Creative Retreats: Painting, Pottery, and Craft Workshops Nearby

Unlock your creativity with inspiring workshops and experiences during your holiday.

A Creative Break in Cumbria

A stay at The Rowley Estates offers more than beautiful landscapes and historic cottages — it’s also the perfect opportunity to explore your creative side. Cumbria’s northern Lakes and Eden Valley are alive with studios, workshops, and artisan centres where you can learn new skills and immerse yourself in the region’s artistic heritage.

From pottery and painting to textile arts and traditional crafts, these experiences make for a fulfilling retreat during your visit.

Pottery & Ceramics

• Rheged Centre, Penrith – Regular ceramics and clay workshops for all ages, often themed to the season.
• The Makers Mill, Keswick is a creative venue hosting various workshops including ceramics, as well as painting, textiles and jewellery

Painting & Drawing

• Eden Valley Artists Network – Local artists throw open their doors from 6th -21st September for The Open Studios & Art Trail. Not to be missed.
• Upfront Gallery, near Hutton-in-the-Forest – Exhibitions of contemporary art alongside workshops in painting, sketching, and creative printmaking.
• Keswick’s Viridian Gallery – While primarily an exhibition space, they often host visiting artists for painting and landscape masterclasses.

Textiles & Traditional Crafts

• Weaving in Caldbeck – Learn the art of traditional weaving in one of Cumbria’s historic textile villages. Discover more at The Wool Clip
• Botanical Dyeing Workshops – Join Penny Hillier Evans’ workshops to combine foraging walks with natural dye-making, perfect for those who love both creativity and the outdoors.
• Blackwell Arts & Crafts House, Bowness – A showcase of the Arts & Crafts movement, with seasonal courses in textiles, woodwork, and decorative arts.

Seasonal Highlights 

• Rheged’s Autumn Programme – Pottery, jewellery-making, and festive craft classes leading into the winter season.
• Words by the Water, Keswick (March 2026) – Creative writing and storytelling workshops alongside author talks.

A Creative Retreat Awaits

After a morning of painting or pottery, return to your Rowley Estates cottage to relax by the fire, display your handmade creation, and reflect on the day. Whether you’re discovering a new hobby or simply enjoying the process, these workshops add a rewarding dimension to your holiday.