Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses reviews

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. "

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. 👏👏👏"

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."

Karen reviewed: Mixed Media Painting Workshop

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

Glenn Fleet reviewed: Introduction to Traditional Leaded Stained-Glass Course, 2 days

"Excellent course. Learnt so much. You could have not asked for a more excellent instructor. Highly recommend course."

Mary reviewed: Weave a Willow Frame Basket

"I enjoyed the day course with wonderful people all willing to share their knowledge. The music was also enjoyable and gave some relief when pockets of frustration emmerged. We all completed an egg basket that I would say for beginners in a day was good, Jane the tutor was patient and helpful."

Helen Banks reviewed: Monthly Acrylic Painting classes

"I attended this course with my daughter and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. We both came away with a better knowledge and feel for using acrylics and wanting to learn more. All the members of the group were very friendly, a brilliant tutor and a very relaxed atmosphere led to a very enjoyable morning. We will book again!"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are so pleased you both enjoyed the course and hope to see you here at Stanwick Lakes again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Jeni Channer reviewed: Wood Carving Workshop - One Day

"A great experience. Learnt lots with lots of practical engagement. Could have carried on for another hour. Personalised questions answered. Nice small group. "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

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

Caroline reviewed: Monthly Oil Painting Classes

"As complete novices made to feel very welcome. Everyone was positive and encouraging. Just the right amount of instruction to feel a sense of achievement and your own piece of work to take home. Will definitely be booking another course."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us a lovely review. We are so pleased you enjoyed the workshop and we hope to see you here at Stanwick Lakes again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Ray Daniells reviewed: Willow Weaving ‘Pheasant’ Workshop

"What a great course, always wanted to have a go at willow weaving and to come away with 'Richard' my pheasant what a great achievement. Jane was very informative and ensured we all understood the next task, but when we needed a little assistance she was there advising us all. All 8 of us ended with a sculpture all with different characters. Well recommend this course."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review. We are so happy that you enjoyed the course and shall let Jane know too! We hope to see you here at Stanwick Lakes again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Heather reviewed: Willow Weaving ‘Pheasant’ Workshop

"What a brilliant day, I enjoyed every minute. Jane explained every stage very well and gave help and advice when needed. I am very happy with my willow pheasant. I just need to work out where to put her when she's dried out properly and treated with preservative. I would happily recommend this day to anyone thinking about trying willow weaving."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review. We are so happy that you enjoyed the course and shall let Jane know too! We hope to see you here at Stanwick Lakes again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Lindsay Stark reviewed: Willow Weaving ‘Pheasant’ Workshop

"Very enjoyable course, great group of people attended and the tuition was very good. We all produced very individual birds, mine resembling a turkey crossed with a pheasant but it is out in the garden and it makes me smile every time I look at it! Would definitely recommend the course to others."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review. We are so happy that you enjoyed the course and shall let Jane know too! We hope to see you here at Stanwick Lakes again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Karen Rathbone reviewed: Tinsmithing Workshop - One Day

"Brilliant challenging day. John was amazing and im looking forward to another tinsmithing course . "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are very pleased you enjoyed the course and hope to see you here at Stanwick Lakes again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Rose reviewed: Mixed Media Painting Workshop

"Excellent, full of brilliant ideas great fun"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for leaving us a review. We are pleased you enjoyed the workshop! Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team. "

Andrew Potter reviewed: Tinsmithing Workshop - One Day

"I very much enjoyed the course and John our tutor was excellent. He explained and demonstrated the techniques required and was always available to advise and help as required. There was a good selection of items for us to make and and the whole day was good fun. "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for leaving us a review. We are pleased you enjoyed the workshop and shall let the course tutor know too! Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team. "

Chris Thompson reviewed: Tinsmithing Workshop - One Day

"Knowledgeable and approachable teacher who took the time to ensure that all who attended took away skills and two usable products."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for leaving us a lovely review. We are pleased you enjoyed the workshop! Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team. "

Colin Crowley reviewed: Tinsmithing Workshop - One Day

"Great day, very patient tutor who explained everything really well (although I went off piste when cutting circles and soldering!!) Came away with a fairly nice candle sconce and a tin mug that looks authentically battle scarred! Really enjoyable day learning new skills and would throughly recommend."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for leaving us a great review. We are pleased you enjoyed the workshop! Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team. "

Kevin Horne reviewed: Monthly Oil Painting Classes

"Excellent learnt a lot 👍🏻"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"We are pleased you enjoyed the course! Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Sue reviewed: Willow Weaving 'Trug' Workshop

"Jane was great, very informative and instructive."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are pleased you enjoyed the course and shall let Jane know. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Allison S reviewed: Wood Carving Workshop - One Day

"Great course for a novice to woodworking. Wonderful tutor, very knowledgeable. As much or as little help as needed. Came away happy 😊 "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us a lovely review. We are very pleased you enjoyed the course and hope to see you here at Stanwick Lakes again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team. "

Lindy Ruston reviewed: Mixed Media Painting Workshop

"Really enjoyed it….(pity there’s no option here for pasting the result.) I was very pleased with my mixed media hollyhock painting. Would recommend. Thanks Louise . 👏"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us a lovely review. We are very pleased you enjoyed the course and hope to see you here at Stanwick Lakes again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team. "

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

"A really enjoyable course delivered at exactly the right pace by a dedicated, patient and highly-skilled tutor. Very good value for money at an ideal venue."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

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

Emma Overend reviewed: Introduction to Traditional Leaded Stained-Glass Course, 2 days

"I’ve done many courses and this was quite simply the best I have done. Absolutely brilliant. Our Tutor Jo was fantastic, she ensured we all got individual attention and we all made a really stunning piece. Do not hesitate to book, I will book the same course again this year as I enjoyed it so much. "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us a lovely review. We are happy you enjoyed the workshop and look forward to seeing you here at Stanwick Lakes again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team. "

Mary Read reviewed: Introduction to Traditional Leaded Stained-Glass Course, 2 days

"This was a wonderful course, just right for beginner level but with such good teaching from Jo it was possible to make a beautiful piece in two days"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

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

Celeste Perry reviewed: Monthly Acrylic Painting classes

"Really lovely class, friendly teacher and students. Was a pleasure to attend."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

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