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Join Susan Crawford in October 2024 for a relaxing four night knitting retreat in the heart of the Lake District at one of the most beautiful times of the year at “The loveliest spot that man hath ever found". We are hosting our retreat in the village of Grasmere, in our private, quintessential, Cumbrian stone cottage. Situated seemingly in the middle of nowhere, but in fact only a short walk away from civilisation, Thorney How is the perfect location to sit back and relax in its tranquil location, nestled between the lakeland fells or to head out for a hike and be inspired by the colours, flora and fauna of the rugged Lake District landscape, or wander into the village for tea and scones or real ale at the local pub.
On the first full day of the retreat, Susan will host a full day workshop, introducing you to your bespoke colour work project, designed and created especially for the group, inspired by the theme of 'Autumn in the Lake District.' The rest of the week will be spent exploring the local area, delving into the literary world of William and Dorothy Wordsworth with plenty of knitting time to continue working on your project and the opportunity to receive one-to-one guidance from Susan. Each day, a hearty breakfast and dinner will be provided by our in house chef, focused on regional dishes and locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. The evenings will be spent knitting, chatting, quizzing and unwinding round the wood burning fire. We'll also have a Susan Crawford pop-up shop on site for all of your yarn needs – without needing to leave the comfort of the cosy retreat.
The retreat will run Monday evening to Friday morning with dinner and drinks on the first night, and breakfast on Friday morning before your departure. The price includes all trips, meals and beverages* at the retreat, other than lunch time Wednesday where you will have some free time to explore Grasmere on your own. We will also be hosting a range of activities during the week - more details on these to follow soon. And if you love walking, optional guided walks are also included, to share with you the beauty and drama of the local landscape. You will also receive a Susan Crawford goodie bag, all yarn and instructions for your bespoke colour work project, informal knitting sessions throughout the week and a full day colour work workshop with Susan.
We're also delighted to announce that Esther Rutter, author of The Golden Fleece, will be joining us to talk about her new book, All Before Me, and her love of wool and the Lake District landscape.
This retreat is strictly limited to only twelve attendees so please book early to ensure your place on this very special holiday.
Accomodation:
Resting on the outskirts of the village of Grasmere in Cumbria’s Lake District National Park is Thorney How. Thorney How is a characterful, large, stone-fronted property originally built in the 1600s. It welcomes up to twelve guests across seven stunning, en-suite bedrooms – with three bedrooms on the ground floor and four rooms on the first floor. Thorney How is set in its own grounds down a quiet lane and has its own private car park. Internally it is decorated and finished to a high standard, with log burning stoves and comfy sofas for relaxed knitting.
Prices:
There are seven rooms available at Thorney How, all furnished and finished to a high specification and with en-suite facilities. The two double rooms are available for single occupancy only. The four twin rooms are each intended for shared occupancy but attendees should book per person unless booking for two people. The king size room is intended for double occupancy and the price shown is for two people. The prices shown below are the full price for the retreat. On booking, you will pay a 50% deposit, with the balance payable by July 5th 2024. For further information please read the terms and conditions below.
Double Room with ensuite – Single Occupancy (ground floor) - £1850
Double Room with ensuite – Single Occupancy (ground floor) - £1850
Twin Room with ensuite – Shared Occupancy (ground floor) - £1650pp
Twin Room with ensuite – Shared Occupancy (first floor) - £1650pp
Twin Room with ensuite – Shared Occupancy (first floor) - £1650pp
Twin Room with ensuite – Shared Occupancy (first floor) - £1650pp
King Size room with ensuite – Double Occupancy (first floor) - £3300
What's included
Yarn kit and pattern to complete the colourwork project
A Susan Crawford goody bag
Workshop holiday hosted by Susan Crawford
Trips as specified in itinerary
Bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms
Dinner each evening (Monday – Thursday)
Breakfast each morning (Tuesday – Friday)
Lunch two days (Tuesday & Thursday)
Tea and Scones (on one day)
*Water, hot drinks, 1 glass of wine with each evening meal (feel free to bring your own drinks)
What's not included
Additional food or drink other than specified
Travel to and from Grasmere on arrival and departure
Airport transfers are not included
Medical and travel insurance
Knitting needles and other notions
Location:
Situated in the heart of the Lake District National Park is the lovely village of Grasmere, probably best known as the home of William Wordsworth, a place he once described as "The most loveliest spot that man hath found". Any visit to Grasmere needs to include The Grasmere Gingerbread shop, where the Wilson family has been making gingerbread for over 60 years. Also in the village are a number of shops, pubs, a church which dates back to the 13th century, and Grasmere Lake. Just five miles away is the town of Ambleside and Lake Windermere where you will find shops, pubs, restaurants and the 17th century Bridge House, which is one of the most photographed buildings in the Lake District. Cruises, boat trips and water sports can all be enjoyed on Lake Windermere, and the towns of Windermere and Keswick are also within driving distance. Grasmere is a wonderful base for your Lake District retreat.
Getting Here:
Nearest train station - Windermere (taxi/cab transfer from Windermere to Thorney How)
Trains run direct or with 1 change from Manchester Airport to Windermere Train Station (approx 2 hours).
Trains run direct from London to Oxenholme (approx 3 Hours), Edinburgh or Glasgow to Oxenholme (approx 2 hours).
Connecting trains from Oxenholme train station to Windermere train station (approx 20 mins).
There are regular flights to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester from all around the world.
Travelling by car - Thorney How is easily accessible via the M6 followed by the A591 to Grasmere.
In the event of your cancellation, the following fees will apply: 20 - 24 weeks prior to start date, 50% of full price (i.e. the deposit already paid); 14 – 20 weeks prior to start date 75% of full price must be paid; 0 - 14 weeks prior to start date, 100% of full price must be paid.
In the unlikely event that the holiday has to be cancelled by Susan Crawford Vintage, then you will receive your deposit or total payment if made, in full.
Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from Thorney How on arrival and departure days. Car parking is at the owner's own risk but off-street parking at the venue is available. Your booking includes accommodation, breakfast and dinner for 4 nights and 3 lunches as described above. The price paid includes any applicable taxes.
There is complimentary wifi provided by Thorney How. 4G is also widely available. The organisers cannot accept any responsibility for wifi or mobile service on the Estate.
Any additional items, including food or drink required in addition to that specified, must be paid for by guests separately.
Guests are responsible for their own medical and travel insurance. It is recommended you ensure you have both.
All activities specified are included in the price. If you choose not to participate in any of the activities no refund is available. Activities may be subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control.
The properties are centrally heated and insulated to the highest standards but we are in a rural location so it is recommended that you also bring warm clothing and outdoor wear (preferably waterproof) along with wellies and/or walking boots.
Thorney How operate a 'no outdoor shoes indoors' policy so please be aware you will be required to change your footwear when you come into the property, so it is recommended you bring your own house shoes/slippers.
If a guest requires any special assistance or has any special physical or dietary needs, this must be made clear at the time of booking by email. We will do our best to accommodate all dietary needs but we must be given this information at the time of booking.
