We believe there is something deeply restorative about making with our hands, spending time in nature and giving ourselves permission to slow down.

Fleece & Woodland retreats are created for those who would like to step away from the everyday for a few days and enjoy beautiful surroundings, thoughtful creative experiences and time simply to be.

You don’t need to be an experienced maker, an accomplished artist or an enthusiastic walker. You may already have a lifelong love of fibre and craft, or you may be coming to some of our workshops completely new.

Our days are gently curated rather than tightly scheduled, bringing together creative workshops using fibres, yarns, paints, paper and other natural and artistic materials; time outdoors in the surrounding woodland and landscape; wonderful food; and opportunities to rest and restore.

There will also be time to enjoy the sauna and hot tubs, take a river dip if you wish, curl up with your knitting or a book, spend time with other guests, or simply enjoy the peace of your surroundings.

Everything is an invitation rather than an expectation.

Come to make, wander, learn, rest, connect and leave feeling a little more restored than when you arrived.

Not at all.

Our workshops are designed to be welcoming and enjoyable, whether you are an experienced maker or trying something for the very first time.

Throughout the retreat, you’ll have opportunities to explore different materials, techniques and processes with guidance from experienced makers and tutors. All of the materials and specialist tools required for our curated workshops will be provided unless we tell you otherwise before your stay.

There is no expectation to produce a perfect finished piece. The pleasure is as much in exploring, learning and making as it is in what you take home.

You are of course encouraged to bring your own knitting, crochet, spinning or other portable project to enjoy during the quieter moments of the retreat.

Bedding, towels and hand & body soaps are provided within the accommodation. Bring everything you would usually need for a comfortable few days away, along with clothing that allows you to settle in, relax and enjoy the different elements of the retreat.

We recommend comfortable layers for cosy evenings and unhurried making, together with practical clothing, sturdy footwear and waterproofs for our woodland walks and time spent outdoors. The Welsh weather can be wonderfully changeable, so a few warm layers are always a good idea.

If you would like to enjoy the sauna, hot tubs or perhaps take an optional river dip, please bring your swimwear and suitable footwear for getting to and from the water.

You are encouraged to bring your own knitting, crochet, spinning or other portable craft projects and favourite tools for the quieter making times between our curated workshops.

Everything you need for the workshops included within your retreat will be provided, so there is no need to purchase or bring specialist materials or equipment unless we let you know otherwise beforehand.

There are kitchens in each of the accommodation houses so you are welcome to bring some of your favourite snacks and drinks if you wish. Most importantly, bring whatever will help you feel comfortable, relaxed and at home during your stay.

Absolutely — and we expect that many of our guests will.

Fleece & Woodland has been created to feel welcoming from the moment you arrive. With a small group of no more than 15 guests, shared meals, creative workshops and gentle experiences throughout the retreat, there are plenty of natural opportunities to meet and spend time with others without ever feeling that you have to be sociable.

There is something rather special about making alongside other people. Conversation happens naturally around a table, over a cup of tea, during a woodland walk or while sitting together with a project in your hands.

Equally, there will always be space to retreat. You can curl up somewhere quiet with your knitting, take a walk, enjoy your room or simply have a little time to yourself.

So please don't feel that you need to persuade a friend to come with you. Arriving alone doesn't mean spending the retreat alone.

If you would like to experience Fleece & Woodland with a friend, you are very welcome to book the retreat together. Each person staying with us will need to book a full retreat place and will be expected to participate in the curated events, as we are unable to accommodate non-participating guests or companions.

Most of our rooms are designed for single occupancy in a luxurious double or king size bed, but we also have a limited number of larger rooms available for two guests sharing. These will be clearly identified in the Book Your Room section of the website, together with the individual room details and bed configuration.

Please take a moment to check these details when choosing your room, as some double-occupancy rooms have one double bed rather than separate beds and are therefore best suited to two guests who are comfortable sharing a double bed.

Shared rooms must be booked together, we don't pair strangers up together.

Absolutely. Food is an important part of the Fleece & Woodland experience, and we want every guest to feel beautifully looked after.

Our retreat is fully catered, with breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as refreshments throughout your stay. We can accommodate many dietary requirements, allergies, intolerances and preferences.

Please provide full details when booking via an email to hello@fleeceandwoodlandretreates.com so that we can discuss your requirements with our chef and make appropriate arrangements wherever possible.

If you have a particularly severe allergy or complex dietary requirement, we would encourage you to contact us before booking so that we can make sure the retreat environment is suitable for you.

Fleece & Woodland retreats are created for adults of all ages.

There is no upper age limit and you certainly don't need to be particularly fit or outdoorsy to enjoy your stay. What matters much more is an enjoyment of creativity, nature, good food and the prospect of having a little time and space away from everyday life.

All guests must be aged 18 or over.

No particular level of fitness is required.

Our woodland walks and outdoor experiences are intended to be gentle and enjoyable rather than physically demanding. There will be opportunities to spend time amongst the trees, explore the landscape and experience the changing seasons, but this is not a hiking or fitness retreat.

Participation is always optional. If a woodland walk doesn't appeal to you on the day, you are very welcome to remain at the retreat and enjoy some quiet time instead.

We will provide more information about the terrain and accessibility of particular activities before your stay so that you can decide what feels comfortable for you.

Original Hideaways Venue: The workshop space at the Grain Loft is fully accessible with wheelchair friendly gravel gardens, ramps and an accessible toilet on the ground floor. Original Hideaways a steeply sloping site so access to the lower part of the site, where the accommodation is located, is via car for those in a wheelchair or with significant mobility issues. The Mill House has an accessible bedroom (Moss bedroom) and en suite bathroom on the ground floor, with accessible gardens at the rear.

If you have particular mobility or accessibility requirements, please contact us before booking. We can talk you through the accommodation, facilities and planned experiences and discuss any reasonable adjustments that may be possible.

Original Hideaways Venue: Accessible accommodation is available in the Mill House with the Moss Bedroom. We want to provide as much information as possible to help you decide whether the retreat is right for you.

As we are staying in a rural setting and spending time in woodland and the surrounding landscape, some areas may include uneven ground, slopes or natural paths.

If you have particular mobility or accessibility requirements, please contact us before booking. We can talk you through the accommodation, facilities and planned experiences and discuss any reasonable adjustments that may be possible.

Absolutely not.

Although we carefully curate each Fleece & Woodland retreat to create a beautiful rhythm to the days, we also believe that luxury includes having the freedom to choose how you spend your time.

We hope you will want to join our workshops and shared experiences, but there may be moments when what you need most is a quiet cup of tea, an hour with your knitting, a soak in the hot tub or simply some time alone.

Some activities, including sauna and hot tub sessions, will take place at scheduled times so that every guest has the opportunity to enjoy them comfortably. River dipping will always be optional and dependent upon appropriate conditions.

Nothing is compulsory. This is your retreat too.

We want you to be able to enjoy your retreat comfortably and safely.

Many elements of a Fleece & Woodland retreat are gentle and can be enjoyed at your own pace. However, our retreats may include woodland paths, uneven ground, steps, creative activities involving specialist tools and equipment, and optional experiences such as sauna, hot tubs and river dipping.

If you have an injury, medical condition, disability or mobility requirement that may affect your participation, please let us know when booking. This allows us to provide you with relevant information about the accommodation, environment and activities and to discuss any reasonable adjustments that may be possible.

It is recommended that you seek advice from your healthcare professional before taking part in a particular activity and ensure that you have comprehensive medical insurance. You are responsible for your own safety by participating in the sessions or facilities at our retreats.

If you're uncertain whether the retreat will meet your individual needs, please contact us before booking. We would much rather have a conversation with you beforehand and help you make an informed decision.

Pregnancy does not necessarily mean that you cannot join a Fleece & Woodland retreat, as many elements of the experience are gentle, creative and restful.

However, some aspects of the retreat may not be suitable during pregnancy, including particular spa or heat-based experiences, river dipping, some outdoor activities or the use of certain materials and equipment. You are responsible for your own safety by participating in the sessions or facilities at our retreats.

If you are pregnant at the time of the retreat, we ask that you let us know before your stay. It is recommended discussing any activities you are considering with your midwife or healthcare professional and follow their individual advice, ensuring that you have comprehensive medical insurance.

You are always welcome to opt out of any activity and enjoy the quieter elements of the retreat instead.

Think less timetable, more rhythm.

Each retreat has been thoughtfully curated so that creative workshops, shared meals and experiences sit alongside generous periods of unhurried time.

There will be things to look forward to throughout each day, but we deliberately don't want you to leave feeling as though you have rushed from one activity to another.

There will be time to make. Time to eat well. Time to wander. Time to talk. Time to sit beside the fire with your knitting. And time when absolutely nothing is required of you.

That balance between creativity, connection and rest is at the heart of Fleece & Woodland.