Lacemaking with Carole Smith in Somerset | 2nd to 9th May 2027

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 room, fully equipped with comfortable tables, chairs, and magnifying lamps to support your creative journey in a peaceful and inspiring environment.

Tuition Fees
Enjoy 30 hours of expert instruction from Carole Smith, including guided sessions, demonstrations, and one-to-one support throughout the retreat.

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.

Project Materials / Tutor Kit
Materials for the retreat projects are not included in the tuition fee. A project kit curated by Carol Smith will be available to purchase directly from her or you will bring your own lace design. Carole will contact all guests prior to arrival with full details.

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. Hurds Hill has two twin bedrooms. 

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 and bobbins, 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.

Lacemakers of any ability are welcome at this class working at their own pace on a project of their choice.Before the course, Carole will contact you to discuss what you would like to achieve during the week.

Whether you are a beginner or a more experienced lacemaker, you will be able to discuss patterns and materials required so you are prepared for the course.Beginners are introduced to the basic stitches and techniques, learning how to combine them to create small pieces of lace. By the end of the week, you will have plans and instructions to progress and expand on the skills you have learned.

A basic kit is available, if required, with all the equipment needed to start. The kit costs £35 and would be brought to the course for you.For more experienced lacemakers, the week is an ideal opportunity to work on a pattern you already have or to try a new technique. This can be discussed before the course and Carole can help with selection of appropriate patterns.

Whether you are a beginner or a more experienced lacemaker, sharing the week with like-minded people will spark your enthusiasm and allow you to spend time working on your project.

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.

1. I) To accept the new arrangements
2. II) To cancel your holiday and receive a full refund.

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.