Appleby Retreat: 6-13 July 2027

Name: Appleby Retreat: 6-13 July 2027
Brand: The Crewel Work Company
Price: 6950.0 GBP
Availability: InStock

A truly relaxing countryside stitching retreat timed to coincide with a remarkable heritage moment in Cumbria.

July 6-13, 2027

Flakebridge Estate, Eden Valley

Bring Your Own Embroidery

From £6,950

Deposit £500

Refund Policy & Terms

With the Following Tutors

Deborah Wilding

Kate Barlow

Retreat Overview

This special 7-night, 8-day residential retreat has been timed to coincide with a very special moment in Cumbria, marking the unveiling of an important heritage project that our company has been closely involved in.

Our retreat will be based at the beautiful Flakebridge Estate, just outside Appleby-in-Westmorland, where a collection of historic buildings has been transformed into luxurious accommodation for exclusive use. Designed first and foremost as a relaxed and inspiring stitching escape, the week will offer generous time to stitch, enjoy the surrounding countryside and make progress on any embroidery project you wish to bring with you.

Throughout the retreat, Deborah Wilding and Kate Barlow will provide daily tuition, technical support and individual guidance in a highly supportive and welcoming environment.

Full Itinerary

6-13 July 2027

July 6-13, 2027

Day 1 - ARRIVAL & SET UP - Tuesday 6th July
The retreat starts at 11am at the Flakebridge Estate. Afternoon set up and stitching.

Day 2 - OPEN STITCHING - Wednesday 7th July
Open project stitching day

Day 3 - OPEN STITCHING & APPLEBY - Thursday 8th July
Open project stitching day. Afternoon excursion to Appleby.

Day 4 - OPEN STITCHING - Friday 9th July
Open project stitching day

Day 5 - CONFERENCE DAY - Saturday 10th July
Attend a special one-off conference featuring a series of lectures on historic subjects to commemorate the special project

Day 6 - OPEN STITCHING - Sunday 11th July
Open project stitching day

Day 7 - SPECIAL EVENT - Monday 12th July
Opening ceremony at Brougham Hall

Day 8 - OPEN STITCHING & DEPARTURE - Tuesday 13th July
Morning stitching. Retreat ends at 5pm. Onward travel included to local train stations and Manchester Airport.

Tuition

Deborah Wilding & Kate Barlow

This retreat has been designed first and foremost as a relaxing and inspiring stitching escape. There will be ample time to stitch, enjoy the surrounding countryside, and make progress on any embroidery project you wish to bring with you.

What's Included

Full Board Accommodation

Accommodation & Food
Full board accommodation.

Tuition
5 full days of tuition, loan of a frame, magnifying light and other equipment, refreshments during class, and a goody bag.

Excursions & Lectures
Excursion to Appleby, Rheged & Brougham Hall.

Travel
Travel as per the programme. Transfers from Manchester Airport and Penrith or Appleby train stations are included. Transfers from other airports and local transport links are available in request for an additional fee.

Arrival & Departure

Manchester Airport & Local Train Stations

Arrival
The retreat will officially begin at 11am on Tuesday 6th July 2027 at the Flakebridge Estate Low Barn, Flakebridge, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, CA16 6JZ.

Departure
The retreat will officially end at 5pm on Tuesday 13th July 2027.

Additional Nights
For those wishing to arrive a day or two early or spend some extra nights in the area, you may wish to book additional nights in local hotels in Appleby such as Appleby Manor Hotel or explore the local Lake District area.

Travel
The nearest mainline train station is Penrith (London-Glasgow line) and nearest local train station is Appleby (Settle-Carlisle scenic line). The nearest international airport is Manchester, however Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Newcastle airports are also within a similar distance. Free parking is available on site.

Room Options & Pricing

From £6,950 per person

Accommodation for the retreat at Flakebridge Estate has been divided into three categories, ranging from shared cottage accommodation to a very limited number of premium private cottages.

Our Standard Sharing Cottage category (£6,750–£6,950) offers shared twin-room accommodation within two of the estate cottages. These rooms provide a comfortable and sociable experience while still allowing guests to enjoy the atmosphere and character of the estate setting. Prices differ depending on whether the room has a bath or just a shower.

The Deluxe category (£6,950–£7,950) (Loft Chamber or Cottage) forms the core of the retreat accommodation and includes a combination of private loft chambers together with a number of private super king bedrooms located within the cottages themselves. While the Loft Chambers provide elegant hotel-style accommodation, the cottage rooms offer a slightly more spacious and atmospheric experience within the estate buildings. Prices differ depending on whether is in the main building (Loft Chambers) or a cottage, and if the room has a bath or just a shower.

There is one accessible Ground Floor Room (£6,950) in the main building. Similar to the Loft Chamber rooms, this room boasts extra space extra space and the same elegant design, finishes & amenities. Awake to the peaceful sounds of the surrounding nature, and serene landscape views of the countryside.

Finally, our Premium category (£8,500) includes a very limited number of entire private cottages, offering the highest level of privacy, space and exclusivity available during the retreat.

As the retreat takes place across a collection of historic buildings, all rooms vary slightly in layout and character, giving each accommodation option its own unique feel. Exact room allocations will be confirmed closer to the retreat.

If you would like to request a specific cottage, please contact us before placing your booking to ensure availability.

Cottages available:
Bolton Cottage - sleeps 3 (2 sharing, 1 individual)
Orton Cottage - sleeps 3 (2 sharing, 1 individual)
Hilton Cottage - sleeps 2 (both individual)
Murton Cottage - sleeps 2 (both individual)
Dufton Cottage - sleeps 2 (both individual)
Marton Cottage - sleeps 1
Brampton Cottage - sleeps 1

Stitching, Great Company, and a Unique Cultural Moment

Alongside the retreat itself, guests will also have the opportunity to experience the unique atmosphere of the area during a significant ceremonial occasion and related local events connected to our project. The itinerary will include time at a special conference being held locally, as well as the opportunity to spend an afternoon in Appleby exploring the town and visiting our studio. Further information regarding these events will be shared when we are permitted to do so.

The retreat has intentionally been designed without a fixed project structure, allowing guests the freedom to work at their own pace on their own projects while enjoying long days of stitching in beautiful surroundings. Meals will be provided on site throughout the retreat, and guests will also receive a goody bag on arrival together with access to equipment if required.

With its combination of peaceful countryside surroundings, expert tuition, and access to a remarkable moment for the region, this retreat promises to be a truly special week immersed in embroidery, creativity and heritage.

The Location

The Eden Valley and The Lake District

Set in the gentle landscape of eastern Cumbria, the Eden Valley is one of England’s most quietly beautiful regions. Rolling farmland, sandstone villages and winding rivers sit beneath the dramatic backdrop of the Pennines and the Lake District fells, creating a landscape that feels both peaceful and deeply historic. Local villages and market towns retain their traditional character, while ancient churches, castles and country estates reflect centuries of northern heritage.

Unlike the busier parts of the Lake District, the Eden Valley offers a slower and more contemplative atmosphere - a place of open countryside, hidden lanes and changing light across the hills. It is a landscape closely connected to craft, agriculture and rural life, making it an inspiring setting for creativity, retreat and quiet immersion in nature.

The nearby Lake District national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous 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. It is also home to England's highest peak, Scafell Pike, and its deepest lake, Wastwater.

Flakebridge Estate

Nestled in the rolling hills and picturesque countryside of Cumbria this purpose built retreat space is set on a stunning private estate. This modern day shooting lodge is a blend of rustic charm and contemporary facilities making it the ideal secluded escape.

What's included

Tuition & Kits

5 days of tuition, loan of a seat frame and magnifying light. Goody bag given at the start of the retreat. Students are invited to bring their own design to work on during this retreat or, if you prefer, you may purchase a kit from our collection.

Excursions & Lectures

Full day exclusive private visit to Appleby, Rheged and Brougham Hall, as well as optional half day local visits and walks.

Accommodation & Food

7 nights full board accommodation throughout (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and refreshment break during class included)

Travel

Organised group coach transfer from and to Manchester Airport and transfers from Appleby or Penrith train stations is included. Transfers from other airports or train stations are available for an additional fee.

Deborah Wilding

Professional Embroidery tutor and Fellow of the RSN

Deborah Wilding is a distinguished embroidery artist. With a background in fine arts, Deborah has developed a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the natural world, which is reflected in her exquisite embroidery designs.

Learn More About Deborah Wilding

Kate Barlow

Professional Embroidery tutor and Fellow of the RSN

Kate Barlow is a renowned embroidery artist celebrated for her expertise in a broad range of needlework techniques. With a deep passion for preserving and teaching traditional embroidery, Kate has dedicated her career to mastering the intricate art of hand embroidery.

Learn More About Kate Barlow

The Crewel Work Company has once again provided a wonderful, fully immersive experience with the techniques, history and cultural activities of the artistry of hand embroidery. I’m always glad to travel with the Crewel Work Company.
Kerri A Autumn Residential at Askham Hall, 2024 participant

Fabulous property, delightful accommodations, superb cuisine, & outstanding staff.
Bonnie Residential Retreat, 2024 participant

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