
Why I created the retreats
Time to slow down
There is something rather special about stepping away from everyday life for a few days and giving yourself permission to slow down.
No rushing. No list of things that need doing. No distractions.
Just beautiful surroundings, good company, wonderful fibres and time to spin.
This is why I created The Spinning Barn retreats.
More than just a spinning workshop
Of course, there is plenty of spinning.
We explore fibres, techniques, preparation and yarn-making in depth, with plenty of opportunity to try something new, ask questions and develop your skills.
My aim is always to inspire you to become a more confident and curious spinner — to understand your fibres, experiment with your spinning and perhaps discover possibilities you hadn’t considered before.
But the spinning is only part of the experience.
I believe that learning is at its best when you have time to relax, talk, laugh and share ideas with other people who understand why a beautiful fleece, an interesting fibre or a freshly spun skein can be so exciting.
The retreats bring together small groups of like-minded spinners in carefully chosen, beautiful surroundings. There is time to learn, time to spin, time to explore and, just as importantly, time to simply enjoy being there.
Past and Present Retreats

Fri 05 MarLaunde AbbeyUnlock the secrets of creating the yarn you want
Fri 20 AugHow Hill Trust Environmental Education CSeven categories. Countless possibilities. One extraordinary British wool heritage.
Mon 20 JulLudhamStep away from the everyday and immerse yourself in five unhurried days of traditional spinning, rare breed wool, and shared making in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. This intimate traditional craft retreat offers skilled tuition, inspiring expert talks, and plenty of time to spin, learn, and enjoy
Wed 10 JulKnight's Hill Hotel & Spa King's LynnJoin us for two days of uninterrupted hand spinning bliss. Immerse yourself in this therapeutic, mindful craft and enjoy total relaxation with full use of the leisure suite to complement your wellness. You will leave feeling serenely recharged.
Tue 15 AugStonehouse Court Hotel £285Indulge your passion for hand spinning on our two day retreat in the idyllic Cotswolds.

Come for the spinning. Stay for the experience.
Imagine waking up somewhere beautiful, enjoying a leisurely breakfast and then settling down with your wheel and a basket of lovely fibres.
Perhaps you are learning a new technique.
Perhaps you are finally tackling something you've always wanted to try.
Perhaps you are sitting beside another spinner, chatting about yarn while your wheel quietly turns.
There might be a fascinating talk, an opportunity to explore a particular breed of sheep or fibre, a walk outside, a shared meal or an evening spent simply talking about all things wool.
And there is always that wonderful moment when someone says:
“Look what I've made!”
That sense of discovery, sharing and friendship is at the heart of every retreat.
A chance to press pause.
Life can be wonderfully full — but sometimes we need to step away from it.
Our retreats give you the chance to put everyday responsibilities aside for a while and immerse yourself in something you love.
You don't have to achieve anything.
You don't have to be an expert spinner.
You don't even have to arrive knowing exactly what you want to learn.
Come as you are, bring your curiosity, and allow yourself to be inspired.
You may go home with new skills, new ideas and some beautiful yarn.
You may also go home feeling rested, re-energised and already looking forward to the next one.

Small groups. Shared passion. Lasting memories.
I deliberately keep The Spinning Barn retreats relatively small.
That means there is time for individual help and plenty of opportunity to ask questions, but also space for conversations, friendships and those spontaneous moments that make a retreat memorable.
Many of us don’t often get the chance to spend several days surrounded by people who are just as fascinated by fibre and spinning as we are.
So when that opportunity comes along, it is rather lovely to make the most of it.
Come and spin with us!
Every retreat has its own character, its own setting and its own theme — but they all share the same heart:
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A love of spinning.
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A love of learning.
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A love of British wool and natural fibres.
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And the joy of sharing it with others.
If that sounds like your kind of escape, I'd love you to join me. You never quite know what you might discover — a new technique, a new favourite fibre, a new friendship, or simply a little more time for yourself.
Explore the retreats and find your next spinning adventure.
If you’d like to ask a question before booking, you’re very welcome to get in touch at
info@thespinningbarn.co.uk or via the contact form.

