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Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses

Contact name: The Stanwick Lakes Team
1857
Total bookings
Rating
(433)
about 9 years
with CraftCourses

Maker's bio

At Stanwick Lakes, we offer a range of Arts & Crafts and Heritage Courses, from watercolour painting classes to blacksmithing and wood-carving workshops. Alongside offering craft courses, Stanwick Lakes is a unique 750 acre nature reserve and countryside attraction located in the heart of Northamptonshire’s Nene Valley.

Courses, kits & gifts

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Christmas wood carving workshop - one day
6 hours
Next date: 13th Dec 2025
4 places left
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Drystone Walling (1 day)
6 hours
Next date: 26th Jul 2025
2 places left
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Introduction to Dry Stone Walling - 2 days
6 hours
Next date: 13th Sep 2025
8 places left
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Introduction to Traditional Leaded Stained-Glass Course, 2 days
2 days
Next date: 22nd Nov 2025
1 place left
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Monthly Oil Painting Classes
2½ hours
Next date: 21st Jul 2025
2 places left
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Raku Art & Alchemy - Tiles
7 hours
Next date: 19th Oct 2025
8 places left
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Rustic Stool Making Course, 2 days
2 days
Next date: 19th Jul 2025
2 places left
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Seasonal Decorations - All Things Willow
5 hours
Next date: 29th Nov 2025
8 places left
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Spoon Carving Workshop - One Day
1 day
Next date: 6th Sep 2025
3 places left
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Tinsmithing Festive Pierced Lantern Course - 2 days
2 days
Next date: 6th Dec 2025
6 places left
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Willow Weaving ‘Pheasant’ Workshop
6 hours
Next date: 26th Oct 2025
6 places left

Recent reviews

All maker's reviews
15 Jul 25'

Chris reviewed: Monthly Watercolour Classes

"I attended the watercolour class at Stanwick Lakes hoping for a welcoming, structured introduction to painting. What I got instead was a disorganised and frankly demoralising experience that felt more like accidentally walking in on a private art group than a beginner-friendly class. From the start, the location information was wrong, so I spent time wandering around trying to find the session. Once inside, there was no welcome, no clear structure, and absolutely no teaching. As a complete beginner, I was given zero guidance on what to expect, how to approach the activity, or even which materials to use — I wasn’t even given a pencil at first. The tutor gave no actual instruction beyond “sketch this” and “put a wash on the background.” Everyone was working from different images, so there was no way for consistent teaching to happen. I received about two minutes of vague advice in nearly two hours, while the tutor mostly painted her own work or refilled water jars. This was advertised as a structured, skills-based session focused on learning techniques — washes, layering, texture, tools — none of which were covered. Instead, I felt like I’d trespassed into a space I didn’t belong in, with no effort made to include or support beginners. Another attendee I saw looked just as upset and said they just wanted to leave (and for the same reasons). As someone who teaches professionally in other fields, I found this class shockingly lacking in preparation or care. I left feeling disheartened and completely unsupported. If you're looking to actually learn how to paint, I’d suggest starting with YouTube — you'll get more guidance in five minutes than this class offered in two hours. I did receive a refund this morning, but zero apology or feedback. "

15 Jul 25'

Lindy Ruston reviewed: Monthly Watercolour Classes

"This week we did Still Life with Lou. Despite not being my favourite subject, I’m very glad I did it as it taught me shadows, tone and observation and I was very pleased with the result. As always the group is friendly and fun and I’ve just booked all of next terms watercolour, acrylic, and mixed media classes in one go. Roll on next term. Well done Lou - you can now have a restful summer break. 👏👏👏"

15 Jul 25'

Neil Cowles reviewed: Introduction to Traditional Leaded Stained-Glass Course, 2 days

"I really enjoyed the course, Jo is a patient and talented tutor and I was very pleased with what I was able to make."

8 Jul 25'

Karen reviewed: Mixed Media Painting Workshop

"This was a great morning. The teacher was very approachable and made learning relaxed and fun"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are pleased you enjoyed the class. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."