Sugar River Yarns Knitting Retreat Hosted by Susan Crawford - 15th-19th March 2027

A Delightful Rural Haven

Nestled in a quiet corner of Grasmere, Thorney How offers a warm and welcoming retreat from the outside world. Enjoy sitting around a wood burning fire, knitting in hand, or eating sumptuous home-cooked meals cooked for you by our in-house chef, Charlie. Our snug, modern en-suite rooms provide you with all you need for a relaxing night's sleep.

An Idyllic Location

Spend this 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 once again 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 incredible Lake District landscape, or wander into the village for a delightful afternoon tea or real ale at the local pub.

Time To Relax

In addition to your exclusive knitting project, you will have ample time to work on your own knitting projects with evenings spent knitting by the fireside, sharing stories and making friends.
Relax in a warm, welcoming atmosphere with delicious meals prepared by our in-house chef, using locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy staying in our charming 17th-century stone cottage, fully equipped with modern facilities. With en-suite bedrooms, log-burning stoves and comfy sofas, drying room, private gardens and stunning views.

The Details

On the first full day of the retreat, Susan will host a workshop, 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.

On Wednesday and Thursday we will be exploring Grasmere and beyond, with organised trips to Beatrix Potter's former home, Hill Top, Dove Cottage, where William and Dorothy Wordsworth spent many happy years and Stott Park Bobbin Mill, a fascinating working museum. We will also take time to enjoy a leisurely Afternoon Tea.

Each day, a hearty breakfast and dinner will be provided by our in house chef, Charlie, focused on regional dishes and locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. The evenings will be spent knitting, chatting, and unwinding round the wood burning fire. Susan will also present a fascinating talk about her work.
We will 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. Susan and the team will be on hand to help you and we offer free postage and 15% discount on all orders placed at the 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 your exclusive knitting kit, meals and beverages* at the retreat, informal knitting sessions throughout the week and a full day colour work workshop with Susan.

Our Delightful 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 fourteen guests across a range of stunning, en-suite bedrooms. 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. An additional annex has now been completed with three luxury bedrooms plus a stunning space and lounge area with views over the fells set up specifically for our knitting workshop.

Prices:

All bedrooms are furnished and finished to a high specification and have en-suite facilities with walk in showers. The four double rooms are available for single occupancy only. The five twin rooms are each intended for shared occupancy but attendees should book per person unless booking for two people. In the first instance, please refer any queries to your host, Steph, at Sugar River Yarns.

The prices shown below are the full price for the retreat. A 50% deposit is paid on booking your place with the balance due on 15th December 2026. For further information please read the terms and conditions below.

Luxury Single Occupancy Room with king size bed and luxury ensuite (with walk in shower) -  (ground floor - annexe) - £2198

Single Occupancy Room with king size bed and ensuite (with walk in shower) –  (ground floor) - £1898

Twin Room with ensuite – Shared Occupancy (ground floor) - £1648
Twin Room with ensuite – Shared Occupancy (first floor) - £1648pp

What's included

Yarn kit and pattern to complete the colourwork project
Workshop hosted by Susan Crawford
Goody bag
Additional Activities including organised tours
Evening talk by Susan

Bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, hair dryers and bath robes.
Dinner each evening (Monday – Thursday)
Breakfast each morning (Tuesday – Friday)
Lunch if taken at Thorney How
*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

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.

Please thoroughly read the terms and conditions below

Terms and Conditions of booking

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 minimum of 2 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. Extra house slippers are available at the property.

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.