Add-Ons
Cottage Garden Experience
Date: Sunday 31st May
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Cost: £15
​
Join us to paint in a pretty cottage garden surrounded by blossom and birdsong, then enjoy a light picnic lunch and the simple pleasure of cream tea in the afternoon. The arrangement is intentionally unhurried — artists can paint, sketch, create at their own pace. There’s no formal program; just a day to soak in the beauty of the cottage garden with good food and creative company.
​
Schedule:
• 12:00 AM – 4 PM: A relaxed, artist led painting session in the garden’s varied vistas (flower
borders, cottage architecture, shaded corners).
• 1:00 PM A light luxury picnic lunch box will be delivered to each artist at their easel
around 1pm.
• 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Tea and freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam. Gentle
wrap-up, with time to view each other’s work and chat.​
​
​
For You, the Painter to provide…
Bring along the things that will make your painting day smooth, comfortable, and inspiring:
• Your trusty portable easel, materials and equipment
• A folding chair or stool to sit if required
• Hat or cap to keep the sun at bay / umbrella or portable shade
What Your Host will provide…
• A welcoming space in the garden with gorgeous views to paint
• Access to a toilet
• Water for drinking or rinsing brushes
• A lovely locally sourced picnic lunchbox to enjoy in the garden with freshly baked scones, jam, and clotted cream—pure bliss!
Guided Art & History Walk
Date: Sunday 31st May
Time: 12 - 3pm
Cost: £15
​
Step into the story of the landscape with our guided History & Art Walk through Weardale…
A gentle three-mile journey where the past meets the page.
​
Led by a knowledgeable local historian, this easy, relaxed walk follows a scenic trail through the dale, pausing at key points of historical interest. Along the way you’ll hear vivid stories of the people who once lived and worked here, and discover how centuries of lead mining carved, shaped and transformed the valley. From hushes and spoil heaps to quiet river crossings, you’ll begin to see the landscape not just as countryside, but as a living record of industry, resilience and community.
​
Adding a creative dimension to the day, we’ll be joined by professional artist Clare Money, whose passion for the area’s heritage shines through her expressive plein air sketches. Clare will guide us through three relaxed ten-minute sketching stops along the route, encouraging you to capture the textures, forms and atmosphere of the dale in your own way. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or someone who hasn’t picked up a pencil in years, this is about observation, enjoyment and responding to the landscape around you.
The walk concludes at the welcoming Town Hall, where we’ll settle in for well-earned tea or coffee and a selection of homemade cakes. This is a chance to share your sketches, swap impressions of the walk, and enjoy a demonstration from Clare as she shows how she develops her quick field studies into more refined pieces.
​
It’s history you can walk through, art you can create, and a warm community atmosphere to finish- a memorable way to experience the spirit and stories of Weardale.
12:00 pm – Meet at the designated meeting point
• Welcome and introductions
• Brief overview of the route and safety tips
12:15 pm – Start of the Walk
• Guide shares stories of local history and landmarks with several 10 minute breaks to sketch, take photos or simply soak in the surroundings.
2:30 pm – Complete the walk at The Town Hall
• Reflect on the day’s discoveries
• Chance to chat with fellow walkers and celebrate your creative efforts
• Enjoy some well deserved refreshments
For You, the walker to provide…
Bring along the things that will make your art walk day smooth, comfortable, and inspiring:
Your trusty sketchbook and materials
Your walking boots and water
BBQ Social
Date: Friday 29th May
Time: 6pm
Cost: £15
​
Join us for a warm and welcoming BBQ from 6pm at a charming local country pub, where artists can come together to relax, connect, and share ideas. With good food, a friendly atmosphere, it’s the perfect chance to meet fellow creatives and enjoy a laid-back evening in great company. Tickets will be limited!
Life Drawing, Wine & Cheese Social
Date: Saturday 30th May
Time: 6pm
Cost: £30
​
This relaxed life drawing session brings together artists of all levels in an informal and welcoming setting. A live model provides the focus for sketching, while the atmosphere is light and social, with wine and cheese to enjoy throughout the evening.
