Willow Work
Available Dates
All of our craft or activity holidays run for 5-nights from Sunday to Friday and start from £879 per person.
The above is based on single occupancy. A £100 per person discount is applied for art, craft and activity guests on a shared occupancy basis.
“I’d been on the look out for willow work classes near me for months but couldn’t find anything so coming for a willow work holiday at Gartmore checked every box.”
About The Course
Are you wondering how to weave a willow plate holder or what it takes to turn wooden reeds into something useful? Gartmore House has you covered with our willow work courses.
Basketry is all about creating functional, beautiful and sustainable items. It's a fun, mindful craft that can deeply connect us with nature. In this course, which is designed for absolute beginners and improvers alike, we'll go back to basketry's (very) ancient roots by foraging for some of our materials in the grounds at Gartmore House. This is a very rewarding process, deepening our relationship with the natural world and developing an awareness of natural materials that will last a lifetime.
Then, over the course of the week, you'll learn a range of weaving techniques, gradually building your skill, knowledge, and understanding of the materials. You'll make a range of items you can take home throughout the week, culminating in a 2-day foraging/shopping basket project (or something smaller if that won't fit in your suitcase!).
Lots of this activity will be indoors but, where appropriate and desired, we can work outdoors too. All tools and materials will be provided, except what you forage of course. We'll mostly be using willow and similarly woody materials to weave with.
Course Inclusions And Coverage
This course is an all-in-one package which includes the following:
Tuition
Booking for this course includes 4 days of specialist tuition.
Equipment
All specialist equipment will be supplied but there will be a few essential items that you will need to bring. Please see our terms and detailed information section below.
Food & Accommodation
Full board catering and 5-nights accommodation are included when you book.
Transfers
Complimentary transfers are included when you book - subject to certain conditions.*
* Transfers from Stirling train station are available on the arrival and departure days (pick-up from the station at 15:30, departs Gartmore House at 9:15). Transfers from Glasgow or Edinburgh Airports are available at an additional cost.
Here's what a previous participant has to say about this course:
“Did not know what to expect – but far, far better than I could have imagined.” – Joan, Willow Work Holiday
Picture Gallery
tERMS & DETAILED INFORMATION
If you’re coming on one of our holidays and would like to bring a friend, partner, or member of your family, then we have you (and them!) covered. Accompanying guests will enjoy full board catering and shared accommodation with you.
How to book
To book online, please click on your preferred date above.
For any questions or to book direct please call 01877 382 991 or email mail@gartmorehouse.com
If you have any questions, you may like to take a look at our FAQs but if you have any further queries, please contact our team directly.
TERMS & CONDITIONS OF BOOKING
To confirm your holiday:
A non-refundable 25% deposit is required to secure your booking.
Payment of your holiday:
The balance of your payment must be received no later than 3 months (90 days) prior to the commencement of your holiday. In the case of non-payment, we reserve the right to cancel your booking and any cancellation fees will apply.
If you cancel your booking:
All deposits are non-refundable. Should you need to cancel your booking up to 3 months (90 days) prior to the commencement date, we will refund any monies paid, less your deposit. If you cancel less than 3 months (90 days) prior to the commencement date, no refund will be given.
We do advise you to take out holiday insurance for this reason.
More Reviews...
The ‘Last Supper’ created a great finishing touch and made for a memorable stay.
Jean
Willow Work Holiday
A wonderful experience. Perfect atmosphere and environment. Friendly staff. Loved it. Many thanks.
Guest
Willow Work Holiday
Your Course Tutor: Jane Allan
Jane began basketmaking on a weekend course in 1998 and was instantly smitten with willow and basketry, particularly traditional, functional baskets. Growing willow soon followed combining a love of plants and creativity and a concern for the environment. Basketry is one of the oldest crafts and requires nothing more than hands, flexible plant fibres and simple tools to produce containers of all shapes and sizes. Whether you are a complete beginner or have some experience and wish to improve existing skills or simply want to try a new craft for a few days, you will find basketry is absorbing, challenging and enjoyable. You will go home with practice pieces and completed baskets to be proud of and perhaps a new hobby or occupation.
Faq
Where can I find out more about the course?
If you need any further information about your course that is not on our website, please get in contact with us and we can provide you with the tutor’s contact details who can assist with your query.
What do I need to bring on my art, craft and activity break?
Your required kit list for your specific break is shown on each course’s webpage. Your tutor will also be in contact with you, prior to your course to confirm kit lists and questions you have.
Should you have any queries, then please feel free to contact us.
What is the art, craft and activity holiday booking terms and conditions?
To confirm your holiday a non-refundable 25% deposit is required to secure your booking.
The balance of your payment must be received no later than 3 months (90 days) prior to the commencement of your holiday. In the case of non-payment, we reserve the right to cancel your booking and any cancellation fees will apply.
All deposits are non-refundable. Should you need to cancel your booking up to 3 months (90 days) prior to the commencement date, we will refund any monies paid, less your deposit. If you cancel less than 3 months (90 days) prior to the commencement date, no refund will be given.
Holidays are subject to availability and subject to change. There is a minimum number of guests required to run each course. If a course is cancelled due to low numbers, you may transfer any monies paid to an alternative date or a full refund will be issued. We do advise you to take out holiday insurance for this reason.
What time do your transfer services for the art, craft & activity holidays operate?
We offer a complimentary transfer services to and from Stirling train station. Collection is at 3:30pm from the station on the day of arrival, and our drop-off service departs from Gartmore House at 9:15 am on day of departure.
The closest airports to us are Glasgow and Edinburgh airports. If you require a transfer to and/or from either airport, please select this option at the time of booking. Transfers to/from Glasgow and Edinburgh airports are available at an additional cost. After booking your flights, please update your Customer Portal with the time you wish to be collected from the airport on the day of arrival and the time of collection at Gartmore House, returning to the airport, on the day of departure. Please allow 60 minutes for your transfer between Gartmore House and Glasgow Airport, or 90 minutes for your transfer between Gartmore House and Edinburgh Airport.
Can I bring a partner/friend to stay with me while I am on an art, craft or activity break?
If you’re coming on one of our art, craft or activity holidays and would like to bring a friend, partner, or member of your family, then we have you (and them!) covered. Accompanying guests will enjoy full board catering and shared accommodation with you. Please add them at the checkout stage.
Spots on this course are limited!
Book your spot now and join us at Gartmore House. We are confident it will deepen your understanding of willow work.