Craft retreat weekends

[Springersrock]

I’m turning 50 in a couple of months and I’m dreading it so I’m writing a 50 things to do at 50 list.

I want to go on a weekend craft retreat kind of thing, but I’m struggling a little bit to find anything that floats my boat.

Has anyone been on one and would recommend it?

I’d like accommodation and food all included in a country house or something. Lots of different crafts on offer for little taster courses. Preferably on the south coast.

I don’t really know what I want to do. I want to learn something new, but I don’t know what - I have half a plan that I’d like to turn my old horse’s saddle into a bag, silversmithing, maybe glass blowing or glass fusion. Weaving is currently on my radar too.

I’m a bit of a nightmare for starting hobbies and then getting bored of them as well as starting about a hundred projects that get abandoned quickly so I’d kind of like short, taster sessions where I can make (and finish) something but as a solo weekend away with lots of options.

There’s lots of make a silver bangle afternoon type workshops around me which I can do, but I’ve always fancied a weekend retreat somewhere

Thanks!

I've done a fair few craft classes and best by far have been at West Dean (near Chichester). Sounds perfect for you - C19 huge flint country house. blazing log fires, surprisingly good food and renowned gardens

Check them
out, especially this 'taster' event at ther craft fair. https://www.westdean.ac.uk/media/west-deans-expert-tutors-to-run-taster-workshops-at-design-and-craft-fair

That looks just what I’m looking for - thank you!

I’ve never been but I’ve heard good things anout Dedham Hall.

I second West Dean wholeheartedly.

Apart from the excellent teaching it has the most wonderful atmosphere, acres of stunning gardens, library, bar, beautiful views. I've been on many courses there over the years. I'm lucky enough to live nearby so I've never stayed overnight but most people on the courses do stay and speak highly of the accommodation.. Most people are attending 'solo' and the atmosphere is convivial but there are plenty of quiet corners to escape to for some downtime.

I've only ever been on 'short courses ' which are two or three days learning the same craft. I'm not sure if they offer weekends with lots of taster sessions as such - I'm on their mailing list and haven't noticed any. But if you would like to come away with a proper, finished 'thing' after a couple of days of top quality teaching in a particular craft there's lots of scope for that. The tutors are generally happy (subject to usual elf and safety) for students to go back to the studio after dinner and carry on working under their own steam.