Craft Weekend Retreat 2025
- Saturday 8th - Sunday 9th March 2025
- East Sussex National hotel, near Uckfield, East Sussex, UK
- Residential places from £395
- Approx 25-35 people
If crafting is your thing, this weekend will be absolute heaven. Two days of fabulous craft projects, with everything laid on for you. And all taking place in a beautiful spa hotel.
This really is about having unadulterated fun, with no responsibilities. Come with a friend, or book for yourself and meet lovely people who share your enjoyment of a good ‘make’.
There’s loads of varied content and skills to learn (details below), but this a relaxed retreat with a flexible schedule. You’re welcome to take a break and enjoy a dip in the pool whenever you wish. This is time for you.
In addition to the core activities there will be some little surprises added in along the way, as time permits. There will also be a weekend activity that you can pick up and put down in those quieter moments. One thing’s for sure, you won’t be bored!
The venue
TheEast Sussex National Hotel is set within 1,100 acres of quintessential English countryside, and features two peaceful golf courses. Don’t forget your swimming costume if you want to make use of the Horsted Health Club and Spa.
Every bedroom has stunning views of the estate, en suite bathroom (shower and bath), TV, Wifi, tea- and coffee-making facilities, complementary toiletries, iron and hairdryer.
The cost shown is based on sharing a twin room, but if you’d prefer a room to yourself it’s just £60 more.
All your meals in the excellent hotel restaurant are included too.
A sociable space for crafting
Our dedicated retreat room is large, light and airy, and filled with the happy hum of conversation. You’ll have your own workspace, with plenty of room for your projects.
A chance to try out new techniques
We’ll let you know about specific projects soon. The emphasis may be on fun, but you’ll still be picking up skills that you can return to when the retreat is over.
We’ll demonstrate each project clearly, and will be on hand to make sure you feel confident with the techniques you’re using.
Please note that the exact projects are subject to change – we’ll let you know if there are any amendments.
What level of ability is the retreat for?
What do I need to bring? What equipment is provided?
You just need to bring yourself. All materials and supplies for the activities this weekend are included.
Your weekend in detail
Day 1
Arrival at 9:30 for a 10am start.
Our first project is bang on-trend: We will be weaving! We are delighted to welcome back the lovely Lucy Rowan, who joined us last year for punch needle. Lucy is local textile designer and brings with her a wealth of experience and inspiration. Â Lucy will go through all the tools and materials needed and explain about different yarn choices and show you how to transfer your design to get ready for the fun bit. Weaving is incredibly meditative and there are endless opportunities for creativity. A selection of materials will be available to work with but if wish to bring any yarns, cords, ropes with you to personalise your project that is absolutely fine and will only add to the experience.
A hot and cold buffet lunch will be served between 1 and 2pm.
The afternoon has an arty vibe, but you do not need to be able to draw or paint. Using tried and tested techniques created by book illustrator Jennie Maizels we will create an original piece of artwork. During this afternoon session we will remove the fear of a blank page, starting with a finished example you will be given full instructions and reference sheets so you can create the same design yourself. This is a session to relax into, we will use creative techniques to produce some wonderful finished pieces.
The day is flexible so there will also be time in the afternoon to continue with your weaving project.
Tea, coffee and cordial will be available throughout the day.
A three-course dinner will be served in a private area, following which you can relax in the bar or enjoy the hotel facilities.
Day 2
Start your day with the hotel’s full English or continental breakfast, served between 7am and 9:30am. You’ll have access to the retreat room from 9am, with time to work on the bonus weekend project if you choose. Or treat yourself to a lie-in.
At 10am, we’ll start our second day with a modern calligraphy workshop. This is a skill you may have realised you need. Calligraphy literally means ‘the art of beautiful writing’. During the course of this morning session learn how hold your tool and approach the page, Soon you’ll be creating elegant stationery, cards, tags and more.
No experience is needed and you do not need to have beautiful handwriting!
We’ll enjoy another buffet lunch at 12:30.
We are keeping the afternoon session a surprise, who doesn’t like a little surprise, but needless to say it will be fun, creative and something that you can take home alongside a skill you can use again and again.
Your retreat will draw to a close at 4pm.
Please note that these details are subject to variation, but they do give you a good idea of what to expect.
Meet your tutors
Sarah Brangwyn
Louise Cray
Lucy Rowan
Laura Tindorf
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person.
50% deposit is payable at time of booking with the balance due on 31st January 2025. Please note that the deposit is non-refundable.
If full payment has not been received by31st January 2025 we reserve the right to reallocate your place.
The price includes:
- one night’s accommodation at the East Sussex National Hotel.Â
- all activities and materials
- buffet lunch and three-course evening meal on day one
- breakfast and buffet lunch on day two
- refreshments served throughout each day
- free use of the health club 7am to 8pm, including pool, spa pool, sauna and steam room. (Treatments at the award-winning Horsted Spa can be booked separately.)
- free parking
- free Wifi throughout the hotel.
If you’d like to extend your stay, you’re welcome to book with the hotel independently.
Refunds & Cancellations
If you change your mind, or are unable to attend for any reason, please let us know, in writing, as soon as possible.
We will give you a full refund if your place can be taken by someone else. If this is not possible then we regret that no refund will be possible.
In the unlikely event that we have to cancel the retreat you will receive a full refund.
