Immerse Yourself in Wildlife Painting and Cotswold Charm with Sarah Stokes

Due to popular demand, following our successful Art Retreat here in 2025, we’re delighted to be offering another Cotswolds Art Retreat in 2027.

Join award-winning wildlife artist Sarah Stokes for a unique art retreat in the picturesque southwest Cotswolds. Set within the tranquil beauty of an Edwardian manor house surrounded by 18 acres of private woodland, this retreat offers a rare opportunity to fully immerse yourself in painting and drawing, guided throughout by Sarah’s clear, structured teaching approach. Whether you are an experienced artist or a complete beginner, you will be supported step by step to build confidence, develop new skills and create artwork inspired by the natural world. With return transfers from London Heathrow Airport included, everything is designed to feel relaxed, seamless and carefully looked after.

Sarah will lead the week, helping you strengthen the core skills that underpin confident painting. Her teaching focuses on drawing accuracy, tonal understanding and colour clarity, enabling artists to create work that feels both expressive and consistent. You will begin with smaller studies in pencil and charcoal before progressing to watercolour techniques that explore translucency, edge control and the suggestion of fur, feathers and natural environments.

In addition to Sarah’s teaching, this special retreat includes additional guest sessions from two highly experienced and encouraging artists, offering you the opportunity to explore complementary approaches and materials.

Lindsay Pritchard RBSA, who has appeared on Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year, will share her contemporary acrylic landscape approach, helping you simplify complex scenery into strong shapes, harmonious colour relationships and atmospheric depth. Her teaching is known for helping artists feel more confident tackling landscape subjects with clarity and structure.

Laura Jayne Smith, recently shortlisted for the prestigious Sketch for Survival competition and exhibiting at the Mall Galleries, will teach wildlife techniques using watercolour and gouache. Her sensitive and beautifully observed work demonstrates how subtle layering and mark-making can create characterful animal studies without overworking. Gouache can be particularly effective for finishing touches, such as adding flowers and environmental details around a bird to help a piece feel complete and considered.

Both Lindsay and Laura are experienced, supportive teachers, and their sessions offer a valuable opportunity to learn new techniques while reinforcing the core principles Sarah introduces throughout the week. Together, the three tutors provide a rich and varied learning experience – you really are in for a treat.

"The venue was outstanding! The venue was roomy, homely, and comfortable with plenty of space to be social or to find a quiet corner. Sarah and Andrew were outstanding art instructors and made every level of art background feel welcomed and challenged. The meals were delicious and plentiful, and the field trips were fascinating. The information provided before and during the trip was excellent. I would not hesitate to take another retreat with Olive and Plum." (Guest feedback, 2025)

We’ve designed a thoughtfully balanced itinerary combining painting sessions, photography opportunities, excursions and excellent dining. You may find yourself observing otters at play, watching flamingos feeding at the renowned Slimbridge Wetland Centre, exploring the historic Berkeley Castle, or enjoying time in the charming villages, galleries and independent shops of the Cotswolds.

Throughout the retreat, Sarah will guide you step by step as you develop your artwork, helping you translate your observations into confident paintings. Subjects may include birds, mammals and other wildlife, with opportunities to explore both smaller studies and more developed pieces. The retreat is suitable for artists at all levels, including beginners, with clear guidance provided throughout.

Back at the manor house, you will enjoy freshly prepared meals, comfortable accommodation and the company of like-minded artists. For non-painting partners, the retreat is equally appealing, with a highly regarded golf course next door and a variety of local places to explore.

The 8 day, 7 night itinerary includes carefully organised excursions designed to make the experience feel relaxed and enriching. Non-residential guests may prefer one of the 7 Day Explorer Art Passes.

Please note that the itinerary may be subject to minor changes due to the nature of the excursions.

"Spectacular! The accommodations far exceeded our expectations, the food was excellent and the programme was well organised. Sarah and her team were amazing!" (Guest feedback, 2025)

With Sarah leading the week, supported by two exceptional guest artists, this retreat offers a rewarding balance of structure, inspiration and encouragement. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered so that you can focus fully on your art and enjoy a memorable creative escape in the Cotswolds

Please note: this retreat has not yet reached minimum numbers and is therefore not currently guaranteed to run. We will confirm as soon as the minimum group size is met.

 We’ve designed an incredible itinerary filled with 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.

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 16:00 on the arrival day, and checkout by 10:00 on the departure day.

  • 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, dinners, and snacks/refreshments throughout the day.

  • Delicious British cuisine at the House and other venues

  • 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 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.

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. 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. Sarah will be on hand to help you find subjects to paint.

 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!

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, our guest artist will lead the session. Sarah will aid them 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 3 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 enjoy a full day of uninterrupted painting.

During the morning session, Lindsay Pritchard RBSA will guide you through a beautiful mini landscape in acrylics, inspired by the rolling hills surrounding Stinchcombe House. Lindsay’s clear and encouraging teaching style makes landscape feel approachable and structured, helping you simplify complex scenery into strong shapes, harmonious colour relationships and atmospheric depth.

You will explore how to suggest distance, form and light using confident brushwork, gaining practical techniques that can be applied to future landscape subjects.

After lunch, there will be time to continue developing and completing your landscape, refining colour balance, strengthening tonal relationships and adding finishing touches. Lindsay, Laura and Sarah will all be available to offer support and guidance as your work progresses.

The day ends with a beautifully cooked dinner, freshly prepared using locally sourced ingredients, providing the perfect opportunity to relax and reflect on the day’s creative achievements.

Over breakfast, the final day offers a chance to reflect on the work you would like to create inspired by the sights, sounds and reference photographs gathered during the retreat.

On this final day, Sarah and Laura Jayne Smith will lead relaxed wildlife-focused sessions, with wildlife as the subject. The focus will be on exploring the versatility of gouache alongside watercolour, particularly for refined finishing touches, such as adding flowers and subtle environmental details around a bird to help the piece feel complete and considered.

Sarah and Laura will be on hand throughout the day to support you in starting new pieces or developing work from the week. A printer will be available so that you can work from your own reference photos, helping you build on the inspiration gathered during visits such as Slimbridge Wetland Centre.

A calm and rewarding close to the retreat, designed to help you consolidate what you have learned and leave with work you feel proud of.

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