6 days
Relax in the peaceful surroundings of Hurds Hill, a grand and elegant country house nestled in the heart of the Somerset Levels. With its graceful period interiors, beautifully appointed en-suite bedrooms, and tranquil gardens, Hurds Hill offers the perfect retreat for creative rejuvenation. This is your time – no deadlines, no responsibilities, no interruptions.
Bring your own projects, unfinished pieces, or simply a suitcase full of ideas. Spend your days crafting in the spacious, light-filled studio, available exclusively for our group and equipped with comfortable seating, magnifying lamps, and plenty of space to spread out. Whether you're sewing, knitting, quilting, or experimenting with mixed media, you’ll be surrounded by a warm, supportive group of like-minded creatives.
June in Somerset brings long, golden days and plenty of inspiration from the surrounding countryside. Midweek, enjoy a wonderful excursion on the West Somerset Heritage Railway – a nostalgic steam train journey from Bishops Lydeard to the seaside town of Minehead. Take in the views of rolling hills and coast before enjoying classic fish and chips by the sea.
Whether you’re aiming to finish a cherished project or simply want to reconnect with your creative spark, this retreat is about slowing down, finding flow, and letting your imagination take the lead. No schedule, no pressure – just you, your craft, and all the time you need.
A week of stitching, steam trains, and soul-soothing creativity awaits.
Your creative holiday package has been thoughtfully curated to provide a seamless, relaxing, and inspiring experience, including:
Accommodation
Relax in a beautifully appointed single or double occupancy room at Hurds Hill, a charming country house offering comfort, character, and a tranquil setting in the heart of Somerset.
Meals
Savour delicious breakfasts, lunches, and three-course dinners, lovingly prepared by Hurds Hill’s talented in-house chef using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Excursions
Enjoy guided excursions with all entrance fees and transport included, ensuring a smooth and enriching experience.
Stitching Work Room
Benefit from exclusive access to a dedicated stitching room, fully equipped with comfortable tables, chairs, and magnifying lamps to support your creative journey in a peaceful and inspiring environment.
While we have taken care of most details for you, the following items are not included:
Travel to and from Hurds Hill
Guests are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from Hurds Hill in Somerset.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended and remains the responsibility of each guest.
Beverages
Drinks, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, are not included unless specified.
Meals Away from the Property
One lunch and one dinner during off-site excursions are not included.
Airport or Rail Transfers
Transfers between your arrival point and Hurds Hill are not included in the package price but can be added to your booking for an additional cost.
Gratuities
Gratuities are not included. However, there is an option to pre-pay gratuities when finalising your booking, should you wish to do so.
Address:
Hurds Hill
Westover
Langport
Somerset TA10 0ND
By Car:
From the M5 (Junction 25): Take the A358 towards Ilminster. After approximately 3 miles, turn left onto the A378 towards Curry Rivel. Shortly after passing Curry Rivel, look for a large red sign for Immacolata Nursing Home on your right. Hurds Hill is the third entrance on the right after this sign.
From Langport: Drive through the town and over the River Parrett bridge. Continue on the right-hand bend, passing a house sign for Glenross on the left. Hurds Hill is the next entrance on the left.
From the A303 (Westbound): Exit at the Podimore roundabout and take the A372 to Langport. Drive through the town centre and over the River Parrett bridge. Continue on the right-hand bend, passing a house sign for Glenross on the left. Hurds Hill is the next entrance on the left.
From the A303 (Eastbound): Take the A358 towards Taunton. After about 5 miles, take the A378 exit to Langport. In approximately 7 miles, go through the village of Curry Rivel. Shortly after, look for a large red sign for Immacolata Nursing Home on your right. Hurds Hill is the third entrance on the right after this sign.
By Train:
The nearest train stations are Castle Cary, Taunton, and Yeovil, all offering direct services from London and the West Country.
By Air:
Bristol and Exeter airports are approximately one hour's drive from Hurds Hill.
Note for Sat Nav Users:
The postcode TA10 0ND may direct you to the entrance for Glenross. If approaching from Langport, Glenross will be before Hurds Hill. If approaching from Curry Rivel or Taunton, Hurds Hill is before Glenross.
Meals
Your stay at Hurds Hill includes a delicious selection of meals to keep you nourished and inspired throughout your retreat:
Breakfast: Start each day with a buffet-style breakfast offering a range of continental options alongside freshly prepared eggs.
Lunch: A light lunch is served daily and may include seasonal salads, homemade quiches, warming soups, and freshly baked bread.
Dinner: Each evening, enjoy a thoughtfully prepared three-course meal featuring locally sourced ingredients and a variety of flavours.
Accommodation
Guests will stay in charming, individually decorated rooms that each reflect the character and comfort of this elegant country house. All rooms are en-suite and come equipped with tea and coffee making facilities to help you feel right at home.
To ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay during your creative retreat in Somerset, we recommend packing the following essentials:
Clothing for All Weathers
The British weather can be unpredictable! Pack layers, including a light waterproof jacket, to stay comfortable whether it’s sunny or drizzly.
Comfortable Footwear
Bring supportive shoes suitable for walking tours, excursions, and leisurely strolls around the beautiful Somerset countryside.
Sun Protection
Even in the UK, it’s wise to pack sun cream, sunglasses, and a hat for any sunny days spent outdoors.
Craft Equipment
Bring your preferred craft supplies, such as scissors, needles, or any personal tools you enjoy working with. Specialist materials for retreat projects will be provided.
Camera or Smartphone
Capture the inspiring landscapes, historic sites, and special moments of your creative journey.
Travel Adapters
If you are visiting from outside the UK, remember to bring a suitable travel adapter (UK plugs are Type G).
Personal Items
Don’t forget your chargers, medications, and any personal comforts that will help you feel at home during your stay.
Having these items will help you make the most of your stitching sessions, excursions, and well-deserved relaxation time.
Health and Accessibility
If you have any severe medical conditions or specific accessibility needs, we kindly ask that you contact us before making your booking.
We are happy to discuss your individual requirements to ensure that we can provide the best possible support and advice for your stay.
Your comfort, safety, and enjoyment are our priority.
Guests are invited to make their own way to Hurds Hill by car or taxi from their arrival airport or Taunton train station.
We’re happy to arrange private transfers for an additional fee—just let us know in advance.
Check-in is from 3:00pm.
To allow time for preparations, we kindly ask guests to arrive from 3:00pm onwards. If you're travelling long-haul and may arrive earlier, please contact us in advance to discuss options.
In the evening, join your hosts for welcome drinks at 6:30pm—a lovely chance to unwind and get to know your fellow guests.
We’ll then enjoy a three-course dinner at 7:30pm in the elegant dining room, setting the tone for a relaxed and creative retreat.
Day 1 Highlights:
Start your day with a continental breakfast in the dining room. Choose from fresh pastries, fruit, yoghurt, and cereals—whatever suits your morning mood.
The studio is open for a relaxed, self-guided morning session. Whether you're starting a new project or easing into the creative flow, the space is yours to enjoy.
Lunch is a freshly prepared two-course meal served in the dining room—a lovely moment to connect with fellow guests.
The studio remains open for an optional afternoon session. Continue crafting, take time to reflect, or simply enjoy the surroundings.
Spend the early evening as you wish—take a walk, rest in your room, or unwind in the lounge.
Gather in the dining room for a three-course dinner to end the day with good food and warm conversation.
Day 2 Highlights:
Start your day with a continental breakfast in the dining room. Choose from fresh pastries, fruit, yoghurt, and cereals—light and refreshing.
The studio opens for a relaxed, self-guided morning session. Continue your project, start something new, or simply enjoy the peaceful space.
Enjoy a freshly prepared two-course lunch in the dining room—a chance to connect with fellow guests.
The studio reopens for an optional afternoon session. Use this time however you like—create, read, or rest.
Take some free time to relax, stroll the grounds, or unwind before dinner.
In the evening, we’ll head out for dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying Somerset’s local flavours in a relaxed setting.
Day 3 Highlights:
Start your day with a continental breakfast in the dining room, setting you up for a special day out.
After breakfast, we’ll travel together from Hurds Hill to the West Somerset Railway station at Bishops Lydeard. From there, enjoy a scenic journey aboard a classic steam or diesel train through the Somerset countryside to the seaside town of Minehead.
On arrival, we’ll enjoy a traditional fish & chips lunch before taking time to explore at your own pace—browse the shops, stroll along the shore, or simply enjoy the sea air.
Later in the afternoon, we’ll return to Bishops Lydeard by train, followed by transport back to Hurds Hill.
The day concludes with a relaxed three-course dinner back at the house.
Day 4 Highlights:
Begin your day with a continental breakfast in the dining room. Enjoy pastries, fruit, yoghurt, and cereals as you ease into the rhythm of your last full day at Hurds Hill.
The studio is open for a self-guided morning session. Take this time to finish a project, reflect on your retreat experience, or simply enjoy the creative space.
Lunch will be a delicious two-course meal served in the dining room—an opportunity to connect and share your retreat highlights with fellow guests.
In the afternoon, the studio remains available for optional time to create, relax, or begin to gently wind down.
At the end of the afternoon, we’ll come together for a relaxed show and tell—a chance to share your work, celebrate each other’s creativity, and reflect on your time together.
We’ll then gather for a final three-course dinner, marking the close of a meaningful and inspiring retreat.
Day 5 Highlights:
Enjoy a final continental breakfast served from 08:00 to 09:30, giving you time to ease into the morning and say your farewells at your own pace.
Check-out is by 11:00am.
If you need assistance with taxis or onward travel, we’re happy to help—just let us know.
As we say goodbye, we hope you leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and proud of what you’ve created during your time at Hurds Hill. Thank you for being part of this special retreat—we hope to see you again soon.
Day 8 Highlights:
• 08:00–09:30: Continental & English breakfast
• By 11:00: Guest check-out and departures
Cancellation shall take effect only when Creative Experiences receives written notification from the person confirming the booking. All correspondence should be addressed to Creative Experiences, 55 Westfield Avenue, Cupar, Fife, KY15 5AA, United Kingdom or by email to info@creative-experiences. In all cases of cancellation, the deposit forfeit. The following cancellation fees expressed, as a percentage of the total holiday cost, will become immediately payable to Creative Experiences.
Cancellation charge:
Cancellation within 8 weeks; 40% of holiday cost payable
Cancellation within 7 weeks; 60% of holiday cost payable
Cancellation within 6 weeks; 80% of holiday cost payable
Cancellation within 4 weeks; 100% of holiday cost payable
Deposits
For any holiday, we require a non-refundable deposit of 20% of holiday cost. If your deposit payment is not received within 7 days, the holiday may be offered to other interested parties.
Payment of holiday cost
The balance of your holiday cost must be settled 8 weeks prior to the commencement date of your holiday. If your holiday booking is made within 8 weeks of commencement, payment must be made in full immediately on booking. If payments are not made in accordance to this schedule, bookings will be treated as cancellations and deposits will not be refunded.
Insurance
Every person for whom a holiday is booked with Creative Experiences must have adequate insurance cover and must be able to show us proof of insurance upon request.
Cancellation by the client
Cancellation shall take effect only when Creative Experiences receives written notification from the person confirming the booking. All correspondence should be addressed to Creative Experiences, 55 Westfield Avenue, Cupar, Fife, KY15 5AA, United Kingdom or by email to info@creative-experiences. In all cases of cancellation, the deposit forfeit. The following cancellation fees expressed, as a percentage of the total holiday cost, will become immediately payable to Creative Experiences.
Cancellation charge:
Cancellation within 8 weeks; 40% of holiday cost payable
Cancellation within 7 weeks; 60% of holiday cost payable
Cancellation within 6 weeks; 80% of holiday cost payable
Cancellation within 4 weeks; 100% of holiday cost payable
Alteration by Creative Experiences
If in the unlikely event that there have to be any alteration made by Creative Experiences, we will notify you as soon as possible and offer you one of the following options.
We will not be liable for refunding any expenses, which have been occurred as a result of the booking.
Our holidays require a minimum amount of guests to be able to to continue with the holiday. We reserve the right to cancel or postpone the holiday in case the minimum number has not been achieved.
Changes
Should you wish to change your booking, Creative Experiences will endeavour to accommodate any changes subject to any differences in price and availability, but cannot guarantee that changes can be made. Creative Experiences will make an administration charge of £50 for any change in booking. Bookings cannot be changed within 2 weeks of the start of your holiday.
Responsibility
Creative Experiences will not be liable for any loss or damages occurred to any client as a result of:
Any event or circumstance which could have been avoided if the client had taken reasonable care.
Any circumstance or event which Creative Experiences or its suppliers could not have foreseen or prevented even with all due care and attention.
Circumstances out of the reasonable control of Creative Experiences such as strikes, wars, civil or political unrest, quarantine restrictions, terrorism, government actions, natural or nuclear disaster adverse weather conditions including injury or illness to staff thus reducing level of service.
Injury, illness or death due to any activity at any time during your holiday, except where such injury or death is caused by the negligence or fraud of Creative Experiences.
Loss of, theft of or damage to any of your belongings at any time of your holiday, whether within the chalet, in the neighbourhood or otherwise.
Injury, illness or death associated with the consumption of any food or drink we may supply except where such illness, injury or death is caused by the wilful negligence or fraud of Creative Experiences or its directors, officers or employees.
Excursion days
We do not accept responsibility if an artisan or person does not show up or cancels private booked excursion such as walking tours, artisan lessons, cooking lessons, wine tastings etc. Should this situation arise, Creative Experiences will try their very best to book another excursion and find an alternative at no cost to the client.
Our suppliers
Creative Experiences is working with third party suppliers such as hotels, villas, transfer companies and others. We are more than happy to discuss any of your requirements such as food allergies with hotels, specific room allocations, pick and drop off times with transfers companies, however we cannot guarantee that your request can be fulfilled. In case of special client requirements not being accepted by the third party, we will be contacting you at our earliest convenience to let you know.
Complaints and Problems
In the unlikely event that you have any reason to complain or experience any problems with your holiday, you must immediately inform the Creative Experiences representative and the supplier of the service(s) in question. Any verbal notification must be put in writing and given to our representative and the supplier as soon as possible. Until we know about a problem or complaint, we cannot begin to solve it. Most problems can be dealt with quickly. If you remain dissatisfied however, you must write to us within 28 days of your return to your home country giving your booking reference and full details of your complaint. We regret we do not accept any liability in relation to any complaint or claim which is not notified entirely in accordance with this clause.
Website Accuracy
Please note that the information and prices shown on this website may have changed by the time you come to book your holiday. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the website and prices, regrettably errors occasionally do occur. You must therefore ensure you check all details of your chosen holiday (including the price) with us at the time of booking. The website is the sole responsibility of Creative Experiences. It is not issued on behalf of and does not commit any independent organization/carriers whose services are featured in it.
Emergency
Creative Experience will provide you with assistance in case of emergency during your holiday with us. We can help you bringing you to health services, working with local authorities and international consulate in case you lost your passport or important papers.
If you have an emergency because of your own negligence, Creative Experiences may ask you for a fee occurred during the process such as extra transfers, missed bookings with third parties and more.
Conduct
When you enjoy your holiday with Creative Experiences, you are responsible for any damage or loss caused by you. In case of damage in a hotel or villa (third party supplier), the client has to pay the damage charges directly to the supplier.
We do reserve the rights to cancel your holiday, in case you put others in danger through your actions, verbal abuse and by causing significant distress to other holiday makers who are joining that group. We do not tolerate violence or abuse in any form to our clients or staff members.
Deposits
For any holiday, we require a non-refundable deposit of 20% of holiday cost. If your deposit payment is not received within 7 days, the holiday may be offered to other interested parties.
Payment of holiday cost
The balance of your holiday cost must be settled 8 weeks prior to the commencement date of your holiday. If your holiday booking is made within 8 weeks of commencement, payment must be made in full immediately on booking. If payments are not made in accordance to this schedule, bookings will be treated as cancellations and deposits will not be refunded.
Insurance
Every person for whom a holiday is booked with Creative Experiences must have adequate insurance cover and must be able to show us proof of insurance upon request.
Cancellation by the client
Cancellation shall take effect only when Creative Experiences receives written notification from the person confirming the booking. All correspondence should be addressed to Creative Experiences, 55 Westfield Avenue, Cupar, Fife KY15 5AA, United Kingdom or by email to info@creative-experiences. In all cases of cancellation, the deposit forfeit. The following cancellation fees expressed, as a percentage of the total holiday cost, will become immediately payable to Creative Experiences.
Cancellation charge:
Cancellation within 8 weeks; 40% of holiday cost payable
Cancellation within 7 weeks; 60% of holiday cost payable
Cancellation within 6 weeks; 80% of holiday cost payable
Cancellation within 4 weeks; 100% of holiday cost payable
Alteration by Creative Experiences
If in the unlikely event that there have to be any alteration made by Creative Experiences, we will notify you as soon as possible and offer you one of the following options.
We will not be liable for refunding any expenses, which have been occurred as a result of the booking.
Our holidays require a minimum amount of guests to be able to to continue with the holiday. We reserve the right to cancel or postpone the holiday in case the minimum number has not been achieved.
Changes
Should you wish to change your booking, Creative Experiences will endeavour to accommodate any changes subject to any differences in price and availability, but cannot guarantee that changes can be made. Creative Experiences will make an administration charge of £50 for any change in booking. Bookings cannot be changed within 2 weeks of the start of your holiday.
Responsibility
Creative Experiences will not be liable for any loss or damages occurred to any client as a result of:
Any event or circumstance which could have been avoided if the client had taken reasonable care.
Any circumstance or event which Creative Experiences or its suppliers could not have foreseen or prevented even with all due care and attention.
Circumstances out of the reasonable control of Creative Experiences such as strikes, wars, civil or political unrest, quarantine restrictions, terrorism, government actions, natural or nuclear disaster adverse weather conditions including injury or illness to staff thus reducing level of service.
Injury, illness or death due to any activity at any time during your holiday, except where such injury or death is caused by the negligence or fraud of Creative Experiences.
Loss of, theft of or damage to any of your belongings at any time of your holiday, whether within the chalet, in the neighbourhood or otherwise.
Injury, illness or death associated with the consumption of any food or drink we may supply except where such illness, injury or death is caused by the wilful negligence or fraud of Creative Experiences or its directors, officers or employees.
Excursion days
We do not accept responsibility if an artisan or person does not show up or cancels private booked excursion such as walking tours, artisan lessons, cooking lessons, wine tastings etc. Should this situation arise, Creative Experiences will try their very best to book another excursion and find an alternative at no cost to the client.
Our suppliers
Creative Experiences is working with third party suppliers such as hotels, villas, transfer companies and others. We are more than happy to discuss any of your requirements such as food allergies with hotels, specific room allocations, pick and drop off times with transfers companies, however we cannot guarantee that your request can be fulfilled. In case of special client requirements not being accepted by the third party, we will be contacting you at our earliest convenience to let you know.
Complaints and Problems
In the unlikely event that you have any reason to complain or experience any problems with your holiday, you must immediately inform the Creative Experiences representative and the supplier of the service(s) in question. Any verbal notification must be put in writing and given to our representative and the supplier as soon as possible. Until we know about a problem or complaint, we cannot begin to solve it. Most problems can be dealt with quickly. If you remain dissatisfied however, you must write to us within 28 days of your return to your home country giving your booking reference and full details of your complaint. We regret we do not accept any liability in relation to any complaint or claim which is not notified entirely in accordance with this clause.
Website Accuracy
Please note that the information and prices shown on this website may have changed by the time you come to book your holiday. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the website and prices, regrettably errors occasionally do occur. You must therefore ensure you check all details of your chosen holiday (including the price) with us at the time of booking. The website is the sole responsibility of Creative Experiences. It is not issued on behalf of and does not commit any independent organization/carriers whose services are featured in it.
Emergency
Creative Experience will provide you with assistance in case of emergency during your holiday with us. We can help you bringing you to health services, working with local authorities and international consulate in case you lost your passport or important papers.
If you have an emergency because of your own negligence, Creative Experiences may ask you for a fee occurred during the process such as extra transfers, missed bookings with third parties and more.
Conduct
When you enjoy your holiday with Creative Experiences, you are responsible for any damage or loss caused by you. In case of damage in a hotel or villa (third party supplier), the client has to pay the damage charges directly to the supplier.
We do reserve the rights to cancel your holiday, in case you put others in danger through your actions, verbal abuse and by causing significant distress to other holiday makers who are joining that group. We do not tolerate violence or abuse in any form to our clients or staff members.