Capture nature through sketching in your own concertina journal as you explore Rose Castle’s grounds and nearby trails with expert tutor Steve

Whether you are new to nature journaling or already a keen observer, this retreat offers thoughtful guidance to help you develop confidence and skill in recording the natural world. Explore the peaceful gardens of Rose Castle and the nearby River Caldew at a relaxed pace, observing local plants and wildlife.

Drawing on his many years of experience, Steve will gently help you uncover your own distinctive style, sharing insights and simple practices that make recording the natural world both accessible and deeply rewarding. Between moments of creativity, enjoy the castle’s gracious hospitality — full-board accommodation, shared meals in the elegant State Drawing Room, and peaceful evenings by the fire in the hand-painted Chinese Room. An experience of gentle discovery, comfort, and connection, in one of Cumbria’s most enchanting settings.

Your Itinerary

This three-night retreat combines expert-led tuition with the comfort and charm of the historic Rose Castle as your base.

Day 1 – Arrival - Check in from 2:30pm: Join us in the peaceful surroundings of Rose Castle and enjoy a welcome tea at 4:30pm in the charming state drawing room. Take the time to meet your host and fellow guests and hear a little about the Castle’s fascinating history. You’ll also have a chance to explore the beautiful grounds before we come together at 7:00pm for a relaxed group dinner and a toast to the start of your history break.
Day 2 – Nature Journaling: Our first full day begins with an introduction to Nature Journaling. Your tutor, Steve, will share examples of his own work to help illustrate the techniques and creative goals for the weekend. We’ll then head outdoors into the Castle Gardens to seek inspiration, take photographs, and collect natural materials. Back inside, we’ll start sketching and journaling, guided by Steve’s practical hints and tips. Once our drawings take shape, we’ll add watercolours to bring light, colour, and vitality to our pages.
Day 3 – Nature Journaling: The morning will focus on building new techniques and refining your skills under Steve’s guidance. In the afternoon, enjoy time to explore independently and put your new skills into practice. Steve will be available throughout to offer feedback and encouragement, ensuring everyone feels confident and proud of their artwork.
Day 4 - Departure - Check out prior to 11:00am: Start the day with a relaxed breakfast, letting the memories of your retreat linger, before heading home.

*All itineraries are expertly curated; however, changes to the route or schedule may occur for weather or operational reasons

VIEW DATES AND PRICES

Your Tutor

Steve Purdue is an accomplished artist and designer based in Northumberland, whose work is deeply inspired by the natural world. Combining his love of walking and close observation of nature, Steve fills his notebooks with poetic and immersive responses to the landscapes and environments he explores.

An experienced educator, he has delivered workshops and tuition for a diverse range of organisations, including the National Trust, Groundwork North East, Tyne Rivers Trust, the Natural History Society of Northumberland, Wetlands Trust, Rural Highlights, The Baltic Art Gallery, as well as numerous libraries, local authorities, art clubs, and societies. Steve’s approach encourages participants to observe, reflect, and translate the subtleties of the natural world into their own artistic expression.

Dates and Prices

All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.

All retreats are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.

Dates, prices and booking status
Start Date	Double/Twin (pp)	Status	Book Now
Nature journaling Retreat · 3 nights 26th June 2026	£850	Open	BOOK NOW

Helpful Information

Accommodation

Rose Castle prides itself on its relaxed atmosphere. Having been home to the Bishop’s of Carlisle for almost 800 years, it now operates as an international centre for peace and reconciliation programmes.

Each bedroom is thoughtfully appointed with everything you need for a restful stay — from tea and coffee facilities to ensuite or private bathrooms, complete with luxury toiletries and hairdryers.

Guests are welcome to enjoy the many inviting spaces within Rose Castle, including the Bishop’s library, peaceful chapel, elegant drawing room, and grand dining room. A small kitchen area is also available for guest use, adding a homely touch to your stay.

Outdoors, the extensive gardens are lovingly cared for by our head gardener, Janet. Stroll through the vibrant flowerbeds, explore the orchard and vegetable garden, or take a gentle walk around the tranquil moat woodland — a perfect way to soak up the calm and beauty of this remarkable setting.

What to bring

The UK’s weather can be wonderfully changeable, with sunshine one moment and a light shower the next. To help you enjoy your stay comfortably, here’s a guide to the items we would recommend you bring.

For out and about

Suitable footwear with sturdy grip as we will be spending plenty of time on our feet.
Waterproof Jacket
Sun Hat
Sunglasses
Sun Cream
Water Bottle
Mobile Phone
Wallet/Purse
Walking Poles

For relaxing on the castle grounds

Slippers
Tablet or e-reader for reading or watching shows in comfort
Phone charger

What's included

This break is designed to offer you the greatest enjoyment with none of the usual travel hassles. Every detail has been considered so that you can simply relax and experience the very best our region has to offer.

Your package includes:

Three nights of luxury accommodation at Rose Castle
All meals, from dinner on arrival through to breakfast on your day of departure
A complimentary glass of wine or your preferred drink with each evening meal
A nature journaling kit including: chapbook, notebook, fine liner, pencil, mini chapbook for inspiration, and a guide to creating a nature journal.
The services of an experienced, knowledgeable tutor, ensuring you enjoy a rich and engaging experience throughout your stay

Food & Drink

Welcome Tea

What better way to begin your stay than with a freshly served welcome tea on arrival, designed to help you unwind and feel instantly at home. Choose from a selection of fine fruit teas, classic English Breakfast tea, or freshly brewed coffee, all accompanied by a tempting array of home-baked treats prepared with care in our kitchen.

Breakfast

Begin your day at Rose Castle with a satisfying cooked breakfast and a delicious continental selection. Complemented by a variety of hot beverages, refreshing juices, and seasonal fruit, this morning offering provides a nourishing start, ensuring you are well-fuelled and ready to embrace a day of historic discovery.

Lunch

At Rose Castle, lunch is a celebration of freshness and seasonality. From hearty soups and sandwiches to light, vibrant salads, each offering is thoughtfully prepared to showcase the abundance of fruit and vegetables grown in the castle gardens, complemented by the finest local ingredients. This mindful approach ensures a meal that is both nourishing and satisfying, perfectly suited to sustain a day of creativity and exploration.

Evening meals

Our talented chef, Noel, designs each two-course dinner menu to celebrate the best of every season — from hearty winter comfort dishes to light, vibrant flavours in summer. Special dietary requirements are gladly accommodated with advance notice. Wherever possible, fresh produce is gathered straight from our own gardens, ensuring every meal is both delicious and thoughtfully prepared

Fitness and activity level

Throughout the day, you’ll be gently active as we explore the gardens and surrounding countryside. The grounds of Rose Castle unfold across a series of terraces and pathways, and our walks beyond the gardens may include uneven terrain or the occasional stile. For this reason, a reasonable level of agility and confident footing will help you make the most of the experience.

Getting Here

Address:
Rose Castle
Dalston
Carlisle
CA5 7BY

01228 642980
hello@rosecastle.com

By Car

Leave the M6 at Junction 42 and follow signs for Dalston. Continue through the village, passing the green on your left and the Bridge End Pub on your right as you exit. After one sharp bend and at the junction of another, take the turning signposted Rose Castle & Raughton Head.
Rose Castle is located approximately one mile along this road, with a red post box beside the entrance pillars.

By Train

The nearest rail station is Carlisle, around 6 miles from Rose Castle.
Carlisle lies on the West Coast Main Line, with direct services to London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Glasgow, and Newcastle

By Bus

There are no direct bus routes to Rose Castle. We recommend travelling by taxi from Carlisle Station.

By Air

The nearest airports are Glasgow, Newcastle, and Manchester, each offering regular train connections to Carlisle.

Taxi

You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended company, Dalston Taxi Service*. We recommend booking your taxi in advance by Call or Whatsapp on:

Tel: +44 (0)7858 574 154

*Dalston Taxi Service is an independent company and is not owned or managed by Rose Castle Company.

Rose Castle Nature Journaling Retreat