Our yarn kits contain the required amount of yarn needed to complete the project in a particular size.
Recently added
Echoes & Inspiration Knitting Retreat, Firle, East Sussex - 30th June - 4th July 2025
£585.00 - £950.00
"Knitting is the saving of life", Virgina Woolf
BOOKINGS NOW OPEN
Join us this summer for a truly special retreat in collaboration with Woodfire Camping,the first 'gastro-campsite' of its kind. Nestled in the beautiful Sussex countryside on the Firle Estate, Woodfire is just a short walk from Charleston Farmhouse, now a world-class cultural centre and once home to the Bloomsbury Set including Vanessa Bell, sister of Virginia Woolf, whose own home, Monk's House is also nearby. This retreat brings together creativity, literature, great food and nature for a truly unforgettable experience.
From Monday to Friday, immerse yourself in knitting and creativity, enjoying gourmet food, cooked over fire whilst camping under the stars.
A Unique Knitting Experience
Enjoy this unique knitting experience - guided by Susan Crawford, you’ll embark on a exclusive knitting project, using our 100% British wool dyed in rich, Bloomsbury inspired colours. Our project has been inspired by the artistry and legacy of the Bloomsbury Set, echoing the themes explored in Susan’s book, Echoes: 24 Modern Knits inspired by iconic women. This collection of knitting patterns celebrates women who have helped shape Susan’s creative journey, including author, Virginia Woolf and her sister, artist Vanessa Bell, whose influence will guide us throughout the retreat. Across the retreat, you’ll have time to knit, relax, and explore the landscapes that shaped the creativity of these influential women. Whether you're an experienced knitter or you are looking to deepen your skills, Susan will guide you through each step towards completing your special project.
A Stunning Location
Set within the rolling chalk hills of the South Downs National Park, with its rich mosaic of habitats, Woodfire Camping offers outdoor living with simple, homely touches - a place to truly disconnect from the everyday and embrace the peaceful rhythms of nature. Stay in roomy, pre-pitched, canvas bell tents with separate high-quality, big hot showers and purpose-built toilets underpinned by a truly sustainable ethos. All set against a stunning rural setting of the Firle Estate, creating the perfect balance of comfort and nature. And for the duration of our stay, the site is closed to all others ensuring us a wonderfully private and exclusive event. Whether you're seeking inspiration, relaxation or a learning experience, this unique location provides the perfect backdrop for a truly unforgettable retreat.
An Exceptional Venue
Woodfire Camping has been featured in BBC Good Food, The Times, The Telegraph and The Guardian for its exceptional food, and this year has as its executive chef, Ivan Tisdall-Downes, recently awarded a Green Michelin Star. One of Time Out's top ten campsites in England, Woodfire Campling is also the winner of 'Most Unique Site' from Campsites.co.uk and a Gold Award winner from Green Tourism. With an emphasis on low waste and sustainability, all meals use fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Evenings will be spent gathered around the fire, enjoying these exceptional woodfired meals in a warm, communal setting, making dining at Woodfire a true highlight of your stay. An on-site bar will also be open for our exclusive use!
Enjoy time to unwind – Why not explore the Firle Estate and its nearby chocholate-box village, visit the local pubs or take a walk on the South Downs Way?
Indulge in some exclusive yarn shopping time at our fabulous Pop-Up shop, with Susan and Charlie on hand to provide guidance on pattern, sizing and colour choices.
This retreat is a rare opportunity to knit, relax and connect with fellow knitters in an inspiring setting.
What’s Included?
Roomy, pre-pitched, fully equipped canvas bell tents with separate high-quality, big hot showers and purpose-built toilets. Bedding, blankets and even hot water bottles are provided. Exclusive use of the campsite.
An exclusive stranded colourwork knitting project inspired by the Bloomsbury Set designed by Susan, plus a hand-dyed yarn kit to create this project.
A full day colourwork workshop hosted by Susan, introducing you to your bespoke colour work project, designed and created especially for the group. Susan will guide you through the skills you need to complete the project as well as sharing lots of other hints and tips to improve your knitting. Susan will also talk about how she chooses the colours for her stunning colourwork designs.
Guided visits to Monk’s House, home of Virginia Woolf & Charleston Farmhouse, former home of the Bloomsbury set and a mecca for designers and artists.
Cosy evenings around the campfire, knitting your exclusive Bloomsbury inspired project and sharing stories & inspiration
All meals are provided with delicious, locally-sourced meals cooked over wood-fired flames, using local and fresh seasonal ingredients, prepared and cooked by the expert chefs from Woodfired Camping.
Limited places available – book now to join us on this unforgettable experience!
How To Book:
There are a choice of four sleeping options when booking:
One Person, Sole Occupany of bell tent
Two People sharing bell tent
Three People sharing bell tent
Four People sharing bell tent.
We have tried to make booking as straight forward as possible, so if you are booking just for yourself but want to take advantage of the two people shared bell tent price, select the Two People option and book one place, and you will be allocated a space in a two person tent.
If you are booking for yourself and would like a bell tent for your exclusive use, please choose the One Person, Sole Occupancy option.
If you and one other person wish to book a bell tent to share, choose the Two People option and book 2 places.
The Three People and Four People sharing options can only be booked for three or four people as these have enhanced discounts applied to the costs. So if you are a group of three or four people wishing to attend together these are the options for you. On these options you are booking the bell tent rather than for the number of people so you only need to book one bell tent.
When booking, you will be charged a 50% deposit of the total price and this amount is shown in the drop down menu above when selecting the accommodation you require. Total prices are shown below:
Prices:
The prices shown below are the full price for the retreat. When making your booking, the price shown and billed is the 50% deposit, with the balance payable by May 27th 2025. For further information please read the terms and conditions below.
One Person, sole occupancy, in 5M bell tent, price per person - £1900
Two Person sharing 5m bell tent, price per person - £1300 - USE THIS OPTION WHEN BOOKING ONE PLACE IN A SHARED BELL TENT.
Three Person sharing 5m bell tent, Total price for group - £3630 (£1210 per person)
Four Person sharing 5m bell tent, Total price for group - £4680 (£1170 per peson)
Non participating partners/friends are welcome. Please contact us in the first instance to discuss. Due to the nature of the retreat, we are unable to host children at this event.
What's included
Yarn kit and pattern to complete the colourwork project
Full day Workshop and retreat activities hosted by Susan Crawford
Trips as specified in itinerary
Dinner each evening (Monday – Thursday)
Breakfast each morning (Tuesday – Friday)
Lunch (Tuesday-Friday)
Water, hot drinks, 1 glass of wine with each evening meal (feel free to bring your own drinks)
Entrance fees to Charleston and Monks House
Transport to Monks House
Comfortable mattresses, bedding, linen and hot water bottles, bed side tables and lanterns
Powerful showers with roomy cubicles with hooks, log seats and mirrors and plenty of space to get changed
High quality compost toilets which turn something that is usually a waste product into a rich compost that helps things grow, making them both practical and beautiful!
What's not included
Additional food or drink other than specified
Travel to and from the knitting retreat on arrival and departure
Airport transfers are not included
Medical and travel insurance
Knitting needles and other notions
Getting Here:
By train
Nearest train station - The closest station is Berwick, which is around four miles away. There are hourly trains from Brighton and Eastbourne to Berwick – note there is no taxi (cab) rank at Berwick.
From London: there is a regular service from London Victoria to Lewes which is seven miles away. At Lewes there is a taxi (cab) rank and advance booking is not necessary unless arriving early in the morning or late at night.
We will provide local taxi (cab) details prior to the retreat taking place.
By Car
Please do not follow Satnav/Waze/Google Maps as these will bring you along private roads on the Firle Estate and some sat navs get confused about the location. To avoid ending up somewhere unexpected, please refer to these directions:
Heading east (ie from Brighton/Lewes), continue along the A27 past the signs for Firle Place on your right. Take the second next turning on your right, signposted Woodfire Camping.
(Coming west (ie from Eastbourne), you’ll pass the Barley Mow pub and Charleston on your left and then Middle Farm on your right; take the first left-hand turning after that on to Heighton St, signposted Woodfire Camping. Drive slowly past Motorline on your left and continue another few hundred yards until you see the next Woodfire Camping sign.
Travelling to the UK
If travelling by air to the UK, the nearest airport is London Gatwick, with London Heathrow also close by.
Please thoroughly read the terms and conditions below
Terms and Conditions of booking
In the event of your cancellation, your deposit is refundable until 26th April, after this date the deposit is non-refundable, after 27th May, the full cost of the retreat is non-refundable and 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 the venue on arrival and departure days. Car parking is at the owner's own risk but off-street parking at the venue is available. The price paid includes any applicable taxes.
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.
We will be in a rural location so it is recommended that you bring warm clothing and outdoor wear (preferably waterproof) along with wellies and/or walking boots.
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 in order for us to discuss this with the chefs at Wood Fire Camping.
You may also like
