A Day of Nature Journaling

Saturday 27th June 2026

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

Whether you are new to nature journaling or already a keen observer, this one day course offers thoughtful guidance to help you develop confidence and skill in recording the natural world.

What's included

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.
Tea, Coffee & Biscuits on arrival and during your afternoon break.
A freshly prepared lunch of homemade soup and selection of sandwiches.

VIEW DATES AND PRICES

VIEW ITINERARY

Explore the peaceful gardens of Rose Castle at a relaxed pace, observing local plants and wildlife. With guidance from Steve Pardue, you’ll learn practical techniques to identify species and record your observations clearly and creatively.

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 creative moments, enjoy the castle’s warm hospitality—welcome tea and coffee on arrival, a freshly prepared lunch, and a refreshing afternoon break.

Your Itinerary

This day long course combines expert-led tuition with the comfort and charm of the historic Rose Castle as your base.

10:00am: Arrive at Rose Castle, where you’ll enjoy a welcome tea and coffee and get to meet your fellow Nature Journalist as well as your tutor, Steve Pardue.
10:30am - 12:30pm: Steve will introduce the practice of nature journaling—sharing insights from his own work and guiding you through the principles of observation, curiosity, and creative expression. We’ll then head outdoors into the Castle Gardens, slowing down to notice the details of the natural world. You’ll be encouraged to observe, sketch, take reference photos, and collect natural materials to inspire your pages.
12:30pm - 1:00pm: Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch
1:00pm - 2:30pm: After lunch Steve will guide you through developing your journal entries, combining drawing, handwritten notes, and watercolour to capture not just what you see, but what you notice and feel.
2:30pm - 3:00pm: Afternoon tea break
3:00pm - 4:00pm: You’ll have free time to explore the gardens independently, applying what you’ve learned and continuing to build your journal in your own way.

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

Dates and Prices

A DAY OF NATURE JOURNALING

Saturday 27th June 2026

Price Per Person - £90

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Option to stay over for Evening Dinner and Overnight at Rose Castle

Rose Castle has 13 Double Bedrooms and 2 Singles which individual feature natural fabrics and walls decorated with Edward Bulmer paints made from fourteen different plants. No plastics whatsoever...why not stay-over and make a weekend of Rose Castle!

3-course Dinner served in the State Dining Room.
Relax in the 'Chinese Room' famous for its 1700's hand-painted chinoiserie wallpaper from China.
Sleep well in luxury inside the stone walls of the home of 63 Bishops of Carlisle since 1230.
Enjoy a Full English Breakfast in the morning - and the gardens outside.

MORE INFO - STAYING OVER

Your Tutor

Steve Pardue 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.

Helpful Information

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 course, 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

Fitness and activity level

Throughout the day, you’ll be gently active as we explore the gardens. The grounds of Rose Castle unfold across a series of terraces and pathways. For this reason, a reasonable level of agility and confident footing will help you make the most of the experience.

Getting to Rose Castle

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.