Crafting Retreat at Cober Hill
9th - 13th November 2026
Embark on a week-long crafting retreat at the picturesque Cober Hill, nestled along the North Yorkshire coast, hosted by North Yorks Art School and bookaclass.com.
From 9th - 13th November 2026, this immersive experience invites crafters of all levels to dive into a vibrant creative journey, exploring new techniques, refining skills, and connecting with a warm, supportive community of like-minded individuals. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, this retreat offers the perfect blend of structured learning and creative freedom in a stunning coastal setting.
Over three days, Tuesday to Thursday 10am to 4pm, you’ll engage in expertly led workshops by our talented tutors Catherine Edwards, Kim Searle and Rachael Forrest. Each day features focused morning and afternoon sessions, with ample breaks for reflection, informal discussions, and enjoying Cober Hill’s serene surroundings.
The retreat covers three distinct crafts, rotating daily to ensure every participant experiences each discipline:
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Leathercraft Workshop with Catherine Edwards
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Jesmonite Workshop with Kim Searle
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Batik Workshop with Rachael Forrest
You are also welcome to join us for an optional Linocut workshop with Darya Savonina taking place on Tuesday or Wednesday evening.
Each session is designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and deepen your understanding of diverse crafting techniques. All workshop materials are supplied, ensuring a seamless creative experience.
The residential package includes full board, basic en-suite accommodation in Cober Hill’s historic mansion house with breakfast and evening meals provided, alongside a daily buffet lunch.
Complimentary refreshments, including tea, coffee and snacks, are available throughout the day. We will also have a number of optional evening activities for participants to take part in, including evening film nights and a prize quiz night.
Residential Details:
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Accommodation includes full board stay, including breakfast, lunch and evening meals
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Room check-in from 3pm on Monday 9th November 2026
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Room check-out by 10.30am on Friday 13th November 2026
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Participants on the residential will be allocated their own en-suite bedroom at Cober Hill
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Participants have full use of the lounge areas, grounds and facilities while staying at Cober Hill
Materials: All workshop materials are provided.
Workshop Schedule:
Core Sessions: Tuesday – Thursday 10am–4pm
This retreat is available as a residential or non-residential option.
Residential includes:
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Full board accommodation (including breakfast and evening meal)
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All materials for all workshops
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Refreshments and lunch
Non-Residential includes:
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All materials for all workshops
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Refreshments and lunch
Leather Crafting Workshop
Tutor: Catherine Edwards
This beginner-friendly workshop welcomes all skill levels, guiding you to use the finest British leather in a range of colours and finishes to create your own unique leather tool roll. You’ll learn essential leatherworking techniques including, pattern cutting, stitching, punching, edge finishing, riveting and mark making.
Catherine’s encouraging approach ensures beginners feel confident, while experienced crafters can explore advanced detailing.
Skills covered:
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Precision Cutting and Pattern Preparation
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Hand-Stitching (Saddle Stitching)
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Edge Finishing and Burnishing
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Assembly and Finishing Techniques
Jesmonite Workshop
Tutor: Kim Searle
The workshop begins with an introduction to the basics, precisely measuring and combining the liquid and powder components to achieve the perfect consistency.
From there, the magic unfolds as you explore colour mixing, blending pigments to create soft pastels, bold neons, subtle marbling effects, or eye-catching terrazzo patterns flecked with chips of contrasting hues.
Kim will demonstrate techniques like layering pours for depth, embedding decorative elements, and achieving polished or textured surfaces. Whether you're drawn to minimalist modern designs or playful, organic forms, you'll have the freedom to personalise your pieces, building confidence through hands-on practice in a relaxed, supportive setting.
Skills covered:
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Accurate Mixing and Ratio Preparation
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Pigmenting and Colour Customisation
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Pouring, Layering, and Embedding Techniques
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Demolding, Finishing, and Surface Treatment
Batik Workshop
Tutor: Rachael Forrest
During this workshop you will discover the vibrant art of batik, where you’ll create a unique fabric artwork using the ancient wax resist method. This workshop offers a hands-on introduction to designing with molten wax and colourful dyes.
Under Rachael’s expert guidance, you’ll learn to use traditional tools like tjantings and brushes to apply wax patterns, then add dyes to create a stunning piece on fabric, which can be embellished or developed into a tote bag or decorative panel.
Skills covered:
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Designing and Preparing the Fabric
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Applying Hot Wax with Tools (Tjanting and Brushes)
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Dyeing and Layering Colours
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Dewaxing, Fixing, and Finishing
Book Now
Click on the link below to secure your space
Four-Night Residential Check in Monday 9th November 2026
845 British poundsLoading availability...
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Tuesday 10th - Thursday 12th November 2026 - 10am - 4pm
365 British poundsLoading availability...
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Pay For Your Residential in Instalments
North Yorks Art School are able to offer a bespoke payment plan for anyone unable to pay for the residential in one payment. With a 25% non-refundable deposit, you are able to secure your space. The final payment must be received by 11th January 2026.
Click on the link below to arrange a repayment plan today.
Your Stay at Cober Hill
Duration: Four nights, with full board accommodation included.
Check-in: From 3pm on Monday 9th November 2026.
Check-out: By 10.30am Friday 13th November 2026.
Non-Residential options are available and include all materials, refreshments and lunch.
Workshops take place Tuesday - Thursday 10am - 4pm.
Your Room at Cober Hill
On check-in you will be allocated your own en-suite bedroom. Accommodation at Cober Hill is basic but clean. There are no TV's in the bedrooms but there is free wi-fi throughout the site for you to use.
Meal Times
Your buffet-style breakfast is available from 8.30am.
Lunch will be served at 12.30pm
Evening meals are served at 6.30pm.
Entertainment
Your group will have use of a private drawing room for the duration of your stay. This includes a TV, board games, a selection of classic literature as well as views of the gardens and, in the distance, the sea!
Cober Hill has wonderful grounds which you are free to explore. There is also a tennis court, croquet lawn and a bar. Participants are responsible for settling any bar bill at check-out. Cober Hill is a short distance from the North Sea and there are excellent transport links to Scarborough, Robin Hood's Bay, Whitby and beyond.
Parking and Public Transport Links
There is ample parking at Cober Hill as well as good public transport links to the site.
Extending Your Stay
Subject to room availability, you can also extend your stay. Please add a note at the time of booking and we will contact you to arrange any additional accommodation required.
If needed, we will be able to provide secure storage for any luggage after check out.
Accessible Rooms
There are a number of accessible rooms available at Cober Hill. Please confirm at the time of booking if you require an accessible room.
Guests
If you would like to stay at Cober Hill with someone who won't be attending the course, we will be able to arrange this for you. There will be an additional cost which we can confirm with you before booking.
How to Find Us
bookaclass.com events in Cober Hill are located at:
Cober Hill
Cloughton
Scarborough
North Yorkshire
YO13 0AR