Quirky Workshops at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns

Contact name: Annie Swarbrick

160
Total bookings

Rating

(282)

almost 13 years
with CraftCourses

Maker's bio

Situated in a tranquil location on the fringes of the Lake District in north west England, we have been hosting a Quirky range of workshops since 2005. We are now proud to offer over 140 Arts, Craft and Heritage Skills Workshops each year, led by an incredible and talented range of local and national tutors, all experts in their field. We have two teaching studios, the 'Squirrel Barn' and the newly renovated, spacious and airy 'Swallow Barn', the latter of which, at 60m2 was very popular in the months post Covid, allowing 2m distancing, hand washing and two staircases. We have several garden teaching spaces too. Lunch (included) can be taken outside on the Tea Lawn in warmer months and teas/coffee with Aga home-baking is served at your desk. Our days are considered real treats.

Courses, kits & gifts

diamond award

Penrith

'Design & Planting Tips for a small Garden' with Shelagh Todd - lecturer, garden designer & plantswoman.

7 hours

Next date: 28th May 2026

(1)

£90.00

diamond award

Penrith

"Gardening for Wildlife and Wellbeing" with Shelagh Todd

6½ hours

Next date: 11th Jul 2026

£95.00

diamond award

Penrith

Design & Plan your own Garden - 2 days with Shelagh Todd - lecturer, garden designer & plantswoman

13 hours

Next date: 23rd Apr 2026

(1)

£185.00

diamond award

Penrith

Gardening for the Terrified' short course with Shelagh Todd - lecturer, garden designer & plantswoman.

3 hours

Next date: 7th Mar 2026

£45.00

Recent reviews

All maker's reviews

8 Nov 25'

Ali Lamour reviewed: 'Design & Planting Tips for a small Garden' with Shelagh Todd - lecturer, garden designer & plantswoman.

"Had the BEST time on Shelagh's course today ☺️ thank you for having us and your wonderful hospitality… What a fabulous place you have, full of soul, happiness and joy! So glad I found you and the Quirky workshops - can’t wait to come back! Hope you get some rest and peace this weekend too that you give to everyone else ☺️ "

Quirky Workshops at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns responded:

"Thank you, Ali, for this lovely review. As someone who has been teaching professionally in Cumbria for well over 30 years, quite a few from Cumbria and beyond already know what a gently inspiring gardener and teacher Shelagh truly is. We’re so fortunate to have her running courses here. Thanks too for you kind comments re our venue - it was lovely to meet you and also a joy to share the garden with such enthusiastic people, both fellow gardeners and those eager to learn. The very best of luck with your own escape to nature! "

8 Nov 25'

Anna Lamb reviewed: Design & Plan your own Garden - 2 days with Shelagh Todd - lecturer, garden designer & plantswoman

"Please also pass on my thanks to Shelagh too! She was so lovely, inspiring to listen to and learn from, so knowledgeable and has definitely made me less terrified of gardening! "

Quirky Workshops at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns responded:

"Hello Anna, You are so welcome and i certainly will. I I myself attended her courses myself some 25+ years ago and know well that she 's one of the most inspiring tutors of 'all things gardening' that I've ever met. Its so lovely to have her on the programme at Greystoke :) Good luck with everything you do and all your plans! "

29 Oct 25'

Tina reviewed: Create your own Botanical Prints in full colour, linocut for beginners and intermediates, with Laura Sowerby - a Quirky Workshop at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Ullswater and The Lake District

"An extremely well run day in delightful workshop. Annie provided us with tea/coffee, sandwich and cake lunch, tea and scone. Lisa introduced us to choosing a botanical image, transfer to the Lino, cutting techniques, inks preparation, printing and tidy up with expert explanations, demonstrations and enthusiasm to encourage us all to succeed. She shared the skills of her profession and helped us all individually delivering a very enjoyable day. "

Quirky Workshops at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns responded:

"Hello Tina and thank you so much for taking the time to leave this lovely review. It was great to meet you and am thrilled you so enjoyed your day. I have forwarded your feedback to Laura too. We've just released our new programme so hopefully we may see you another time. Thank you again, Annie "

6 Oct 25'

Julie Keary reviewed: Discovering Pen and Wash - with Margaret Jarvis - a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Ullswater and The Lake District

"A really enjoyable day in a gorgeous setting. A nice lunch provided and plenty of drinks and cake available. Annie is a great host and Margaret is a very generous teacher. "

Quirky Workshops at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns responded:

"Thank you for your kind words Julie. We're glad you had a lovely day, and perhaps we'll see you here again another time!"