Autumn Intensive Residential Retreat: October 2026

Autumn Intensive Residential Retreat: October 2026

A unique opportunity to spend a week with Tracy Franklin and Jenny Adin-Christie with exclusive use of an 800 year old stately home.

October 4-12, 2026

Askham Hall

Lake District

Multi-discipline

From £6,750

Deposit £500

Refund Policy and Terms

With the Following Tutors

Jenny Adin-Christine
Jenny Adin-Christine
Tracy Franklin
Tracy Franklin

Retreat Overview

Join us for an enriching autumn retreat at Askham Hall, set in the heart of the stunning English Lake District. From October 4-12 2026, immerse yourself in a tranquil environment that blends historic charm with modern luxury. Participants will enjoy five days of intensive stitching workshops led by esteemed tutors Jenny Adin-Christie and Tracy Franklin.

Nestled in the picturesque village of Askham, this family-owned country house hotel offers elegant accommodation, exquisite gardens, and award-winning dining. Connect with like-minded embroiderers, explore scenic walking trails, and indulge your creativity with this relaxing getaway. Secure your spot for this unforgettable experience.

The Details

Full Itinerary

October 4-12, 2026

Day 1 - TRAVEL & ARRIVAL
Retreat starts at 1pm in Edinburgh. Travel by coach to Askham Hall. Arrival at Askham for afternoon tea

Day 2 - FULL DAY TUITION
Classes with Tracy or Jenny

Day 3 - FULL DAY TUITION
Classes with Tracy or Jenny

Day 4 - EXCURSION

Day 5 - FULL DAY TUITION
Classes with Tracy or Jenny

Day 6 - FREE STITCHING DAY
A day to stitch and make progress on your design, with tutors available for guidance and support. Optional local afternoon trip.

Day 7 - FULL DAY TUITION
Classes with Tracy or Jenny

Day 8 - FREE STITCHING DAY
A day to stitch and make progress on your design, with tutors available for guidance and support. Optional local morning trip.

Day 9 - FAREWELL
Retreat ends at Askham Hall at 9am. Onward travel included to: Penrith Train Station, Edinburgh Airport and Edinburgh Hotel (city centre)

Arrival & Departure

Arrival: The retreat will officially begin at 1pm on Saturday 4th October 2026 at our Edinburgh Hotel, were we will meet to travel south Askham Hall together.

Departure: The retreat will end at 9am at Askham Hall on Sunday 12th October 2026. Onward travel will be provided to Penrith Train Station, Edinburgh Airport and our original Edinburgh Hotel (city centre).

Tuition

At this unique retreat, students will spend a whole week with one of two tutors, who will accompany you on an immersive needlework experience!

Tracy Franklin - In this, our first collaboration with Tracy, we are delighted to bring you an exclusive opportunity to replicate an embroidered 17th century casket from the Burrell Collection, Glasgow. Tracy is currently replicating one panel from the casket to teach during the retreat. We are pleased to be partnering with the Burrell Collection, who will receive a portion of the proceeds of each sale to support the preservation of the original embroidery.

Jenny Adin-Christie - We are thrilled to work once again with Jenny on an exciting collaboration. Jenny will be offering her take on an exquisite embroidered trinket box in the private embroidery collection of Levens Hall, Cumbria. The original box is completed in intricate tent stitch with metal thread detail. Jenny will interpret the design in her usual, brilliant way with exceptional attention to detail with the highest quality finish. Proceeds of the sale of this design will be given to Levens Hall to support the preservation of the original embroidery.

What's Included

Accommodation & Food
8 nights full board accommodation at Askham Hall.

Tuition & Kits
6 full stitching days, workshop kits, loan of a frames, magnifying light and other equipment, refreshments during class, and a goody bag.

Excursions & Lectures
Stately home and castle visits, day out in the Lake District, lectures and informal stitching sessions, as well as optional walks and Lake District visits.

Travel
Coach travel to and from Edinburgh airport and necessary travel as per the programme.

The Tutors

Jenny Adin-Christie & Tracy Franklin

A highly-experienced duo of expert tutors will accompany students during this retreat. Tracey Franklin and Jenny Adin-Christie are two of the world’s most experienced and celebrated embroidery tutors, making this a truly unique opportunity for needlework enthusiasts.

With over 60 years of expertise between them in traditional and contemporary embroidery techniques, Jenny and Tracy tutors have inspired stitchers globally through their teaching, designs, and contributions to the art of embroidery. Their unparalleled knowledge and passion for preserving historic techniques ensure an exceptional learning experience in an intimate and inspiring setting.

This retreat offers a rare chance to refine your skills under the guidance of these renowned experts, going deeper in your embroidery learning and achieving new highs in your creative journey, all set against the stunning backdrop of Askham Hall.

The Location

Set on the edge the Beautiful Lake District

The Lake District, located in Northwest England, is a stunning region known for its breathtaking landscapes, serene lakes, and rugged mountains. It's a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, and famously inspired poets like William Wordsworth. The Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to England's highest peak, Scafell Pike, and its deepest lake, Wastwater.

Our retreat will take place on the edge of the Lake District National Park area, in the heart of the Eden Valley, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Set around the River Eden, which flows through Appleby, the Eden valley is a mix of lush green countryside, traditional towns and attractive sandstone villages some dating back to Viking times. To the south are the peaceful Howgill Fells, a favourite of the well-known fellwalker Alfred Wainwright.

Askham Hall

Discover the charm of Askham Hall, a luxurious vacation destination nestled in the picturesque English Lake District. This historic country house hotel offers elegant accommodations, exquisite gardens, and award-winning dining. Perfect for relaxation and adventure, guests can explore scenic walking trails, indulge in spa treatments, and experience the rich heritage of the surrounding village of Askham.

What's Included

Accommodation & Food
8 nights full board accommodation throughout (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and refreshment break during class included)
Tuition & Kits
4 full days and 2 half days of tuition, 1 workshop kit, loan of a frames, magnifying light and other equipment, and a goody bag.
Excursions & Lectures
Full day excursion to Muncaster Castle, as well as optional half day local visits and walks. Evening lectures.
Travel
Coach travel during the retreat as required by itinerary. Transfers from local train stations and airport are available on request. Group transfer to Manchester city centre or airport on departure.

Meet your tutors

Jenny Adin-Christine

Professional Embroidery tutor and 25 year Fellow of the RSN

Jenny specialises in historically inspired Metal Thread Embroidery, Stumpwork and Whitework. She trained on the Royal School of Needlework’s intensive Apprenticeship, graduating with distinction in 1999.
Learn More About Jenny Adin-Christine

Tracy Franklin

Independent Specialist Traditional Embroiderer

Tracy A Franklin is an independent specialist in traditional embroidery and contemporary stitched textiles, based in Durham, UK. A graduate of the Royal School of Needlework’s (RSN) Apprenticeship program, Tracy serves as the Lead Tutor at RSN Durham, teaching the RSN Certificate & Diploma in Technical Hand Embroidery. With a wealth of technical expertise, she has worked on a variety of commissions, including ecclesiastical embroidery for Durham Cathedral, where she is the Head Broderer.
Learn More About Tracy Franklin
As always, Crewel Work Residential Retreats are great. Askham Hall was a delight, the Askham staff was great and the food was amazing. The Crewel Work team, Phillipa, Laura and Priti do a fantastic job setting up the retreat and overseeing everything. They were always available, knowledgeable and helpful.
Nancy F Autumn Residential at Askham Hall, 2024 participant

Escape to the Country!