Note: This retreat has now reached the minimum numbers and is guaranteed! 

Join award-winning wildlife artist Sarah Stokes for a unique art retreat in the picturesque Southwest Cotswolds. Nestled in the tranquil beauty of an Edwardian manor house surrounded by 18 acres of private woodland, this retreat offers an unforgettable opportunity to immerse yourself in wildlife painting. Whether you're an experienced artist or a beginner, Sarah’s expert teaching will help you master new techniques, refine your skills and create stunning artwork inspired by the natural world. With convenient round-trip transfers from London Heathrow Airport included, your journey is as seamless as it is inspiring.

Sarah Stokes is celebrated for her dynamic watercolour techniques and captivating wildlife portraits, which bring animals to life with vibrant energy and expressive detail. Her teaching is equally renowned, offering clear, approachable guidance tailored to artists of all levels. Over the course of this immersive retreat, Sarah will help you explore everything from the translucency and fluidity of watercolours to techniques for capturing fur, feathers and natural environments. You’ll build your skills steadily, starting with smaller animals in pencil and charcoal, before progressing to watercolours where you’ll experiment with advanced techniques to create expressive, lifelike art.

As a special bonus, the retreat will feature sessions with Andrew Hemming, one of Olive and Plum’s talented landscape artists. An award-winning photographer and painter, Andrew is known for his loose, expressive landscapes that have graced magazine pages, book covers, and exhibitions. Andrew will share his ever-popular techniques, offering a unique opportunity to expand your artistic horizons and bring depth and movement to your landscapes.

The retreat also offers plenty of inspiration outside the studio. Excursions to the award-winning Slimbridge Wetland Centre and the historic Berkeley Castle provide unique opportunities to observe, sketch and photograph rare wildlife and stunning landscapes. Back at the manor, you’ll enjoy delicious home-cooked meals, luxurious accommodation, and the chance to share your creative journey with like-minded artists. For non-painting partners, this retreat is equally appealing, with a world-class golf course just next door—perfect for a round while you’re immersed in your art.

From Sarah’s expert guidance to the inspiring bonus sessions with Andrew Hemming, this retreat is the ultimate escape for anyone passionate about wildlife and landscape painting. With every detail carefully thought out-from included Heathrow transfers to optional Explorer Passes for non-residential guests—you’ll have everything you need for a truly memorable week of creativity, connection and relaxation. Let Sarah Stokes, Andrew Hemming, and the beauty of the Cotswolds take your art to new heights!

 We’ve designed an incredible itinerary filled with photography, painting, sightseeing and dining adventures. Whether you dream of watching playful otters, capturing the grace of flamingos feeding at a renowned wildlife reserve, stepping into a 12th-century fortress, or exploring the charming antique shops, galleries and artisan businesses of the Cotswolds, this retreat has it all! Throughout the experience, Sarah will guide you every step of the way, helping you bring your wildlife visions to life in watercolour.

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You’ll learn how to transform your ideas into stunning artwork, whether painting pollinators, reptiles, birds, or larger mammals. This retreat welcomes artists of all levels, from beginners to seasoned painters, ensuring everyone feels inspired and supported.

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The 8-day, 7-night itinerary includes all excursions, thoughtfully organised to make your experience seamless and unforgettable. No prior art experience is required to join this creative journey! 

Choose from one of our 7 Day Explorer Art Passes, if you'd prefer to be non-residential. 

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Please note: The itinerary may be subject to change due to the nature of the excursions.

What you’ll paint:

Majestic stags, graceful flamingos, countryside hares, playful otters, and elegant swans - all inspired by the wildlife around us!

What you’ll learn:

• Creating dynamic backgrounds for your wildlife scenes

• Techniques to loosen up your brushwork for expressive strokes

• In-depth colour mixing skills

• Mastering timing and pigment control

• Embracing your playful, creative side

Exclusive use of Stinchcombe Hill House in the Cotswolds, a beautiful Edwardian Manor

Here, you'll stay in luxurious comfort at the charming Edwardian Manor House and New Stables, set in 18 acres of stunning, unspoilt Cotswold countryside. Unwind in one of the beautifully furnished bedrooms, perfect for recharging after a day of artistic exploration.

Each room is tastefully decorated and spacious, whether you’re sharing with a non-participating partner on a trip to the UK, or enjoying the space to yourself. With hybrid pocket-gel mattresses, Egyptian cotton bedding, and feather pillows, you’ll enjoy restful nights, ready to embrace each new day of inspiration.

As a special bonus, Andrew Hemming, one of Olive and Plum’s talented landscape artists will join be joining us to reveal his ever popular techniques for creating loose, expressive landscapes. 

Andrew is an award winning photographer and painter based in England whose work has graced the pages of numerous magazines, adorned book covers, and been showcased and sold in exhibitions.

What’s Included in the Retreat:

• Art Experience:
  
  • Art classes, individual tuition, and demonstrations with Sarah Stokes.
  • Access to a private WhatsApp group with Sarah Stokes and other participants at least six months before the retreat.

• Exclusive Use of Facilities:
  
  • Full access to Stinchcombe Hill House, including all common areas, workshop spaces, gardens, movie room, steam room and gym.
    
• Accommodation:
  
  • 7 nights at Stinchcombe Hill House or New Stables, with daily housekeeping.
  • Check-in after 14:00 on 26th September 2025, and checkout by 10:00 on 3rd October 2025.
  • Bedrooms include en-suite bathrooms, hair dryers, and toiletries.
  • Solo occupancy of your own private ensuite room (or shared with a partner of your choice)
    
• Dining & Refreshments:
  
  • All meals provided: freshly prepared breakfasts, home-cooked dinners, and snacks/refreshments throughout the day.
  • All meals prepared by a private cook. 
  • The only meal not included is lunch during the day out in the Cotswolds.
  • Complimentary water, coffee, tea, and juice during your stay.
  • Alcoholic drinks & soft drinks during evening meal service and at aperitif hour 
    
• Transportation & Fees:
  
  • Round-trip transfers from London Heathrow Airport, at select times (times provided nearer the time but on the arrival day it will be around 2:00pm GMT.  
  • All tourist taxes and fees covered.

• Workshop Equipment:
  
  • Provided: tables, chairs, glass jars, printer with ink, and paper towels.

Additional Information:

• The retreat is limited to 18 art guests, and every effort will be made to accommodate your room choice. If circumstances change, suitable alternative accommodations will be arranged.
• If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please inform us in advance. 
• The accommodation has been described to the best of our ability; for any specific concerns (e.g., access, location, or facilities), please enquire before booking.

Not Included:

• Airfare
• Travel insurance (mandatory, evidence required before travel)
• ETIAS travel authorisation fees  
• Art materials (a detailed list will be provided two months prior by Sarah Stokes)
• Spa treatments
• Staff gratuities
• Personal expenses such as extra drinks, snacks, souvenirs, and any costs before or after the retreat.
• Tour of Peter Scott’s house at Slimbridge.
• Alcoholic drinks outside of evening meals and aperitif hour.

Unlock a week of creative inspiration and unforgettable experiences with our exclusive Art Explorer Pass, available to non-residential retreat guests.

Unlock a week of creative inspiration and unforgettable experiences with our exclusive Art Explorer Pass. 

Gold Explorer Art Pass

£1,499 Gold explorer art pass

with evening meals and 2 full day excursions, including tickets into Slimbridge and Berkeley Castle.  4 spots available.

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Silver Explorer Art Pass

£1,150 Silver explorer art pass excludes 2 x evening meals and excursions. Guests with these passes will be free to paint at the venue independently for any days in which the excursions are taking place 

4 spots available.

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Here’s what’s included:

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• Expert Art Tuition: Enjoy immersive art instruction, guided by talented artists and tailored to all skill levels.
• Delicious Dining: Indulge in daily lunches and afternoon tea at the venue, thoughtfully prepared to fuel your creativity.
• Luxury Painting Environment: Paint in the elegant surroundings of a grand manor house, with access to beautifully designed communal spaces.
• Optional Scenic Excursions: gold only.  Embark on organised trips to the stunning Cotswolds countryside and the world-renowned Slimbridge Wetland Centre.
• Optional Photographic Tuition: gold only. Capture the magic of wildlife and landscapes with optional photography guidance.
• Optional Welcome Evening: gold only. Meet your fellow art explorers and instructors at an exclusive opening night gathering, complete with a welcome meal.
• Optional Celebration Finale: gold only. Conclude your creative journey with a memorable final night celebration meal, reflecting on your artistic achievements.

- We will arrange complimentary return airport transfers to London Heathrow to bring you to the venue. If you're coming via train then Stroud is the most convenient train station and we can provide directions if travelling by car. 

On arrival to your accommodation, you will shown to your comfortable room, with time to settle in. 

Meet Sarah and Andrew who will give you an overview of the course and the materials we’ll be using before embarking on useful orientation tour of the gardens, teaching and dining areas of the Manor House. For those guests who like to get a grip on their surroundings there will be the option of an early evening stroll to round the extensive grounds and woodlands.

In the evening, get to know your art group over a freshly prepared evening meal, enhanced by a glass of carefully selected wine.

After a hearty English breakfast, we will embark on our first art lesson during which Sarah will teach you loosening up techniques to create a beautiful English hare in graphite and watercolour. This exercise will help free up your style and paint with an emphasis on expressive mark making and not precision brush work. After a delicious lunch Sarah will help you start your first main considered piece: a beautiful otter in its natural habitat. Once drawn she will take you steadily through the techniques to bring its character to life, from the texture of its fur to the playful look in its eyes! Its watery surroundings will be painted after a visit to see them in action the following day.

After afternoon tea, Andrew will end the day’s art session by introducing you to the theme of urban sketching. He will run through some useful demonstrations and the materials needed to help you draw and paint whilst out on location. That way you will be able to make the most of the next day’s exploration. 

With this practical session finished you will have time to relax and refresh ready for a beautifully prepared meal at Stinchcombe Hill House. 

Your third day unfolds with breakfast, fresh juices and coffee where we can chat about the day ahead before heading out to the ancient Fortress and family home of the Berkeley’s, Berkeley Castle. During the tour of this stunning 12th Century Norman castle you will get to see the China room where Queen Elizabeth 1’s bedspread is on display, the Kings Gallery where Edward 11 was held prisoner and later murdered amongst a host of other rooms and gardens. Andrew will be on hand to help you sketch your surroundings using the minimal amount of tools. This is the perfect opportunity to start a sketch book habit or perhaps build on an existing one. What a perfect memento to take back with you! 

You will then head out to the award winning Wetland Wildlife Trust at Slimbridge, a remarkable and vast mosaic of wetlands, including open water reef bed, grazing marsh, ponds and pools. After lunch at the Kingfisher Kitchen, Sarah and Andrew will help you explore parts of the 650 acre site, home to the world’s largest collection of exotic, rare and endangered ducks, geese and swans as well as a multitude of other wildlife such as kingfishers, water voles, otters and five different types of flamingos. Whilst Sarah will be on hand to help you find subjects to paint, Andrew a professional photographer will be on hand to give you expert guidance on how to capture magical images and make the most out of your camera equipment.

 Then armed with sketches, ideas and photographs, you’ll head back to the Manor House for a welcome home cooked evening meal, washed down with some delicious wine. 

After a freshly prepared breakfast, we will have a steady and solid day of painting at the venue. During the morning Sarah will teach you how to paint the water surrounding the otter which was started on Sunday. This will involve a host of new colours and techniques in which timing and pigment control will be key. After a light buffet style lunch, we will then prep and paint flamingos in situ. The painting of these iconic birds will teach you how to paint the sky using a

graduated wash, as well as convincing reflections, shadows, splashes and feathers. And of course, there will be the obligatory afternoon tea! Andrew will lead the late afternoon session in which he’ll demonstrate his unique take on landscape painting. Using just 2 colours and embracing a playful and explorative style, he will show you inspiring ways of depicting the stunning landscape in just a few minutes. These sessions are perfect for those who have found landscape painting a little overwhelming in the past, or for those who seek new sources of inspiration. Once the painting session has finished there will be some time to relax and freshen up before heading out to a traditional village pub for a evening meal in cosy surroundings.

Day five starts with a gorgeous selection of breakfast items with coffee, tea and fresh juices. After breakfast, Andrew will led the session on urban sketching, giving you some invaluable lessons to set you up for the day. Sarah will aid him in teaching ways of quickly rendering iconic Cotswold doorways and flowers. Armed with the lightest of sketching materials, you’ll set out on a fabulous tour of some of the prettiest towns and villages in the Cotswolds. The Cotswolds is a region known for its picturesque scenery and quintessentially English charm. What a fabulous chance to put your sketchbook journaling skills to use! This will be the perfect opportunity to sketch, take photographs of the iconic stone buildings and ancient market squares, visit antique shop and cosy pubs and marvel at its myriad of bridges, streams, and natural beauty. A minimum of at least 5 villages will be visited with lunch taking place in one of the larger towns such as Stow On The Wold. As the afternoon draws to a close, you will head back to the warm and inviting atmosphere of Stincombe to enjoy a seasonal apple cider aperol spritz, by the fire before getting ready for a delicious 3 course evening meal freshly prepared by the house cook. 

 After a nutritious breakfast, we will embark on a day of uninterrupted painting. During this session,  Sarah will show you how to paint a majestic stag using a range is desaturated colours. During this class you will learn how to paint beautiful soulful eyes as well as the characteristic colours and markings of antlers. After lunch, you will have time to complete the Stag by adding environmental elements such as forest trees and undergrowth. Sarah and Andrew will be on hand to show you how to create the tangled nature of undergrowth with cling film, salt, negative painting and layering techniques.

The day ends with a beautifully cooked dinner freshly prepared from locally sourced ingredients. 

- Over breakfast, the final day presents the ideal opportunity to reflect about the kind of painting that you would like to create as a result of the sights, sounds and photographs that you will have taken during this immersive retreat.

- Throughout the day Sarah will be on hand to carefully guide you through any pieces that you want to start or complete, whether they are art journal pages or fully fledged paintings. With a printer on hand, you will be able to print off any reference photos you need to recreate your work. Inspired by the trip to Slimbridge Wetlands Centre, Sarah will also be demonstrating the painting of a swan for anyone who wishes to follow her in painting this piece.

- Topped up throughout the afternoon with homemade seasonal delights, the pace of this last day will be relaxed and steady. Just after afternoon tea, an informal exhibition of work will be set in the cinema room… presenting the ideal chance to chat to fellow guests about techniques used and images inspired. The last night calls for a very special celebration whereby our private chef will prepare a delectable 5 course meal paired with a superb selection of wines. 

Enjoy a filling breakfast together, exchange any last contacts and catch the 10 am transfer to London Heathrow.