Join Sarah Stokes on a Unique Artistic Adventure at Lundy Island 

We’re excited to offer a one-of-a-kind opportunity for you to join Sarah Stokes on a painting retreat at the stunning Lundy Island. This exclusive retreat takes place in 2026 and offers just 10 spots for a small group of guests, ensuring a personal and immersive experience.

The Perfect Blend of Nature, Creativity, and Tranquility

Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of nature, surrounded by the untouched, rugged beauty of Lundy Island. Situated between the Bristol Channel and the Atlantic Ocean, Lundy is a haven for wildlife and a sanctuary of natural beauty. This retreat offers a serene atmosphere where you can draw inspiration from the island’s exceptional biodiversity and striking landscapes.

Lundy Island is home to over 1,400 puffins that return in May to nest, and the elusive Manx Shearwaters, whose nocturnal cries add to the island’s magic. The landscape, from rocky cliffs to sweeping meadows, is as inspiring as the wildlife that calls it home. Whether you're sketching the puffins, painting the rugged coastline, or capturing the stunning sunsets, this retreat will provide endless artistic opportunities.

Sarah is a highly regarded British wildlife artist, known for her vibrant and expressive artworks that beautifully capture the essence of animals and nature. Her work has been showcased in prestigious exhibitions, and she has a deep passion for teaching and inspiring others. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced artist, Sarah will help you unlock your creativity and deepen your connection with nature through painting.

A Unique Stay at Millcombe House

 This retreat has been carefully crafted by us, after multiple visits to the island and consultations with the conservation team. Millcombe House, the island’s largest and most historic property, will be exclusively yours for the duration of the retreat. Its secluded location and breathtaking views make it the perfect setting to immerse yourself in art and nature. This is a particularly magical time to visit Lundy Island. Not only will you experience the island’s vibrant wildlife, but the natural beauty of the landscape will provide the perfect backdrop for your artistic journey. The island’s springtime flora, combined with its captivating animal life, will inspire your creative process. 

A Truly Limited Experience

Because of Lundy’s limited accommodation and its significance as a wildlife sanctuary, spaces for this retreat are extremely exclusive. Once these spots are filled, no additional dates will be available during this critical wildlife breeding season. This makes the experience all the more special, and we are excited to offer this unforgettable opportunity to join Sarah Stokes on this remote and inspiring island.

Book your place now and join us in 2026 for an artistic adventure like no other!

Under the expert guidance of artist Sarah Stokes, participants will delve into a series of workshops designed to enhance skills and embrace the island’s natural wonders.

• Highland Cow Mastery: The retreat begins with a charcoal session, where you will learn to create a tonal study of a highland cow. Sarah will guide the group in mastering fur textures, expressive eyes, and lifelike details, showcasing the versatility of charcoal as a medium.

• Painting Puffins in Flight: The next workshop focuses on Lundy’s iconic puffins. You will learn to use desaturated tones to highlight the vibrant colours of the puffin’s beak and feet, painting realistic feathers and capturing the movement of birds in flight. Sarah will also share tips on sourcing high-quality reference photos.

• Vibrant marine life: will give you the chance to explore new and exciting techniques with salt and clingfilm to create the textures and colours of crabs, lobsters and jellyfish! The vibrancy and translucency of watercolour make this the ideal medium to bring these creatures to life on the page.

• Seals and Dolphins: Diving deeper into the marine world, you will explore wet-into-wet techniques by painting seals and dolphins in the water. This is an excellent opportunity of getting to grips with painting both the animal and its watery environment convincingly and “as one” with an emphasis on timing, pigment control and brush strokes.

• Wild ponies in watercolour. This is your chance to learn how to capture the beauty and wildness of Lundy’s iconic ponies. Sarah will guide you through the techniques needed to create windswept manes and expressive eyes in a loose, expressive fashion.

• Seascapes and Waves: The final project invites you to paint sweeping sea waves, practicing edge control and experimenting with masking fluid and scratching techniques to depict Lundy’s turquoise waters and rolling tides.

 A unique opportunity to stay at Millcombe house, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean

During your time in Lundy, you’ll get to stay in one of its iconic buildings, Millcombe House. Nestled within a cluster of trees and shrubs and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this 19th Century villa abounds with historic features.

This beautifully restored Georgian mansion offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, with a series of stone steps leading you to the rugged coastline. Built in 1835, the house itself offers no-frills, comfortable accommodation typical of Landmark Trust properties and a cosy atmosphere perfect for relaxation.

The house been renovated over the years and has served many purposes, including that of being a residence for the island’s past owner. It still retains much of its historic charm and character and stands as a testament to the island’s past offering guests a unique glimpse into its fascinating history. 

From a practical sense, please bear in mind that none of the bedrooms are en-suite due to the age and layout of the house and there is no room service. We’d like you to treat Millcombe House as your home, helping yourself to snacks and refreshments throughout the day. Needless to say that a level of informality, consideration for other guests and good humour is necessary when staying here! 

• Art Classes and Tuition: Art lessons, individual tuition, and demonstrations with Sarah Stokes
• Exclusive Accommodation: Full access to the entire Millcombe House property, including common areas, workshop spaces, and gardens
• 7 Nights Accommodation
• Meals: Freshly prepared breakfasts, home-cooked dinners, and snacks/refreshments throughout the day, including two meals at the Marisco Tavern
• Wine: Wine during dinner service every day
• Beverages: Complimentary water, coffee, and tea
• Outdoor Activities: Snorkel safari, guided walks, and rock pool ramble (subject to Lundy staff availability)
• Travel: Return trip to Lundy via the MS Oldenburg (or other means), with luggage transfer to Millcombe House (20kg max)
• Fees: All tourist taxes and fees
• Pre-Retreat Group: Access to a private WhatsApp group with Sarah and other participants around one month before the retreat
• Luggage Transfer: Transfer of luggage to Milcombe House

• Airfare
• Travel Insurance: Mandatory for all guests (evidence required before travel)
• Art Materials: A list of recommended materials from Sarah Stokes will be provided 2 months prior to the retreat (tables, chairs, glass jars, and paper towels are included)
• Tipping: While not required, tips for local service providers are appreciated
• Personal Expenses: Including souvenirs or beverages outside of Milcombe House or set meal times at the Marisco Tavern (guests can set up a tab with The Landmark Trust)
• Parking: Car parking expenses on the mainland
• Extra Activities: Costs for diving, boat trips, or other excursions
• Toiletries and Room Service: Hairdryers, toiletries, and any room service are not provided
• Additional Transport: Travel costs from one UK port to another and transport to/from Millcombe House via landrover without prior arrangement.

Please note:

Lundy Island is located in the Bristol Channel and is an isolated and picturesque destination that can be only be accessed by boat or helicopter. We will organise a return crossing via the main service provided by the MS Oldenburg ferry. This boat runs from Ilfracombe or Bideford to Lundy, and the ferry journey takes around 2 to 2.5 hours. We will advise you nearer the time (when we know) whether the crossing will be from Ilfracombe or Bideford. Note: the crossing is subject to weather conditions and contingency plans will be arranged in the event that weather doesn't permit us to cross. 

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The nearest international airports to Ilfracombe and Bideford are Bristol, Cardiff or Exeter Airports, depending upon where you are travelling. Barnstable Train station is the nearest largest train station to Ilfracombe or Bideford. Please allow for a 30 minute car journey from Barnstable to Ilfracombe or Bideford. London Heathrow Airport is approximately a four hour drive by car.  

Whilst there is a teaching schedule, guests are welcome to pick and chose the classes that they wish to attend to allow themselves time to explore the island or join one of the several guided tours that take place each week

We do not organise diving or boat trips and we do not recommend specific suppliers. 

Always walk as a pair when walking on the island 

Stay away from cliff edges as it can get windy

Please bring suitable walking boots and wet weather gear as conditions can be changeable 

If you are dropped off to a different port to the one that you departed from, Landmark Trust will provide transport at a nominal cost of around £11.00 (figures accurate as of 2024)

This itinerary is subject to change according to weather, staffing and conditions beyond our control. 

When travelling out to Lundy

Please bear in mind that the Oldenburg may not be able to sail on July 4th 2026. If this is the case then emergency accommodation and food will be available on the Saturday night. Please bear in mind that you maybe sharing a room with a fellow guest of the same gender if this is the case, even if you have booked a single occupancy room on the island. Guests will be taken to Lundy by the next available crossing via The Oldenburg or on rare occasions via helicopter at an additional cost. Because we are providing emergency accommodation in the case of a cancelled sailing, no refunds or compensation, partial or otherwise will be provided in the event of delayed arrival to the island. Please ensure that your travel insurance covers any such eventualities.

Please contact the Landmark Trust https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/lundyisland/discovering-lundy/activities/diving/getting-to-lundy/ms-oldenburg/ for full terms and conditions. 

Additional Information.

All sailings will be subject to weather conditions. In the case that you can’t sail back to the mainland, then you will be able to sleep overnight at Millcombe house.

Please ensure that you have downloaded a parking app for any cars left on the mainland so you can extend your parking time. Also ensure that you have allowed for possible delays with any onward travel plans. If you sail into a port other than the one that you departed from then a transfer coach will be arranged by Landmark Trust who will charge you a nominal fee of around £12.00 per passenger. 

The nearest international airports to Ilfracombe are Bristol, Cardiff or Exeter Airports, depending upon where you are travelling. Barnstable Train station is the nearest largest train station to Ilfracombe or Bideford. Please allow for a 30 minute car journey from Barnstable to Ilfracombe or Bideford. 

No refunds or compensation, partial or otherwise will be provided in the event of delayed arrival to the mainland. Please ensure that your travel insurance covers any such eventualities.

Please contact the Landmark Trust https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/lundyisland/discovering-lundy/activities/diving/getting-to-lundy/ms-oldenburg/ for full terms and conditions on ailing via the Oldenburg