 8 students, ensuring plenty of support from your teacher , but offers basket making, oil painting, mixed media painting, repurposing fabric into clothes, enamel crafting, dyeing, mosaic creation and plenty more.
We hope this blog has inspired you to explore the creative workshops available in the Lake District and consider booking a session that resonates with your artistic spirit. Whether you’re looking to delve into pottery, painting, or writing, these experiences promise to enrich your stay. To stay updated on further inspiration in the Lake District, do sign up for our newsletter. Ready to immerse yourself in creativity? Check our cottage availability and make your booking today for a rejuvenating retreat in this stunning region!
