Crafty Breaks: Host Your Own Wye Valley Workshop Weekend

🎒 1. Choose Your Craft (or Crafts!)

The beauty of a DIY creative break is that you call the shots. Want to spend the whole weekend learning macramé? Go for it. Prefer a mixed bag of pottery in the morning and collage by candlelight? You do you.

Top crafty ideas for workshop weekends:

• Willow weaving or basket-making

• Watercolour or acrylic painting

• Creative journaling or book-binding

• Pottery or hand-building with clay

• Soap making or candle pouring

• Nature crafts like flower crowns, leaf printing or botanical dyeing

Pro tip: Keep it flexible. A few structured sessions and a few “free play” moments will keep things fun, not frantic.

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🏡 2. Book the Right Base

You need somewhere with:

• Big tables for craft chaos

• Comfy sofas for wine-fuelled debriefs

• Lovely views for inspiration

• Drying space for soggy paper or painted pots

• And ideally… a hot tub. Because, obviously.

Here's some creative-ready houses:

• Forest House, Coleford – central for forest inspiration

• The Anchor – peaceful, light-filled and perfect for messy fun

• River Wye Lodge – great riverside views for arty types

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🧑‍🎨 3. Bring in Local Makers

There’s a fantastic creative scene in the Wye Valley, and many artists offer private workshops for groups.

Some to consider:

• Wye Valley Willow (in Brockweir) for willow sculpture

• Yat Pottery near Symonds Yat

• Local calligraphers, artists & jewellers who love teaching workshops at your rental house

Want to save money? Nominate someone in your group to teach a session. Everyone knows one person who secretly owns 12 types of glue and three glue guns.

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🌿 4. Add a Wild Twist

Make use of the surroundings. You’re not in a sterile studio—you’re in one of the most beautiful places in the UK.

Try this:

• Go foraging and use wildflowers in your crafts

• Set up a plein-air painting session overlooking the river

• Collect natural clay and twigs for rustic vibes

• Build a flower crown with what you’ve gathered on your walk

And when you’ve had enough “rustic,” there’s always the pub.

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🍷 5. Don’t Forget the Food

Crafting is hungry work.

Stock the fridge with easy eats and Wye Valley favourites:

• Local cider and perry

• Herefordshire cheeses

• Giant sourdoughs from Forest Bakehouse

• DIY pizza nights or graze boards

• And of course, cream teas (fuel for the glue gun arm)

You could even hire a private chef or mobile pizza van if you’re feeling boujee.

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🧺 6. Take Home More Than Memories

Get your crew to bring boxes or totes to safely carry their creations home. And don’t forget to take a group photo with your finished crafts (no judgment if half of them are wonky).

Want to go all out? Make personalised workshop “kits” with scissors, washi tape, name tags, and a welcome note. It’s not essential—but it does win Instagram.

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Why the Wye Valley?

Because it's peaceful without being boring, arty without being pretentious, and full of creative people who know how to make things fun.

Whether you're bonding with your besties, hosting a hen weekend with a twist, or just want to try something new with a few friends—this is the kind of getaway you’ll want to turn into an annual tradition.

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✅ Quick Planning Checklist:

• Choose 1–3 crafts

• Pick a BHHL house with space and comfort

• Book local artists or bring supplies

• Organise meals (and wine!)

• Bring tablecloths, aprons, and an open mind

Then just add friends, music, and a bit of glitter—and let the creativity flow.

Big House Holiday Lets
w: bhhl.co.uk
e: enquiries@bhhl.co.uk
t: 01600 732050