Craft Weekend Retreat 2027
- Saturday 13th - Sunday 14th March 2027
- East Sussex National hotel, near Uckfield, East Sussex, UK
- £325 non residential
- 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 without any formality.
We do not include accommodation as standard so that you can choose from a variety of local options at a rate to suit your budget.
The venue
TheEast Sussex National Hotel is set within 1,100 acres of quintessential English countryside, and features two peaceful golf courses. Daytime meals are included and there is an optional evening meal at the Venue.
Please note that you NEED TO BOOK YOUR OWN ACCOMDATION at either the venue or one of the other accommodation options nearby. Some of the options are below listed in order of proximity to the venue.
East Sussex National – VENUE – The venue has given us a 15% discount code* available on booking. This will be included within your booking confirmation email. (* subject to hotel terms and conditions)
Horsted Place Hotel – Uckfield
Premier Inn – Uckfield
Chequers Hotel – Maresfield
Travel Lodge – Hellingly
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
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 are delighted to welcome back the lovely Lucy Rowan, who joined us on previous years for punch needle and tapestry weaving. This year Lucy is going to guide us through macrame and we will be making a gorgeous plant hanger. The beauty of this project is that you get to try a number of techniques that you can scale up or down into other projects and ideas. Lucy will show you all the best techniques and options. A selection of materials will be available to work with.
A hot and cold buffet lunch will be served between 1 and 2pm.
The afternoon session is going to be dedicated to needle felting! We have our wonder felting tutor Suzy joining us for the afternoon and we will be needlefelting a sheep! Suzy will be able to guide you through creating a 3d form and the best techniques to use. From there we will be building up shape and body and there will be a selection of wools and fleece to choose from ensuring everyone sheep is different!
The afternoon will be incredibly flexible and will be the ideal time to book yourself a treat in the onsite Spa if you wish.
Tea and coffee will be available throughout the day.
In the evening there is an option for you to stay for a three-course dinner which will be served in a private area. Whilst this is not compulsory it is a great opportunity to get to know your fellow attendees better and swap your favourite crafting tips.
Day 2
If you decide to stay over at our venue you can 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 any unfinished projects from day one. Or treat yourself to a lie-in.
At 10am, we’ll start our second day with a fun art illustration workshop.
Our talented tutor Laura will guide you through an arty project but no previous skill is required. It can be incredibly nervous looking at a blank page but we are going to take away those nerves. We are going to show you how to create a super image using step by step instructions which will give you insight to techniques used and you will be amazed at what you can produce.
Another hot and cold buffet will be served between 12:30 and 1:30pm.
Our last activity of the day will be led by Sarah and Louise and is a super popular Liberty No Sew Baubles. You will be provided with everything you need to make a pack of 6 which you can either keep for yourself or make as a present for someone else. These baubles are highly addictive and look amazing using the Liberty fabrics. This session is incredibly flexible allowing of any early departures if you have a long journey home.
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.
If booking with a 50% deposit note that the balance due on 31st January 2027. Please note that bookings are non-refundable.
If full payment has not been received by 31st January 2027 we reserve the right to reallocate your place.
The price includes:
- all activities and materials
- buffet lunch on both days
- refreshments served throughout each day
- free parking
- free Wifi throughout the hotel.
If you choose to book your accomdation at the Venue then you will benefit from 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.)
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.
