Join Sarah Stokes on a Unique Artistic Adventure at Lundy Island

We’re delighted to offer a one-of-a-kind opportunity to join Sarah Stokes on a painting retreat hosted on the spectacular Lundy Island. Taking place in 2026, this exclusive retreat is limited to just 10 guests, creating an intimate and immersive creative experience.

The Perfect Blend of Nature, Creativity, and Tranquillity

Imagine waking to the gentle sounds of nature, surrounded by the untouched and 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. The island offers a peaceful, inspiring setting in which to slow down, observe, and respond creatively to the world around you.

Lundy is home to over 1,400 puffins that return in May to nest, along with the elusive Manx shearwaters, whose nocturnal calls add to the island’s magic. From dramatic rocky cliffs to sweeping meadows and expansive sea views, the landscape is as inspiring as the wildlife that inhabits it. Whether you’re sketching puffins, painting the rugged coastline, or capturing glowing sunsets, the island provides endless artistic inspiration.

Learn and Create with Sarah Stokes

Sarah is a highly regarded British wildlife artist, known for her vibrant and expressive work capturing the essence of animals and the natural world. Her paintings have been exhibited widely, and she brings a deep passion for teaching and encouraging creative confidence. Whether you are new to painting or already experienced, Sarah will guide you through the creative process, helping you develop your skills and deepen your connection with nature through art.

A Unique Stay at Millcombe House

The retreat is hosted on Lundy Island, which is managed by The Landmark Trust. Guests will stay at Millcombe House, the island’s largest and most historic property, which will be occupied exclusively by the retreat group for the duration of the stay. Nestled in a secluded setting with breathtaking views, it provides a wonderful base from which to immerse yourself in both art and nature.

This is a particularly special time to visit the island. Spring brings vibrant wildlife activity alongside fresh blooms and sweeping coastal light, creating an ever-changing and inspiring backdrop for your artistic journey.

A Truly Limited Experience

Due to Lundy’s limited accommodation and its importance as a protected wildlife sanctuary, places on this retreat are extremely limited. Once all spaces are filled, no additional dates will be available during this important breeding season. This rarity makes the experience all the more special, and we’re excited to offer you the chance 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 on Lundy, you’ll stay at Millcombe House, one of the island’s most iconic buildings, managed by The Landmark Trust. Nestled within a cluster of trees and shrubs and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this 19th-century villa is rich in historic features and character.

This beautifully restored Georgian mansion offers far-reaching views across the Atlantic, with a series of stone steps leading down to the rugged coastline. Built in 1835, the house provides simple, comfortable accommodation typical of Landmark Trust properties, along with a warm and welcoming atmosphere that’s ideal for unwinding after a day of painting and exploring.

Millcombe House has been carefully maintained and adapted over the years and has served many roles throughout its history, including as a residence for a former island owner. It retains much of its original charm and stands as a tangible link to Lundy’s fascinating past, offering guests a unique sense of place.

From a practical point of view, please note that none of the bedrooms are en-suite due to the age and layout of the building, and there is no room service. Guests are encouraged to treat Millcombe House as a shared home, helping themselves to snacks and refreshments throughout the day. A relaxed attitude, consideration for fellow guests and a good sense of humour all help make staying in this historic house part of the experience.

• 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 only be accessed by boat or helicopter.

Travel to and from the island is operated via the main scheduled service on the MS Oldenburg ferry, which is managed by The Landmark Trust. The ferry sails from either Ilfracombe or Bideford, with the crossing typically taking approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Guests will be advised nearer the time, once sailing schedules are confirmed by The Landmark Trust, which port the crossing will depart from.

All sailings are subject to weather conditions. Decisions regarding whether a crossing can operate are made by the ferry operator and The Landmark Trust.

Travel Disruption & Contingency Arrangements

In the event that a scheduled sailing to Lundy is cancelled due to weather conditions, we have made contingency arrangements with a local hotel on the mainland to provide emergency overnight accommodation for guests, should this be required. This accommodation is intended as a short-term welfare measure only, to ensure guests have a safe place to stay while awaiting the next available crossing.

Please note that emergency accommodation may involve shared rooms, even where a single-occupancy room has been booked on the island. Meals and onward travel arrangements during such disruption will be dependent on local availability and conditions at the time.

Guests will be transferred to Lundy on the next available crossing via the MS Oldenburg, or on rare occasions by helicopter, subject to availability and at an additional cost set by the operator.

No refunds or compensation will be provided in the event of delayed arrival to the island due to weather or sailing disruption. Guests are strongly advised to ensure that their travel insurance covers delays, missed crossings and disruption to travel plans.

Travel Connections

The nearest international airports to Ilfracombe and Bideford are Bristol, Cardiff or Exeter Airports, depending on your point of departure. Barnstaple railway station is the nearest mainline station, with an onward road journey of approximately 30 minutes to Ilfracombe or Bideford. London Heathrow Airport is approximately a four-hour drive by car.

Teaching Schedule & Free Time

While there is a structured teaching schedule during the retreat, guests are welcome to choose which sessions they attend. This allows time for independent exploration of the island or participation in guided walks and talks that may take place during the week and are organised by The Landmark Trust (subject to availability).

We do not organise diving, snorkelling or boat trips, and we do not recommend specific suppliers. Any such activities are arranged independently by guests.

Island Safety & Practical Advice

• Always walk in pairs when exploring the island

• Keep well away from cliff edges, particularly in windy conditions

• Please bring suitable walking boots and wet-weather clothing, as conditions can change quickly

If you arrive at or depart from a different mainland port than originally planned, The Landmark Trust may arrange a coach transfer between ports at a nominal cost (approximately £11–£12 per passenger, figures accurate as of 2024).

Please note that the programme and itinerary may be subject to change due to weather conditions, staffing, or other factors beyond our control.

Return Travel & Delays

All return crossings to the mainland are subject to weather conditions. In the event that a return sailing is delayed, guests may be required to remain overnight on the island, with accommodation arrangements managed by The Landmark Trust.

Guests should allow flexibility in onward travel plans and ensure appropriate parking arrangements are in place for vehicles left on the mainland.

No refunds or compensation will be provided in the event of delayed return to the mainland. Guests are advised to ensure suitable travel insurance is in place.

For full and up-to-date sailing terms and conditions, please refer directly to The Landmark Trust’s MS Oldenburg travel information.

Embark on a seven-day artistic retreat to Lundy Island, starting with a picturesque journey aboard the MS Oldenburg. Upon arrival to Lundy, your luggage will be whisked away to Milcombe House, while we take a leisurely hike up the cliff path, soaking in the island’s breathtaking scenery.

Settle into your charming room before gathering for a welcome drink. As lunch is prepared by our resident cook, mingle with fellow guests and begin to feel the creative energy of this unique retreat. Later, we’ll embark on an afternoon walk along the island’s east side, cameras in hand, to capture its distinctive wildlife—legendary jumping sheep, wild ponies, and windswept highland cattle. A visit to the historic Marisco Tavern for a pre-dinner drink includes an inspiring talk by one of the island’s conservationists. Our day ends with a sumptuous three-course meal back at Millcombe House, perfectly paired with fine wine.

Start your day with a hearty British breakfast, then dive into our first art workshop focused on the majestic highland cow. With minimal charcoal tools, you’ll learn to depict its textured fur and soulful presence. After a delicious lunch, choose to continue honing your skills or explore the island’s rugged

beauty. The day concludes with an ‘aperitivo ’hour, followed by a traditional Sunday roast, complete with all the trimmings

Following a refreshing breakfast, we’ll explore the art of painting Lundy’s iconic puffins. Their vivid beaks and expressive eyes make for delightful subjects. A buffet-style lunch punctuates your creative session, giving you the afternoon to complete your puffin masterpiece. In the evening, enjoy a convivial pub dinner at the Marisco Tavern, capped off with a leisurely starlit walk back to Millcombe House. 

  Tuesday’s class dives into the vibrant world of Lundy’s marine life. After breakfast, immerse yourself in painting crustaceans, exploring wet-into-wet techniques and innovative texturing methods using salt and cling film. A light buffet lunch provides a break before you choose to continue painting or explore more of the island. End the day with a delightful three-course dinner, paired with wine, at Millcombe House. 

 The marine mammals of Lundy take center stage today. Post-breakfast, we’ll paint seals and dolphins, capturing their grace and the swirling sea they inhabit. Inspired by the island’s natural habitat, you’ll have plenty of creative inspiration for your art. The day ends with another exquisite dinner, celebrating the beauty of these fascinating creatures. 

  Thursday’s adventure begins with a search for Lundy’s wild horses. After observing and photographing these majestic animals, we’ll return to Milcombe House to translate their beauty into watercolour art. With lunch and afternoon tea as refreshing interludes, we’ll explore techniques to capture their windswept manes and expressive eyes. The day concludes with a home-cooked dinner, a fitting end to our artistic journey. 

Kick off your last full day with an optional dawn walk along the eastern coastal path, capturing the sunrise and the island’s awakening. After breakfast, we’ll focus on painting seascapes, using watercolour and masking fluid to depict Lundy’s turquoise waters and rolling waves. Lunch at the Marisco Tavern offers a taste of local pub fare, followed by a final afternoon of painting or soaking in the island’s vistas. Our retreat concludes with a celebratory dinner, where we’ll share our art, stories, and future creative dreams. 

Bid farewell to Lundy Island with a final breakfast at Millcombe House. Exchange contact details with new friends, and make your way to the jetty for the return journey on the MS Oldenburg. Reflect on the transformative week of art and nature, carrying memories and inspiration back to the mainland.

Join us on this unforgettable journey where art meets nature. Reserve your spot today for a creative retreat that promises to inspire and rejuvenate.