If you’re one of the many (many) people who have resolved to do more writing, drawing or painting in 2024, you could very well be in panic-mode by now!
Why? Most new year’s resolutions are made in a dreamy haze of optimism and magic… a brand-new year has just begun, and with it will soon emerge a brand-new you. One who actually indulges their creative passions, instead of just talking about them.
But a few months later, you haven’t been able to start. There just never seems to be enough time, while inspiration is sorely lacking,
Well, while we (sadly) can’t gift you more time, we can definitely help on the creative- inspiration front.
Surrounded by the most incredible natural scenery, and romantically secluded with minimal distractions, each and every one of these hand-picked retreats could have been crafted especially for creative souls.
Who could fail to feel motivated after a long, invigorating nature-walk – perhaps armed with a sketch-book – or watching the tide move in and out over a steaming cuppa?
So whether you plan to write an epic book or paint your first masterpiece in 2024, you couldn’t ask for a more inspired – or a more beautiful – way to begin.
(Good luck!)
Above: Guest representation of Llanthony Castaway by Polly Bagnall
Author: Nina Jervis
Main image: Brucefield Estate Schenbothies / Slackbrae
Nr Fort William, The Highlands, Scotland
An ultra-romantic ‘zen den' retreat, complete with an al fresco hot tub, magically secluded on a historic West Highlands estate with artist-worthy views of Ben Nevis.
Perfect for creative souls - the owner’s mother, Frances, loved to paint the stunning views from this magnificent location, so in her honour, you’ll find a fresh sketch pad, along with some paint and colouring pencils, to capture it for yourself.
Newport, Isle of Wight, Isle Of Wight, England
Good things come in small packages - nourish your mind, body and soul by strolling in life's slow lane for a while, on the beautiful Isle of Wight.
Bedrooms:
Sleeps: 4 per unit
A diverse and inspiring selection of workshops are offered here, from willow weaving and sea grass art to jewellery making and raffia crafts.
Forestmill, Clackmannanshire, Scotland
Sumptuous woodland hideaways, privately nestled on a magical Clackmannanshire estate that's teeming with rich heritage and diverse, protected wildlife.
Bedrooms: 1 per bothy
Sleeps: 2 per bothy
What you need to draw is just time, peace and inspiration: no mean feat but in abundance with us . . . sit inside looking out onto the wildlife meadow. Collect leaves, cones or ferns and press in your favourite reading book – or grab a pencil and try to work out the branches of a tree – most fulfilling. Sketch book provided.
Bideford, Devon, England
Rediscover your creative spirit in a heavenly slice of North Devon, complete with wildflower meadows, artists' workshops, and lovingly-crafted retreats.
Bedrooms: 1 or 2 per unit
Sleeps: 2-4 guests per unit
Praktyka is the perfect place for a creative retreat. Guests can sign up for a workshop with artist Ania Wawrzkowicz in her studio to take part if a range of workshops including: - 'Make A Ring' - Learn the ancient art of lost wax jewellery casting. Ania will guide you through the process over three hours, no previous skills or experience needed. It's a meditative three workshop which results in you having designed your own silver or gold ring. - Cyanotype 'Sun printing' - Fun for all age's, make prints on photographic paper using the suns rays and flora and fanua of north devon. - Advanced jewellery skills - For those who have some experience, you can take your practice to the next level in the studio with Ania and design your own programme.
Ystwyth Valley, Ceredigion, Wales
A lovingly hand-crafted, off-grid tree cabin with a wood-fired hot tub and a suspended stargazing net, peacefully secluded in the picturesque Cambrian Mountains of mid-Wales.
Woodcock Cabin is located on the edge of the incredibly beautiful Hafod Estate which draws artists from all over the country! The cabin really is a very inspiring and creative place. We’ve had writers, artists, musicians & film crews staying and we supply art materials from pastels & water colours to charcoal & oils. We are even adding a portable easel! The landscape, colours, sounds & location of the cabin provide the perfect place for creative souls and we even have a local pottery who offers lessons if guests would like to try their hand at throwing on the wheel.
Malton, North Yorkshire, England
A rustic and romantic retreat set within North Yorkshire farmland, ideal for first-time glampers and Wolds Way walkers.
Whether you are a writer, artist, photographer this is the most picturesque retreat. A treehouse, nestled within nature and surrounded by wildlife. Your elevated terrace, overlooking the lake is the perfect place to let your creativity flow.
Doolin, County Clare, Ireland
Sumptuous adults-only shepherd’s huts with Japanese soaking tubs, peacefully secluded amongst a wildflower meadow in Ireland’s traditional music capital.
Bedrooms: Open plan
Sleeps: 2 per hut
Musicians, artists and writers have gathered in Doolin for years for intimate experiences of creating music and art. Doolin offers an inspirational landscape including the Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, walking trails and the Wild Atlantic Way. Our meadow offers a tranquil setting of native wild flowers blowing in the spring wind with views of the landscape. The huts offer the perfect creative retreat.
Cottered, Hertfordshire, England
Sustainable, adults-only Hertfordshire hideaways with al fresco baths, where city style and indulgent sensory treats meet pure countryside tranquillity.
Bedrooms: 1 per unit
Sleeps: 2 per unit
A range of curated experiences can be enjoyed here, such as pottery and prosecco, mindful craft classes and sourdough baking.
Weston Longville, Norfolk, England
A unique and detail-rich off-grid retreat, lovingly crafted from natural materials and nestled amongst 20 soothing acres of Norfolk countryside.
Willow Roundhouse is a space designed around nature, bringing the outdoors in and wrapping you in the calming cosiness of clay, roundwood and straw. Filled with natural light and with views to the surrounding nature reserve, this cabin is the perfect off-grid retreat to immerse yourself in creativity and inspiration.
Drimnin, The Highlands, Scotland
An elliptical, architect-designed retreat, rich in nautical style and elevated on the entire flat roof of an old chapel to showcase magnificent views over the Sound of Mull.
Be creative in a cabin that inspired best-selling author Alexander McCall Smith to write The Captain's Cabin!
Wroxham, Norfolk, England
A timber framed, architect-designed scenic haven that provides total immersion in the serene beauty of the Norfolk Broads.
Come to Backwater to be inspired by nature; panoramic windows over-look a secluded lagoon that teems with wildlife. There is also a dedicated desk space in the library if you would like to type away in peace.
Llanthony, Monmouthshire, Wales
A lovingly restored railway carriage for romantic couples, privately secluded amongst a deep, hidden valley in the Black Mountains for epic Dark Sky stargazing.
Artistic history and culture is rich here with some amazing artists having spent time here – and infamous Hay on Wye nearby! Most notably is Turner – whose famous Llanthony Abbey painting is displayed at the Tate.
St Osyth, Essex, England
Eco-friendly glamping on a working potato farm... complete with spectacular sea views.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: 2 or 2(+2) per Suite
We have miles of wonderful coastline and magical marshes here around Lee Wick Farm. There is also a nature reserve (Colne Point) at the end of Lee Wick Lane, a beautiful place for walkers, photographers or painters. Our local arts studio, Watershed Studio, offers courses which work well with our accommodation
Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland
An award-winning, eco-friendly haven that's rich in home comforts and attention to detail, with breathtaking views of the Hebridean Isle of Lewis.
Photographers and artists can be inspired by the vast Hebridean landscape and ever-changing big skies from the doorstep at the Lewis Longhouse. Light airy space and floor to ceiling windows help wellbeing even when indoors.
Drymen, Stirling, Scotland
Two sumptuous, sustainably crafted cabins, packed with romantic luxuries and nestled amongst magical woodland near Loch Lomond.
Bedrooms: 1 per cabin
Sleeps: 2 per cabin
Arcadia Glamping cabins are hidden discreetly within the grounds of Arcadia Sculpture Centre, creative home to Scottish sculptor and environmental artist Rob Mulholland. Guests are welcome to meander through 21 acres of woodland encountering sculptures along the Sculpture trail, and visit the studio to see Rob’s latest artworks.
Cilgerran, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Simplicity, adventure, and beautiful outdoor living - that's what you'll find at fforest farm.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: Varies
Fforest Farm offer two creative events: Glow -Nurturing and inspiring weekends for women to get together in the goodness of wild nature, to share skills, ideas, stories, nourishment and laughter, comfort and kinship. March, June & September - and Gather - A family friendly holiday of adventures, creativity, making, growing, simple pleasures, good people, good food and good times. Late July/early August
Cossington, Somerset, England
Two magnificent Grade II-listed retreats, privately secluded on a historic 22-acre Somerset Levels estate for a family-and-dog-friendly escape filled with captivating stories and fun fresh-air adventure
We have an artist, Pete Borg, who works as part of our team and can put together bespoke workshops for you and your family or guests. Our houses are full of original art works so you will be surrounded by inspiration!
Presteigne, Powys, Wales
Refreshingly eco-friendly yurt and cabin glamping, secluded within 25 acres of soothing woodland on the Welsh borders.
Bedrooms: Open plan
Sleeps: 5 (yurts) 3 (cabin)
Our bluebells, wildflower meadow and ancient woodland provide inspiration for poets and painters alike whilst the small town of Presteigne has a thriving culture scene with numerous galleries, including the Sydney Nolan Trust, Studer Fine Art and The Workhouse. The town also has various pop up exhibitions throughout the year as well as a classical music festival and other arts events, and is within easy reach of Hay on Wye. We also hold regular green wood working courses and wedding ring making workshops on site in our woodland workshop.
Isleornsay, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Rest your weary heads in a dreamy lighthouse cottage, blissfully cast away on a soul-soothing private island off the rugged Isle of Skye.
Eilean Sionnach Lighthouse Cottage is the perfect getaway if you're seeking creative inspiration. Recently visited by trending artist and influencer Ellis O'Connor, who has based several of her works around the island. Be inspired by the sea, the ever changing weather and the wildlife (not to mention the lighthouse)! Prices from £600 per night (sleeps 8).
Bibbiena, Tuscany, Italy
It's probably easier to think of your stay at novanta as a relaxed gathering amongst friends, rather than a traditional Tuscan holiday - yet even this description doesn't go quite far enough!
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: Varies
Since novanta is located in the middle of nature, opportunities for inspiration are limitless – hours of pathways, masses of fields, endless forest and winding rivers. Take a picnic, take a bottle of something cold and find a spot to spark your creativity.
Bungay, Norfolk, England
Escape with your loved one to a hand-crafted, off-grid retreat with a sumptuous outdoor bath, peacefully secluded in a Norfolk wildflower meadow.
This year, Albion Nights are delighted to be hosting a variety of workshops and day retreats at their location. From green woodworking and silversmithing to ceramics and flower essence making, there's something for everyone. Keep an eye on their website for the full list of offerings to tie in with your cabin stay.
Lauder, Scottish Borders, Scotland
An award-winning selection of five-star retreats with hot tubs, enticingly set amongst acres of scenic, wildlife-steeped farmland in the big-sky Scottish Borders.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: 2-10 per unit
We are surrounded by amazing natural landscapes which inspire all sorts of creative pursuits. We are exploring the use of our home grown fleeces in the creative arts and will be giving workshops and demonstrations on making yarn from fleeces, - sheep to jumper including spinning with a wheel and drop spinning. We are also going to be giving workshops on working with raw fleece and peg looms to create woven rugs.
Nr Callander, Perthshire, Scotland
Spectacular family and dog-friendly sanctuaries with al fresco hot tubs, surrounded by nature in the heart of the Trossachs, right on the shore of the shimmering freshwater loch.
Bedrooms: 2 or 3 per lodge
Sleeps: 4 or 6 per lodge
The window seat at Coorie lodge is the perfect place in Scotland to write a book or create a masterpiece.
Richmond, North Yorkshire, England
Relax in an enchanting stone cottage for two, blissfully secluded from the world's worries amongst miles of scenic Yorkshire countryside.
Get inspired by the stunning country landscape, showcased from full-length glass doors that allow you to make the most of your perfectly private location.
Aberporth, Ceredigion, Wales
A unique, award-winning architect designed ‘boat house' that's ideal for an adventure-packed beach break, next to the invigorating Welsh Coast Path.
Bedrooms: 3
Sleeps: 12 (or 4 per cabin)
As well as being the perfect base for watersports and other adrenaline fuelled activities, Ty Cwch is ideal for a creative retreat, where you can draw inspiration watching the wildlife (birds, seals, and dolphins), and taking in the stunning surrounding coastline and countryside.
Meifod, Powys, Wales
A lovingly hand-crafted wooden cabin offering an invigorating blend of relaxation and adventure in the heart of the Welsh countryside.
A secluded retreat perfect to inspire creativity - while away the days sketching the wildlife around the cabin, with plenty of birds to spot including ravens, buzzards, woodpeckers and jays to name but a few - plus foxes, badgers, rabbits, squirrels, and even the occasional riverside otter!
