Christmas Craft Retreat
Five festive crafts. Four leisurely days. Three nights in the Forest.
24–27 November 2026
Step away from the Christmas rush and spend four wonderfully creative days tucked away in the Forest of Dean.
Our Christmas Craft Retreat brings together five talented local makers, five very different crafts and all the pleasures of a country hotel stay.
You’ll work with glass, felt, wax and dye, thread and winter foliage, creating beautiful things to take home along the way. In between, we’ll take care of you with good food, comfortable rooms and plenty of time around the table with your fellow makers.
And you don’t need to consider yourself particularly crafty.
Each workshop is suitable for beginners and carefully guided by the maker, so you can simply come along, have a go and enjoy creating something with your own hands.
Come with a friend, sister or daughter – or come on your own. You’ll be spending the retreat crafting and dining together, making it a lovely break for solo guests too.
Three nights from £780 per person.
ENQUIRE TO BOOKor call 01594 833046 for more information.
Five makers. Five crafts.
Over the course of the retreat you’ll experience five completely different workshops, all led by talented makers from our local area.
Glasswork with Becci – Black Cat Glass Design
Your retreat begins with Becci from Black Cat Glass Design.
You’ll create a set of four seasonal glass coasters, choosing and arranging your design before Becci takes you through the process of creating your own festive glassware.
A beautiful addition to your Christmas table – or four rather good handmade presents if you can bear to give them away.
Felting with Mo – Made by Mo Decor
After breakfast the following morning, Mo will introduce you to the wonderfully tactile art of felting.
You’ll create your own Christmas ornaments to take home and bring out year after year.
No previous experience is necessary – Mo will guide you through the process from start to finish.
Batik with Sian – Sian Burns Art
After lunch, it’s time for something completely different.
Artist Sian Burns will introduce you to batik, the traditional technique of creating designs using hot wax and coloured dyes.
You’ll learn how the process works before creating your own piece to take home.
It’s colourful, creative and wonderfully absorbing – and another opportunity to try a craft you might never otherwise have attempted.
Embroidery with Jen – Sew Forest of Dean
Day three gives you the luxury of slowing things down with a full day of embroidery led by Jen from Sew Forest of Dean.
With plenty of time to learn the techniques and work at your own pace, you’ll create and complete your own embroidery project during the day.
Whether you’re already comfortable with needle and thread or haven’t embroidered before, Jen will be there to guide you.
Wreath Making with Jo – Wye Valley Flowers
Our final morning is all about Christmas.
Jo from Wye Valley Flowers will help you create a beautiful natural wreath using seasonal foliage and decorations.
Your finished wreath is yours to take home and hang on the door – a lovely reminder of your few days in the Forest.
And because crafting is hungry work, we’ll finish the retreat with afternoon tea before you head home.
More than a craft course
We want this to feel like a break, not four days of rushing from one workshop to another.
You’ll have time to linger over breakfast, enjoy lunch between sessions and sit down together for dinner in the evening.
There are no materials to remember, no meals to organise and no clearing up afterwards.
Just arrive, settle in and let us look after everything else.
Your retreat includes
Your three-night Christmas Craft Retreat includes:
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Three nights at Tudor Farmhouse Hotel
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Five professionally led craft workshops
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All materials for your workshops
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Your handmade pieces to take home
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Breakfasts
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Lunches
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Dinners
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Afternoon tea following your final wreath-making workshop
Retreat prices
Hen Twin – £780 per person
Based on two people sharing
Hatchling – £900
Sole occupancy
Hen – £960
Sole occupancy
Fancy staying a little longer?
Add the night before or after your retreat for £100 B&B for sole occupancy or £125 for two people sharing a twin room.
ENQUIRE TO BOOKOr call 01594 833046 and we’ll be happy to talk you through the retreat.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Christmas Craft Retreat is a three-night festive break at Tudor Farmhouse Hotel that includes accommodation, craft workshops, breakfasts, lunches, dinners and afternoon tea. Guests take part in a variety of seasonal craft sessions including glass art, felt decorations, embroidery and wreath making, all led by experienced local makers.
During the retreat you’ll create a range of handmade Christmas items including seasonal glass coasters, felt ornaments, embroidery projects and a festive wreath. Guests leave with unique handmade decorations and gifts to enjoy at home or give to family and friends.
No, the retreat is suitable for beginners as well as experienced crafters. Each workshop is guided step-by-step by professional tutors, making the experience relaxed, creative and enjoyable for all abilities.
The retreat features workshops led by talented local creatives including Becci from Black Cat Glass Design, Mo from Made by Mo Decor, Sian from Sian Burns Art, Jen from Sew Forest of Dean and Jo from Wye Valley Flowers. Each tutor specialises in a different craft technique and provides expert guidance throughout the sessions.
The retreat includes breakfasts, lunches, dinners and a traditional afternoon tea on the final day. Meals are served at Tudor Farmhouse Hotel and are designed to make the experience feel like a relaxing festive countryside escape.
Yes, guests can add an extra night before or after the retreat at a special accommodation rate. This gives you more time to relax, explore the Forest of Dean and enjoy the festive atmosphere of Tudor Farmhouse Hotel.