Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses reviews

Amy Ward reviewed: Seasonal Decorations - All Things Willow

"Jane is a fabulous teacher! She is knowledgeable, patient and fun, and very keen to pass on her skills to others. The course was excellent and went well beyond our expectations. We were able to create 5 different Christmas which we were all very proud of. The small class size and friendliness of all participants was a great bonus too! We loved this class, even as complete beginners, we were able to produce recognisable pieces. I bought the class as a gift for my mum (retiree) and thought I would join her. We both really enjoyed it, and would recommend this to anyone. "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

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

Gemma Andrews reviewed: Seasonal Decorations - All Things Willow

"A wonderful session with Jane. She gave excellent instruction and everyone came away with a number of items ready for Christmas. I would really recommend this course."

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. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

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

"Fantastic course, this is the second time I have attended and loved every minute again. Jo is a brilliant tutor, explains everything so well, she encourages you to complete your own work but steps in to support whenever you need her. Highly recommend this course. "

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. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

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

"5* introduction to the heritage craft of leaded stained glass. Hands-on at each stage of producing a lovely piece. This makes it great way to learn about and practice a raft of new skills right through from selecting the glass to use to finishing off the piece ready for display. Great value for money and great company with several other learners."

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. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Mary Read reviewed: Two-day Medieval Glass Painting Course

"Jo is a wonderful calm tutor. She gives you time to work on your deisgns, but is always ready to help out when you need this. She is informative about the history and the process of medieval glass painting. It was a wonderful weekend. "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for leaving us such a lovely review. We are so pleased you enjoyed the course and shall let Jo know too. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Anne Milne reviewed: Raku Pottery - Art and Alchemy

"What a fantastic day! Andy was brilliant - skilled, funny, informative, non-judgmental and patient, ensuring that everyone had a great time. Would recommend to anyone wishing to experience Raku - mixing being a little creative, making a bit of a mess and fire - what more could you want?? Also we all came away with 3 lovely and very different pieces of art. "

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 pleased you enjoyed the workshop and shall let Andy know too! We hope to see you here at Stanwick Lakes again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Claire reviewed: Raku Pottery - Art and Alchemy

"My sister and I came and did this course for her birthday, and it was BRILLIANT we loved it Andy was really informative and very talented. We would highly recommend giving this a go."

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 pleased you enjoyed the workshop and shall let Andy know too! We hope to see you here at Stanwick Lakes again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Debbie L reviewed: Raku Pottery - Art and Alchemy

"A thoroughly lovely day! Andy is knowledgeable, enthusiastic, engaging, and thorough. It is exciting to see how your pieces will turn out and you have something wonderful and unique to take home. Suitable for total beginners or those who have done Raku before. 5 stars to Andy and Stanwick Lakes."

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 pleased you enjoyed the workshop and shall let Andy know too! We hope to see you here at Stanwick Lakes again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Sinéad Loftus reviewed: Blacksmithing Introductory Workshop - One Day

"We booked this course to do as a family for my Dad's 60th Birthday present and we couldn't recommend it more highly. We were of varying levels of skill, strength and knowledge and John made sure we all were able to complete each of the makes with the appropriate level of support whilst also having fun. John was so interesting and knowledgeable - a really brilliant instructor! We were all so proud of the things we managed to make and I'm particularly enjoying telling people I made the bottle opener they're using! Thanks again, great chance to do something different!"

Peter Smith reviewed: Blacksmithing Introductory Workshop - One Day

"Very good one day course, enjoyable, practical, and came away with four items that I made myself. Would definitely recommend this course if John is running it, he's an excellent tutor and really good fun to work with. Good value for money. Thank you for making the course available Peter S"

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 shall let John know! Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team. "

Steve Holden reviewed: Blacksmithing Introductory Workshop - One Day

"Fantastic course. Really interesting, hands on and provided loads of insight on the craft. Would highly recommend. "

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! Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team. "

JB reviewed: Rustic Stool Making Course, 2 days

"A fantastic introduction to green woodworking. More than met expectations. Great venue, good pace and all five participants went home with lots of new woodworking skills and a wonderful wooden stool. The tutor John was superb, he explained things clearly, had bags of patience and was helpful throughout - thanks John!! Recommended most highly!"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us a great review. We really do appreciate it! We are happy you enjoyed the course and shall pass your comments onto the course tutor. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team. "

Steph Hensman reviewed: Tinsmithing Workshop - One Day

"Excellent day, thoroughly enjoyed it. Excellent instruction and encouragement. "

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."

Julie Thompson reviewed: Tinsmithing Workshop - One Day

"A really enjoyable day with a small group so lots of 121 tuition and help from our tutor. In a lovely setting. Would recommend"

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! Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Olivia reviewed: Tinsmithing Workshop - One Day

"What an amazing Tinsmithing introduction, John is a very skilled teacher who is encouraging and wants his learners to get the most out of the course. Thank you!!!! "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

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

Emma reviewed: Tinsmithing Workshop - One Day

"Great day. Really interesting."

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. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team. "

Jaz Grove reviewed: Drystone Walling (1 day)

"I booked for my mum and I to join this dry stone walling course as it’s something we’ve always been interested in trying and it didn’t disappoint! We both had an amazing day and felt so accomplished afterwards, Tim was such an engaging and informative tutor and the rest of the group were really lovely too! Would definitely recommend! "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review! We are so pleased that you and your mum both enjoyed the course and shall let the course tutor know too. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team. "

Peter Smith reviewed: Drystone Walling (1 day)

"A big thank you to Tim Mason for an enjoyable and informative day, your teaching style delivered amazing result for all 7 of us on the course. Thank you for an inspiring day. Peter o"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

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

Jovita reviewed: Monthly Oil Painting Classes

"I absolutely enjoyed this wonderful class. The Art Teacher was amazing in helping and detailing. I would recommend this course to anyone beginner to advance"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

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

Sarah reviewed: Rustic Stool Making Course, 2 days

"Amazing course, great location, lovely fellow students and amazing tutor John who is so knowledgeable, patient and attentive and came to my rescue many times! Loved the experience it was harder than I expected but so rewarding to leave we a peace of furniture I will treasure. Real escape from reality and chance to have so time to do something completely different which was great for my mental wellbeing. I would definitely recommend this course and hope to do the workshop again!"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

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

Stuart reviewed: Rustic Stool Making Course, 2 days

"The stool making course was excellent. John was patient and helpful - assisting when required but without taking over. Absolutely loved it. "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

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

David Rollinson reviewed: Rustic Stool Making Course, 2 days

"Two days well spent – lots of fun! Interesting course and I learnt a lot about green woodworking, amazing how you can start with a log and end up with a stool to be proud of at the end of the course. Thanks Jon for expert and sound advice and help when needed. The barn is a great workshop, the biscuits are scrummy and everyone at the Visitor Centre was pleasant and helpful."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

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

Dawn N reviewed: Raku Pottery - Alternative Techniques

"My daughter and I had a wonderful day doing this course. The venue is pleasant and rural in Northamptonshire. Our tutor was extremely knowledgeable and helpful , making sure that all our questions - e.g. (what if??) were answered patiently! We were taught several different raku techniques and everyone ended up with 3 pots of different shapes and the most amazing decoration. I cant wait to go on another raku course at this venue! "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

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

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. 👏👏👏"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us a lovely review. We are so pleased you are enjoying our art classes and look forward to seeing you here at Stanwick Lakes again next term! Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."