Lundy Island Art Retreat | Sarah Stokes Artist

Lundy Island

Art Retreat, UK

2026 Art Retreat, Lundy Island, U.K.

Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of nature, surrounded by the unspoilt rugged beauty of Lundy and then joining me and just a handful of other guests for a day of exploration and painting on this remote British Island.

Restricted to just 10 artists at a time these dates offer you the chance to join a very select party of guests on this painting adventure. My 2025 Lundy Island Retreats have now sold out and there are now dates available for 2026 via Olive and Plum Retreats. As there are only 10 places available I expect this to sell out quickly.

Lundy Island is an area of natural beauty and exceptional biodiversity, cushioned between the Bristol Chanel and the Atlantic Ocean. This exclusive retreat is designed for artists of all levels, offering a perfect blend of nature, creativity, exploration and tranquility.

A unique opportunity to stay on the island!

The Lundy retreat has been a year in the making. After two visits over to the island and meetings with the conservation team and head warden, I’ve created an experience which is by its very nature special.

Scarcity of accommodation on Lundy island has meant a lot of forward planning but I’ve managed to secure 2 dates in May of 2025 & 1 date in 2026 in the historic Millcombe House, the largest of all the island’s properties. May is one of the key months to visit Lundy as it is when the 1400 puffins come to nest on the island. It’s also a time when the elusive Manx Shearwater population are breeding on Lundy. They stay at sea all day and return to land after dark, nesting in their burrows. Only their eerie nocturnal cries give away their presence!

With experiences like these, Lundy will stay in your mind long after you’ve left its rugged shores. Unlike many other art retreats, when these spots have gone, then they’re gone as we won’t be able to put on any more dates due the scarcity of accommodation during this key breeding season.

I hope to see you there!

Sarah Stokes

BOOK/ENQUIRE NOW

Reconnect with nature and creativity; be part of the Lundy conservation story.

Having visited the beautiful U.K. Island of Lundy in February of this year, I’ve handpicked this particular location because it offers such a varied array of subjects, from highland cows, mountain goat, deer and wild ponies through to puffins, seals and colourful rock pool inhabitants. Lundy Island offers dramatic cliffs, scenic coastlines and colourful underwater sea life, providing endless inspiration for painting and photography… and all this packed into a 3 mile radius!

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

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Art Retreat Programme FROM £2,650PP (7 nights)

May 3-8th 2025 - sold out

May 10th-15th 2025- sold out

27th june-4th july 2026 (new 7 night trip!)- book now

What will you paint on the 2026 Art Retreat?

You 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. I 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. I 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. I 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.

At this expressive art retreat, you will learn how to:

Better understand the role of shape and tone in bringing texture to wildlife, whether it be a bird or a mammal
Get to grips with timing and pigment control needed to make the most out of watercolour
Create any colour of your choice and harness the power of desaturated colours
Use warm and cool colours to bring interest and harmony to your artwork
Find a harmony between loose and tighter brush strokes
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
Paint from a series of prepared reference photos as well as from images directly from your device
Use masking fluid, acrylic ink, gel pens and scratching out techniques to create convincing sea foam and waves

View Room Types & Prices

lundy art retreat itinerary 2026

For 2026, I have extended the retreat to 7 nights, to enable more time for painting and exploring the island. The proposed itinerary is shown below and all excursions are organised and included. You don’t need any art experience to enjoy this tour.

Please note that the programme maybe subject to change due to the nature of the excursions.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

BOOK NOW/ENQUIRE

Accommodation & Prices

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.

rooms at the house

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! Room photos below show a typical room, but all rooms vary.

typical double room, shared bathroom

typical twin room, shared bathroom

social spaces

millcombe ROOM TYPE & Prices 2026

The room rates are listed as per person.

Millcombe Room Type and Prices (per person)

Seafront Double room: £3,700.00 plus £1,800.00 for partner

Seafront Single room: £3,500.00

Seafront Twin room to be shared with another guest: £2,950.00

Non-Seafront Twin room to be shared with another guest: £2,650.00

Note on twin rooms, shared occupancy

If you are booking a twin room, it will be on a shared occupancy basis whereby you can either share with another paying guest of your choice (assuming availability at the time of your booking) or with another guest of the same gender which we will allocate when all of the bookings are in.

milcombe floorplan

BOOK A PLACE ON LUNDY ISLAND

Dates

May 3-8th 2025 - SOLD OUT

May 10th-15th 2025- SOLD OUT

27th June-4th July 2026- NEW (Only 10 spaces available)

Seafront Double room 2026:

£3,700 plus £1,800 for partner : BOOK NOW

Seafront Single room 2026:

£3,500 per person: BOOK NOW

Seafront Twin room to be shared with another guest 2026:

£2,950 per person: BOOK NOW

Non-Seafront Twin room to be shared with another guest 2026:

£2,650 per person: BOOK NOW

How to Book

Please visit the Olive and Plum website to book your place and you can email me at sarah@dy3.co.uk if you have any questions.

A non-refundable deposit of £1,000 secures your place and the balance will be due on the 1st November 2024. I hope to see you there!

What's included:

Art Classes and Tuition: Art lessons, individual tuition, and demonstrations with Sarah Stokes
Exclusive Accommodation: Full access to the entire Millcombe House property, including common areas, workshop spaces, and gardens
7 Nights Accommodation
Meals: Freshly prepared breakfasts, home-cooked dinners, and snacks/refreshments throughout the day, including two meals at the Marisco Tavern
Wine: Wine during dinner service every day
Beverages: Complimentary water, coffee, and tea
Outdoor Activities: Guided walks, and rock pool ramble (subject to Lundy staff availability)
Travel: Return trip to Lundy via the MS Oldenburg (or other means), with luggage transfer to Millcombe House (20kg max)
Fees: All tourist taxes and fees
Pre-Retreat Group: Access to a private WhatsApp group with Sarah and other participants around one month before the retreat
Luggage Transfer: Transfer of luggage to Millcombe House

Not included:

Airfare
Travel Insurance: Mandatory for all guests (evidence required before travel)
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)
Tipping: While not required, tips for local service providers are appreciated
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)
Parking: Car parking expenses on the mainland
Extra Activities: Costs for diving, boat trips, or other excursions
Toiletries and Room Service: Hairdryers, toiletries, and any room service are not provided
Additional Transport: Travel costs from one UK port to another and transport to/from Millcombe House via landrover without prior arrangement.

Additional Notes:

Whilst there is a teaching schedule, guests are welcome to pick and chose the classes that they wish to attend to allow themselves time to explore the island or join one of the several guided tours that take place each week.
We do not organise diving or boat trips and we do not recommend specific suppliers.
Always walk as a pair when walking on the island
Stay away from cliff edges as it can get windy
Please bring suitable walking boots and wet weather gear as conditions can be changeable
If you are dropped off to a different port to the one that you departed from, Landmark Trust will provide transport at a nominal cost of around £11.00 (figures accurate as of 2024)
This itinerary is subject to change according to weather, staffing and conditions beyond our control.

When travelling out to Lundy

Please bear in mind that the Oldenburg may not be able to sail on July 4th 2026. If this is the case then emergency accommodation and food will be available on the Saturday night. Please bear in mind that you maybe sharing a room with a fellow guest of the same gender if this is the case, even if you have booked a single occupancy room on the island. Guests will be taken to Lundy by the next available crossing via The Oldenburg or on rare occasions via helicopter at an additional cost. Because we are providing emergency accommodation in the case of a cancelled sailing, no refunds or compensation, partial or otherwise will be provided in the event of delayed arrival to the island. Please ensure that your travel insurance covers any such eventualities.

Please contact the Landmark Trust https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/lundyisland/discovering-lundy/activities/diving/getting-to-lundy/ms-oldenburg/ for full terms and conditions.

Crossings take place from either Ilfracombe or Bideford and you'll be notified in advance which location your crossing will be.

Additional Information.

All sailings will be subject to weather conditions. In the case that you can’t sail back to the mainland, then you will be able to sleep overnight at Millcombe house.

Please ensure that you have downloaded a parking app for any cars left on the mainland so you can extend your parking time. Also ensure that you have allowed for possible delays with any onward travel plans. If you sail into a port other than the one that you departed from then a transfer coach will be arranged by Landmark Trust who will charge you a nominal fee of around £12.00 per passenger.

The nearest international airports to Ilfracombe 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.

No refunds or compensation, partial or otherwise will be provided in the event of delayed arrival to the mainland. Please ensure that your travel insurance covers any such eventualities.

Please contact the Landmark Trust https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/lundyisland/discovering-lundy/activities/diving/getting-to-lundy/ms-oldenburg/ for full terms and conditions on ailing via the Oldenburg

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