Partner offer: Art & Crafts holidays in Stirlingshire

We are delighted to present you with a brand new programme of creative breaks, in addition to our own immersive creative experiences.

This partner programme is provided by our partners at Gartmore House, a historic mansion nestled in a picturesque 100-acre estate in the Stirlingshire countryside in Scotland. 

The offering of General Manager Neil and his team is the perfect fit for our own programme as we have one common purpose – to give creative visitors to Scotland enriching, immersive experiences, where they learn new skills and make new connections. It’s all about finding your tribe and letting your creativity flow, while holidaying in our beautiful locations.

We invite you to browse the offer below, including the information on the venue and booking conditions.

Each of the 5-day residential retreats focuses on one creative activity and includes full board accommodation at the historic venue. Groups are small, with a maximum group size of 10 guests.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have. If you want to go ahead and book one of the creative breaks, please use the code WAA in the booking form to make sure you get a special welcome gift when you arrive at the venue.

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Programme of art & crafts holidays

Please click on the course title to find out more.

Creative bookbinding
Tutor: Marion Archibald
Dates:· October 29th to November 3rd 2023 / June 2nd to 7th 2024 / October 27th to November 1st 2024

Tapestry weaving
Tutor: Fiona Hutchison
Dates: September 17th to 22nd 2023 / February 18th to 23rd 2024 / March 17th to 22nd 2024 / June 23rd to 28th 2024 / September 15th to 20th 2024

Creative writing
Tutor: Laura Fyfe
Dates:· September 10th to 15th 2023 /  April 7th to 12th 2024 /  June 16th to 21st 2024 /  September 8th to 13th 2024

Photography
Tutor: Ewan Barry
Dates: October 29th to November 3rd 2023 / May 19th to 24th 2024 / September 1st to 6th 2024 / October 27th to November 1st 2024

Embroidery
Tutor: Susie Finlayson
Dates:· November 12th to 17th 2023 /  February 11th to 15th 2024 / May 19th to 24th 2024 / August 18th to 23rd 2024 / November 10th to 15th 2024

Knitting & Crochet
Tutor: Samira Hill
Dates:· October 22nd to 27th 2023 / November 26th to December 1st 2023 / 28th January to 2nd February 2024 / March 10th to 15th 2024 / May 12th to 17th 2024 / July 14th to 19th 2024 / September 1st to 6th 2024 / October 20th to 25th 2024 / November 24th to 29th 2024

Lace making
Tutor: Jean Leader
Dates: November 26th to December 1st 2023 / January 21st to 26th 2024 / April 28th to May 3rd 2024 / June 2nd to 7th 2024 / August 25th to 30th 2024 / November 24th to 29th 2024

Leather work
Tutor: Hamish Lamley
Dates: October 8th to 13th 2023 (Satchels and Bags) (sold out) / March 17th to 22nd 2024 / May 26th to 31st 2024 / July 21st to 26th 2024 / October 6th to 11th 2024

Patchwork & Quilting
Tutor: Clare Workman
Dates: November 19th to 24th 2023 (sold out) / March 24th to 29th 2024 / April 21st to 26th 2024 / June 9th to 14th 2024 / August 11th to 16th 2024 / October 13th to 18th 2024 / November 17th to 22nd 2024 / December 8th to 13th 2024

Sewing & Dressmaking
Tutor: Gill McBride
Dates: November 5th to 10th 2023 / January 28th to February 2nd 2024 / March 24th to 29th 2024 / May 5th to 10th 2024 / June 9th to 14th 2024 / September 8th to 13th 2024 / November 3rd to 8th 2024

Felting
Tutor: Ewa Kuniczak
Dates:· October 8th to 13th 2023 / December 3rd to 8th 2023/ January 21st to 26th 2024 / March 10th to 15th 2024 / June 23rd to 28th 2024 / October 6th to 11th 2024

Stained glass
Tutor: Tracey Quinn
Dates: November 5th to 10th 2023 – Glass Xmas Decorations / February 11th to 15th 2024 / June 16th to 21st 2024

Printmaking
Tutor: Catherine Sargeant
Dates: August 25th to 30th 2024

Watercolour painting
Tutor: Brigid Collins or Nigel Overton or Kit Neufeld
Dates: October 8th to 13th 2023 (Brigid Collins) / December 3rd to 8th 2023 / February 11 to 15th 2024 (Kit Neufeld) / April 28th to May 3rd 2024 (Brigid Collins) / June 9th to 14th 2024 (Kit Neufeld) / August 18th to 23rd 2024 (Nigel Overton) / October 6th to 11th 2024 (Brigid Collins) / December 1st to 6th 2024 (Kit Neufeld)

Mixed media painting
Tutor: Nigel Overton
Dates: November 12th to 17th 2023 / March 3rd to 8th 2024 / May 19th to 24th 2024 / July 14th to 19th 2024 / November 10th to 15th 2024

Willow work
Tutor: Anna Turnbull
Dates: To be confirmed

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Prices & what’s included

Each art retreat package includes:

•  Four days of expert tuition with an experienced tutor
•  Five nights of en-suite accommodation in private room
•  Five breakfasts
•  Four 2-course lunches
•  Five 2-course evening dinners
•  Daily breaks with complimentary biscuits and cakes
•  Complimentary tea and coffee
•  Programme of afternoon & evening activities available for all guests
– Complimentary transfer from and to Stirling train station on arrival and departure day.

Package prices depend on room choice:

Single room (only 1 available) – £879
Double/Twin room – £979
King room – £1129

The price for non-artistic companions who share a room with you is £600 for a double room and £800 for a king room.

Course materials are usually provided and you’ll receive a kit list if there’s anything you should bring along.

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About the venue

Indulge in a world of Arts, Crafts and Creativity in a historic mansion nestled in a picturesque 100-acre estate in the Stirlingshire countryside, better known as the Gateway to the Scottish Highlands.

Get inspired as you explore the exquisite Georgian architecture of the house, its interiors, and breathtaking views that radiate tranquility. Walk though the castle ruins, the walled gardens, learn about the rich history of the estate dating back to its creation in 1793.

After each workshop day filled with creativity you can relax and unwind in your comfortable mansion house accommodation and savour delicious meals showcasing the finest local ingredients. Your hosts offer a variety of evening activities for you to socialize and perhaps have the odd wine …or two.

Gartmore House is a not-for-profit charitable trust and all profits are channelled back into the upkeep, maintenance, and renovation of the building. They are also firm supporters of the local community and have a strong emphasis on sustainability. Finding new ways to protect the environment and reduce the carbon footprint has always been a top priority. Gartmore House produces its own electricity, hot water and heating on site using renewable energy. All laundry generated in the house is washed and laundered in own laundry facilities and powered from renewables. A lot of the furniture is reclaimed from the finest 5-star hotels.

How to get there

Getting there is easy and convenient from several major cities in Scotland. Here are the transportation options available for guests travelling from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Stirling:

From Edinburgh:
• By Car: Take the A811 road west towards Stirling. Gartmore House is located approximately 30 miles from Edinburgh and can be reached in about 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
• By Public Transport: Take a train from Edinburgh Waverley Station to Stirling, and then transfer to a bus service (X10A) that operates between Stirling and Gartmore. The bus journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
• Transfer Service: Transfers from Stirling train station are available on the arrival and departure days. Gartmore House has a shuttle that picks up guests from the station at 15:30 and departs from Gartmore House at 9:15.

From Glasgow:
• By Car: Take the A81 road north towards Aberfoyle. Gartmore House is located approximately 20 miles from Glasgow and can be reached in about 50 minutes, depending on traffic.
• By Public Transport: Take a train from Glasgow Queen Street Station to Stirling, and then transfer to a bus service (X10A) that operates between Stirling and Gartmore. The bus journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
• Transfer Service: Transfers from Glasgow Airport or Edinburgh Airport are available at an additional cost. This can be discussed directly with the team at Gartmore House

From Stirling:
• By Car: Take the A811 road south towards Gartmore. Gartmore House is located approximately17 miles from Stirling and can be reached in about 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
• By Public Transport: Take a bus service (X10A) that operates between Stirling and Gartmore. The bus journey takes approximately 1 hour.
• Transfer Service: Transfers from Stirling train station are available on the arrival and departure days. Gartmore House has a shuttle that picks up guests from the station at 15:30 and departs from Gartmore House at 9:15.

Please note that the availability and frequency of public transport may vary, so it is advisable to check the schedules in advance. Private transportation provides more flexibility and convenience for reaching the venue. The team will be happy to provide you with information when you plan your journey and they want to make your visit as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

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Booking conditions

The terms and conditions of Gartmore House apply:

How to book
To book please fill in the enquiry form, stating which course you want to book, your preferred room type, travel plans and special requirements. Someone from Gartmore House will then be in touch to take the payment and confirm all of your details and requirements.

Terms & conditions

To confirm your booking a non-refundable 25% deposit is required.

The remaining balance is due no later than 90 days before your holiday starts. If payment is not received, Gartmore House reserve the right to cancel your booking, and cancellation fees will apply.

If you need to cancel your booking:

Please note that deposits are non-refundable. If you cancel your booking up to 3 months (90 days) before the start date, Gartmore House will refund any amount paid, minus your deposit. However, if you cancel less than 3 months (90 days) before the start date, no refund will be given. We recommend obtaining holiday insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances.

Bringing a friend or family member:

If you’d like to bring a friend, partner, or family member, they can join and enjoy full board catering and shared accommodation with you. Gartmore House also offer a range of day trips and activities for them to participate in. If you are both participating in a course then you will both receive a £100 reduction in costs. If they are not participating in the creative workshop, they will receive a discount – see price details above. Gartmore House can help with arranging many external activities for family, friends or partners, including golf, sightseeing, fishing, shopping, boat trips, city visits etc., at an additional cost.