Join Sarah Stokes on a Unique Artistic Adventure at Lundy Island
We’re excited to offer a one-of-a-kind opportunity for you to join Sarah Stokes on a painting retreat at the stunning Lundy Island. This exclusive retreat takes place in 2026 and offers just 10 spots for a small group of guests, ensuring a personal and immersive experience.
The Perfect Blend of Nature, Creativity, and Tranquility
Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of nature, surrounded by the untouched, rugged beauty of Lundy Island. Situated between the Bristol Channel and the Atlantic Ocean, Lundy is a haven for wildlife and a sanctuary of natural beauty. This retreat offers a serene atmosphere where you can draw inspiration from the island’s exceptional biodiversity and striking landscapes.
Lundy Island is home to over 1,400 puffins that return in May to nest, and the elusive Manx Shearwaters, whose nocturnal cries add to the island’s magic. The landscape, from rocky cliffs to sweeping meadows, is as inspiring as the wildlife that calls it home. Whether you're sketching the puffins, painting the rugged coastline, or capturing the stunning sunsets, this retreat will provide endless artistic opportunities.
Sarah is a highly regarded British wildlife artist, known for her vibrant and expressive artworks that beautifully capture the essence of animals and nature. Her work has been showcased in prestigious exhibitions, and she has a deep passion for teaching and inspiring others. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced artist, Sarah will help you unlock your creativity and deepen your connection with nature through painting.
A Unique Stay at Millcombe House
This retreat has been carefully crafted by us, after multiple visits to the island and consultations with the conservation team. Millcombe House, the island’s largest and most historic property, will be exclusively yours for the duration of the retreat. Its secluded location and breathtaking views make it the perfect setting to immerse yourself in art and nature. This is a particularly magical time to visit Lundy Island. Not only will you experience the island’s vibrant wildlife, but the natural beauty of the landscape will provide the perfect backdrop for your artistic journey. The island’s springtime flora, combined with its captivating animal life, will inspire your creative process.
A Truly Limited Experience
Because of Lundy’s limited accommodation and its significance as a wildlife sanctuary, spaces for this retreat are extremely exclusive. Once these spots are filled, no additional dates will be available during this critical wildlife breeding season. This makes the experience all the more special, and we are excited to offer this unforgettable opportunity to join Sarah Stokes on this remote and inspiring island.
Book your place now and join us in 2026 for an artistic adventure like no other!
Lundy Island Art Retreat Itinerary
Lundy Island Art Adventure: A Journey of Creativity and Nature. The proposed 8 day, 7 night itinerary is shown below and all excursions are organised and included. You don’t need any art experience to enjoy this tour. With Sarah guiding you through essential painting skills, you’ll be in great hands as you bring your animal portraits to life on paper. The staff working for Lundy Trust are all passionate conservationists and will be on hand to talk about the diversity of the island’s wildlife and their success story in restoring the number of rare breeds, most notably the Manx shearwater and Puffin populations. 40,000 rare breeds now thrive on its shores. Even though self exploration is encouraged, guided walks will also be available throughout the retreat, led by Conservation volunteers or Landmark Trust staff. With a 4 mile “no-take” zone, Lundy Island boasts the UK’s first Marine Conservation Zones with protected habitats that are ideal for diving and snorkelling, offering glimpses of marine life and historic ship wrecks. During your stay on the island, you will be able to take part in guided walks, nature talks and rockpool rambles with the Lundy Trust Team (subject to availability).You're also welcome to make your own arrangements if you'd like to take part in extra curricular diving and snorkeling excursions or boat trips around the island. With 10,000 guillemots, 3,500 razorbills, 25,000 Manx Shearwater and nearly 1400 puffins, this tiny U.K. island is a refreshing success story when it comes to the fight against declining bird populations. And you can be part of the story by recording your sightings in the Island’s log book kept at the historic Marisco Tavern. What better place to paint wildlife! Preserved by the National Trust and managed by The Landmark Trust, the island is steeped in history dating back to the still visible tablets of a 5th Century Celtic burial ground, the 13th Century Marisco Castle and a range of Victorian-era buildings, providing a rich tapestry of history and culture. “Those who find it and are ‘hooked’ by it have ever after something special in common with each other - be they bird watchers, archaeologists, botanists, climbers, divers, lovers of solitude, or lovers of good company.” Sir John Smith, founder Landmark Trust With limited access to the public, the internet and all but essential vehicles, Lundy offers a peaceful and secluded environment, perfect for those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life. The lights go out after midnight with only the Tavern maintaining a power supply. The island’s lack of light pollution creates exceptional conditions for star gazing, allowing visitors to enjoy clear views of the night sky. These aspects make Lundy Island a compelling destination for artists looking to find inspiration to create in a breathtaking and tranquil setting. Whether you’re seeking solitude or adventure, it’s an opportunity to disconnect and recharge amidst breathtaking surroundings. “I never expected to enjoy the remoteness and simplicity of a place quite so much. The quiet and still allows you to connect with your thoughts and the beauty of your surroundings inspires creativity.” Laura Smith. Artist Please note that the programme maybe subject to change due to the nature of the excursions.
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Day One
Arrival and Exploration Embark on a seven-day artistic retreat to Lundy Island, starting with a picturesque journey aboard the MS Oldenburg. Upon arrival to Lundy, your luggage will be whisked away to Millcombe House, while we take a leisurely hike up the cliff path, soaking in the island’s breathtaking scenery. Later, we’ll embark on an afternoon walk along the island’s east side, cameras in hand, to capture its distinctive wildlife—legendary jumping sheep, wild ponies, and windswept highland cattle. A visit to the historic Marisco Tavern for a pre-dinner drink includes an inspiring talk by one of the island’s conservationists. Our day ends with a sumptuous three-course meal back at Millcombe House, perfectly paired with fine wine.
Day three
Painting Puffins Following a refreshing breakfast, we’ll explore the art of painting Lundy’s iconic puffins. Their vivid beaks and expressive eyes make for delightful subjects. A buffet-style lunch punctuates your creative session, giving you the afternoon to complete your puffin masterpiece. In the evening, enjoy a convivial pub dinner at the Marisco Tavern, capped off with a leisurely starlit walk back to Millcombe House.
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Day five
Seals and Dolphins The marine mammals of Lundy take center stage today. Post-breakfast, we’ll paint seals and dolphins, capturing their grace and the swirling sea they inhabit. Inspired by the island’s natural habitat, you’ll have plenty of creative inspiration for your art. The day ends with another exquisite dinner, celebrating the beauty of these fascinating creatures.
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Day seven
Seascapes and Farewell Celebration Kick off your last full day with an optional dawn walk along the eastern coastal path, capturing the sunrise and the island’s awakening. After breakfast, we’ll focus on painting seascapes, using watercolour and masking fluid to depict Lundy’s turquoise waters and rolling waves. Lunch at the Marisco Tavern offers a taste of local pub fare, followed by a final afternoon of painting or soaking in the island’s vistas. Our retreat concludes with a celebratory dinner, where we’ll share our art, stories, and future creative dreams.
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Day Two
Highland Cow Mastery. Start your day with a hearty British breakfast, then dive into our first art workshop focused on the majestic highland cow. With minimal charcoal tools, you’ll learn to depict its textured fur and soulful presence. After a delicious lunch, choose to continue honing your skills or explore the island’s rugged beauty. The day concludes with an ‘aperitivo ’hour, followed by a traditional Sunday roast, complete with all the trimmings.
Day four
Exploring Marine Life Tuesday’s class dives into the vibrant world of Lundy’s marine life. After breakfast, immerse yourself in painting crustaceans, exploring wet-into-wet techniques and innovative texturing methods using salt and cling film. A light buffet lunch provides a break before you choose to continue painting or explore more of the island. End the day with a delightful three-course dinner, paired with wine, at Millcombe House
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Day six
Wild Ponies in Watercolour Thursday’s adventure begins with a search for Lundy’s wild ponies. After observing and photographing these majestic animals, we’ll return to Millcombe House to translate their beauty into watercolour art. With lunch and afternoon tea as refreshing interludes, we’ll explore techniques to capture their windswept manes and expressive eyes. The day concludes with a home-cooked dinner, a fitting end to our artistic journey.
Day eight
Departure Bid farewell to Lundy Island with a final breakfast at Millcombe House. Exchange contact details with new friends, and make your way to the jetty for the return journey on the MS Oldenburg. Reflect on the transformative week of art and nature, carrying memories and inspiration back to the mainland.
Re-connect with nature and creativity; be part of the Lundy conservation story
Artistic Workshops with Sarah Stokes
Under the expert guidance of artist Sarah Stokes, participants will delve into a series of workshops designed to enhance skills and embrace the island’s natural wonders.
• Highland Cow Mastery: The retreat begins with a charcoal session, where you will learn to create a tonal study of a highland cow. Sarah will guide the group in mastering fur textures, expressive eyes, and lifelike details, showcasing the versatility of charcoal as a medium.
• Painting Puffins in Flight: The next workshop focuses on Lundy’s iconic puffins. You will learn to use desaturated tones to highlight the vibrant colours of the puffin’s beak and feet, painting realistic feathers and capturing the movement of birds in flight. Sarah will also share tips on sourcing high-quality reference photos.
• Vibrant marine life: will give you the chance to explore new and exciting techniques with salt and clingfilm to create the textures and colours of crabs, lobsters and jellyfish! The vibrancy and translucency of watercolour make this the ideal medium to bring these creatures to life on the page.
• Seals and Dolphins: Diving deeper into the marine world, you will explore wet-into-wet techniques by painting seals and dolphins in the water. This is an excellent opportunity of getting to grips with painting both the animal and its watery environment convincingly and “as one” with an emphasis on timing, pigment control and brush strokes.
• Wild ponies in watercolour. This is your chance to learn how to capture the beauty and wildness of Lundy’s iconic ponies. Sarah will guide you through the techniques needed to create windswept manes and expressive eyes in a loose, expressive fashion.
• Seascapes and Waves: The final project invites you to paint sweeping sea waves, practicing edge control and experimenting with masking fluid and scratching techniques to depict Lundy’s turquoise waters and rolling tides.
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At this expressive art retreat, you will learn how to:
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Better understand the role of shape and tone in bringing texture to wildlife, whether it be a bird or a mammal
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Get to grips with timing and pigment control needed to make the most out of watercolour
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Create any colour of your choice and harness the power of desaturated colours
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Use warm and cool colours to bring interest and harmony to your artwork
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Find a harmony between loose and tighter brush strokes
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Develop skills in the area of edge control to depict convincing movement whether it be in a puffin’s wings or in the rolling waves
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Paint from a series of prepared reference photos as well as from images directly from your device
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Use masking fluid, acrylic ink, gel pens and scratching out techniques to create convincing sea foam and waves
A unique opportunity to stay at Millcombe house, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
During your time in Lundy, you’ll get to stay in one of its iconic buildings, Millcombe House. Nestled within a cluster of trees and shrubs and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this 19th Century villa abounds with historic features.
This beautifully restored Georgian mansion offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, with a series of stone steps leading you to the rugged coastline. Built in 1835, the house itself offers no-frills, comfortable accommodation typical of Landmark Trust properties and a cosy atmosphere perfect for relaxation.
The house been renovated over the years and has served many purposes, including that of being a residence for the island’s past owner. It still retains much of its historic charm and character and stands as a testament to the island’s past offering guests a unique glimpse into its fascinating history.
From a practical sense, please bear in mind that none of the bedrooms are en-suite due to the age and layout of the house and there is no room service. We’d like you to treat Millcombe House as your home, helping yourself to snacks and refreshments throughout the day. Needless to say that a level of informality, consideration for other guests and good humour is necessary when staying here!
These photos show what a typical room looks like. Rooms may be different to the ones shown here.
Price & What’s included
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Art Classes and Tuition: Art lessons, individual tuition, and demonstrations with Sarah Stokes
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Exclusive Accommodation: Full access to the entire Millcombe House property, including common areas, workshop spaces, and gardens
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7 Nights Accommodation
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Meals: Freshly prepared breakfasts, home-cooked dinners, and snacks/refreshments throughout the day, including two meals at the Marisco Tavern
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Wine: Wine during dinner service every day
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Beverages: Complimentary water, coffee, and tea
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Outdoor Activities: Guided walks, and rock pool ramble (subject to Lundy staff availability)
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Travel: Return trip to Lundy via the MS Oldenburg (or other means), with luggage transfer to Millcombe House (20kg max)
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Fees: All tourist taxes and fees
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Pre-Retreat Group: Access to a private WhatsApp group with Sarah and other participants around one month before the retreat
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Luggage Transfer: Transfer of luggage to Millcombe House
Not Included:
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Airfare
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Travel Insurance: Mandatory for all guests (evidence required before travel)
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Art Materials: A list of recommended materials from Sarah Stokes will be provided 2 months prior to the retreat (tables, chairs, glass jars, and paper towels are included)
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Tipping: While not required, tips for local service providers are appreciated
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Personal Expenses: Including souvenirs or beverages outside of Millcombe House or set meal times at the Marisco Tavern (guests can set up a tab with The Landmark Trust)
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Parking: Car parking expenses on the mainland
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Extra Activities: Costs for diving, boat trips, or other excursions
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Toiletries and Room Service: Hairdryers, toiletries, and any room service are not provided
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Additional Transport: Travel costs from one UK port to another and transport to/from Millcombe House via landrover without prior arrangement.
Got any questions?
Location, Travel & Logistics
Lundy Island is located in the Bristol Channel and is an isolated and picturesque destination that can be only be accessed by boat or helicopter. We will organise a return crossing via the main service provided by the MS Oldenburg ferry. This boat runs from Ilfracombe or Bideford to Lundy, and the ferry journey takes around 2 to 2.5 hours. We will advise you nearer the time (when we know) whether the crossing will be from Ilfracombe or Bideford. Note: the crossing is subject to weather conditions and contingency plans will be arranged in the event that weather doesn't permit us to cross.
The nearest international airports to Ilfracombe and Bideford are Bristol, Cardiff or Exeter Airports, depending upon where you are travelling. Barnstable Train station is the nearest largest train station to Ilfracombe or Bideford. Please allow for a 30 minute car journey from Barnstable to Ilfracombe or Bideford. London Heathrow Airport is approximately a four hour drive by car.
