Take Me To The Lakes: An Enchanting Creative Retreat in the Heart of the Lake District
Discover the enchanting landscapes that inspired generations of artists, poets, and dreamers in the heart of England
Ready to Plan Your Pilgrimage?
Download the full storybook brochure for free today to find the itinerary, pricing, and payment plan. Take your time to feel if this is right for you.
Amidst the fells and waters where poets once found solace, you are invited to remember beauty.
To hope for it all….in the hush of the Lake District, we gather where poets once dreamed and melodies linger still.
Within the pages of the retreat brochure you will find the story told in full from the tale of Lanehead, our house by the water, to the journeys we will make, of the pricing and particulars, and every detail your heart might long to know.
Written as a keepsake, adorned with quotes and threaded with enchantment, it will arrive to you as though a little book of its own, a storybook map to the Lake District where beauty, friendship, and inspiration await.
Your place among the kindreds is waiting…
Simply leave your name and email below and I will begin to hot-press it to your inbox!
I have read and agree to the terms & conditions.
Take Me To The Lakes: A Creative Retreat in the Lake District
Monday 1st to Friday 5th June, 2026 | Lanehead, Coniston, England
Group Size: An intimate gathering of maximum 10 participants
There are moments in life when the soul begins to ache, not from pain, but from longing. A longing for beauty. For slowness. For silence. For something ancient and true. This is your invitation to answer that call.
Step away from the noise and into five days of poetic stillness, artistic reverence, and creative restoration in the heart of England’s most enchanted region: the Lake District.
Hosted in a historic lakeside home once beloved by painters and poets, Take Me To The Lakes is not simply a retreat; it is a pilgrimage for the creative spirit.
Let your heart rest in the landscape that inspired William and Dorothy Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter, John Ruskin, J.M.W. Turner, and even Taylor Swift, whose time among these fells inspired her lyrical albums Folklore and Evermore.
Across five gentle days, you’ll be guided through private tours of Dove Cottage, Hill Top, Rydal Mount, and Brantwood; the once-beloved homes of the poets and painters who found their muse in these hills. Evenings will unfold with intimate lectures and storytelling beside the fire, poetry readings with Wordsworth’s descendants, and nourishing, plant-based meals inspired by the land.
On our final night, we gather beneath the stars for a private concert: a live string quartet playing the music of Taylor Swift, a tribute to the landscape that shaped The Lakes. You’ll also receive a beautiful goodie bag, a printed creative workbook, and access to an online portal of extra lectures and community.
But above all, you’ll be gifted time: spacious, soul-honouring time to rest, to create, and to return to yourself. Whether you come to walk in the footsteps of the poets, this is not without you, no not without you.
Take Me To The Lakes: The Itinerary
This gentle, soul-led itinerary has been lovingly crafted to offer both stillness and stimulation; sacred time for reflection and rich opportunities for inspiration. We will walk in the footsteps of poets and creatives, gather beneath old trees and timeless skies, and nourish not only our bodies but our inner muses too. While each day offers a curated path through enchantment, from storybook cottages to private garden tours, from quiet mornings to starlit concerts, there is always space to rest, to wander, to wonder.
Here's the pathway we will take together....
Day 1: Arrival & Orientation
Arrive at Lanehead from 5pm, welcomed by warm drinks and candlelight. Unpack your bags, explore the house, and breathe in the lake air.
Evening: We’ll gather for a gentle Opening Lecture introducing the enchanted creatives of the Lake District: William Wordsworth, Dorothy Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Beatrix Potter, John Ruskin, and our modern muse, Taylor Swift. As we listen, we’ll craft friendship bracelets and poetic bookmarks, small tokens to begin your pilgrimage.
Day 2: The Quiet Wonder of Beatrix Potter
Morning: A slow morning to gently land and rest after travel. Enjoy tea, take a walk through the gardens, journal by the windows, or simply do nothing at all. Later, we’ll gather for a lecture on Beatrix Potter exploring her life as an artist, conservationist, and quiet revolutionary.
Lunch: A beautifully prepared Beatrix Potter inspired lunch, celebrating the pastoral charm of her world. Think garden herbs, seasonal bakes, and gentle detail.
Afternoon: Our first excursion: a visit to Hill Top, Beatrix’s beloved farmhouse, preserved just as she left it. Wander through her rooms, the wildflower garden, and surrounding village that inspired her tales.
Evening: Return to Lanehead for supper and rest. Lecture on William Wordsworth for Day 3.
Day 3: The Wordsworth Pilgrimage
Morning: We depart for Grasmere, travelling via a scenic guided drive with storytelling and commentary from a local guide, rich with lore and poetry.
Midday: Arrive at Dove Cottage for a private tour of Wordsworth’s home and gardens. Step into the world where William and Dorothy dreamed, wrote, and wandered. Enjoy a lovingly prepared packed lunch from Lanehead, then explore the charming village of Grasmere full of quaint shops, and breathtaking scenery.
Afternoon: We then make our way to Rydal Mount & Gardens, where we are welcomed by a Wordsworth descendant for an exclusive private tour. In the gardens, we’ll gather for a special reading of William and Dorothy’s poetry, accompanied by Grasmere gingerbread and a glass of wine or fresh juice.
Evening: Return home to Lanehead, tired in the best way your heart full, your mind alive.
Day 4: Ruskin & Folklore Reverie
Morning: After breakfast, we’ll journey to Brantwood, the extraordinary lakeside home of John Ruskin, thinker, writer, and father of the Arts and Crafts movement. Roam his house, look out upon the water he loved, and take in the grandeur of his legacy.
Afternoon: The rest of the day is yours. Free time to read, write, paint, walk, nap, or simply be. Let the landscape speak.
Evening: Our final night, and what a gift it will be! We’ll gather for a poetic lecture on Taylor Swift’s Folklore and Evermore exploring her lyrics as modern mythology. Then, as twilight drapes the hills, we’ll be serenaded by the Dolce Strings Quartet, performing a hauntingly beautiful arrangement of Taylor Swift’s music in classical form. A farewell evening lit by candlelight, music, and perhaps a few quiet tears.
Day 5: Reflection & Blessings
Morning: After a nourishing breakfast, we’ll have time to savour a final cup of tea, a last stroll through the garden, or one more gaze over the lake that has held us so gently. There may be letters exchanged, journals tucked into baskets, or quiet hugs between kindreds who only met days before but feel stitched into your story now.
Check-out is at 10am, but we encourage a gentle departure: linger a little, breathe it in, let the enchantment settle into your bones. You will leave Lanehead not just rested, but rewritten, your poetic heart rekindled, your senses restored, and your spirit crowned with wildflowers and wonder.
What’s Held For You
╳ Transport to and from the retreat venue
╳ Travel insurance (please ensure you have your own travel insurance in place upon booking)
╳ Optional extras such as paddleboarding, treatments or solo excursions. These can be arranged at Lanehead at your own expense
A Bundle of Wonder to Keep Forever
When you arrive at Lanehead, you won’t just find your bed and the breathtaking view; you’ll find a carefully curated collection of wonders waiting just for you in a handmade vintage Laura Ashley wisteria made by yours truly!
This Goody Bag is my way of saying “welcome home” and ensuring you have everything you need to capture the whispers of the fells and to help you "live for the hope of it all."
From a beautiful, bespoke journal ready to hold your "sad prose and auroras," to artisanal treats and sensory delights that celebrate the local spirit of the Lakes.
Every single item has been chosen to help you slow down, breathe deep, dream and reconnect with your creative spark. A piece of the Lake District to take home with you.
Whether it’s a specially blended tea to sip during our lectures or a book you read by the fire, these gifts are designed to go home with you as a permanent bridge back to the peace you found among the mists.
The Grand Finale: A Night of
Musical Folklore
"Take me to the lakes where all the poets went to die
I don't belong, and my beloved, neither do you
Those Windermere peaks look like a perfect place to cry
I'm setting off, but not without my muse No, not without you."
- Excerpt from The Lakes from folklore by Taylor Swift
(Republic Records)
As the sun begins its slow, amber descent behind the Coniston fells on our final day, we gather for what I truly believe will be one of the most transformative and memorable evenings of your life! This is the moment where the retreat reaches its breathtaking crescendo.
We begin our evening with a private, deep-dive lecture where I will step into my role as your resident musicologist to pull back the velvet curtain on the sounds that have defined our era.
Together, we will explore the "musical folklore" of Taylor Swift’s most literary works: folklore, evermore, and The Tortured Poets Department. I want to tease apart the intricate clockwork of these albums in a way you’ve never experienced. I’ll introduce you to those hidden sonic layers and lyrical echoes you might never have heard before revealing how these modern masterpieces are actually in a deep, centuries-old conversation with the Romantic poets and the wild landscape just outside our window.
As the lecture concludes and dusk settles into a deep, bruised purple over the water, the candles are lit and the air in Lanehead begins to change. We are profoundly honoured to welcome the exquisite Dolce Strings quartet from Manchester into our sacred circle! There you will hear these albums as it was always meant to be experienced: stripped of the digital noise and breathed into life by strings.
To hear The Lakes or The Albatross performed by a live quartet in the very house where history was written is a rare, ethereal privilege!
Taylor Swift fled to these shores to escape the "paper-thin" world and protect her spark; on this night, we are bringing her music home to the mists that first inspired it.
You are warmly invited to dress for the narrative, perhaps your finest "Tortured Poet" dark academia, a flowing gown of folklore lace, or a velvet ribbon that makes you feel like the muse you are!
Our last evening together is a symphonic serenade for the weary and a homecoming for the poetic. In the shared silence between the notes, amongst the shadows of the fells and the flickering light, we will find that 'hope for it all' peace we have been searching for. It is a night designed to settle into your bones and stay with you for a lifetime!
Image credit: Dolce Strings
A Moment for a Quiet Conversation
A Space for Your Questions, and a cup of tea!
I know that choosing a pilgrimage like this is a deep decision for a sensitive soul. If you have questions about the pace, the house, or simply want to ensure this is the right sanctuary for your heart, let’s have a tea together over Zoom/video call that is accessible to you! Simply click below to book in for a completely free quiet call with me. Tea is optional! I cannot wait to meet you!
There are only a small number of places available, each one held with care. If your heart has quickened while reading this, then this retreat is for you.
Meet The Creatives Of The Lake District
During our retreat, we will wander not only the hills and gardens, but the inner landscapes of six visionary creatives whose souls were inseparable from this place. Through evening lectures, house visits, and slow reflection, we will trace the footsteps of those who saw the sacred in the everyday and translated it into legacy.
The Poet of Nature
Wander through the same mist-laden moors and sunlit valleys that inspired William Wordsworth, the celebrated Romantic poet whose verses breathe life into the landscape. Known for his profound connection to nature and his belief in its power to elevate the human spirit, Wordsworth’s poetry reflects a deep reverence for the natural world. His home, Dove Cottage, nestled in the heart of the Lake District, remains a testament to his enduring love for this land. As you explore the trails and vistas that shaped his work, let Wordsworth’s eloquent reflections guide your own creative journey.
The Keeper of Journals
In the quiet shadows of Grasmere, Dorothy Wordsworth wrote not with fanfare but with astonishing intimacy; her journals alive with mossy paths, wild daffodils, and the everyday enchantments of rural life. A poet in spirit and a visionary chronicler of nature, Dorothy’s words capture the fleeting beauty of the world with delicate precision. She walked the same footpaths as her brother William, yet her voice remains utterly her own: tender, observant, quietly profound. As you ramble the hills and gather moments like she once gathered flowers, may her devotion to the overlooked and the lovely guide your gaze anew.
The Visionary Poet
Delve into the imaginative realms of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, whose visionary poetry and profound insights echo through the ages. Coleridge, a close friend and collaborator of Wordsworth, wove fantastical elements into his writings, inspired by the mystical landscapes and rich folklore of the Lake District. His epic poems and hauntingly beautiful verses are infused with the very spirit of the region. Walk the paths that sparked his creativity and feel the echoes of his imaginative worlds come to life as you uncover the inspirations behind his most celebrated works.
The Scholar of Greta Hall
Discover the steadfast and scholarly spirit of Robert Southey, the Poet Laureate who made the Lake District his lifelong home at Greta Hall. A man of immense intellectual curiosity and a deep love for the history of these fells, Southey was the anchor of the literary circle, opening his home to fellow dreamers and poets. His writing was as varied as the landscape itself—ranging from epic poetry to the original telling of the beloved tale of The Three Bears. Southey reminds us of the power of ‘holy attention’ through the written word and the importance of creating a life where books, nature, and friendship are woven into a single, beautiful tapestry.
The Master of the Dream-Landscape
Wander the twilight paths of the mind with Thomas De Quincey, the eccentric and brilliant essayist who famously took up residence at Dove Cottage after the Wordsworths. De Quincey saw the Lake District not just as a physical place, but as a vast, psychological landscape where memories and dreams collided. His prose is lush, ornate, and deeply atmospheric, capturing the ‘sublime’ in both the towering mountains and the inner depths of the human spirit. Through his eyes, we learn to see the Lakes as a mirror for our own hidden worlds—a place where every valley has a story and every mist-shrouded peak is a portal to the imagination.
The Guardian of the Visionary
Step into the ethereal world of Sara Coleridge, the daughter of Samuel Taylor, who was born and raised in the heart of the Lake District at Greta Hall. A brilliant scholar, poet, and translator in her own right, Sara spent much of her life meticulously preserving her father’s legacy, yet her own voice possessed a delicate, fairy-tale magic. Her verses for children and her prose romances are infused with the mists and mountain-reflections of her childhood. To know Sara is to understand the quiet strength of the ‘children of the fells,’ and how the beauty of this landscape can be both a sanctuary and a source of profound creative devotion.
The Philosopher of Beauty & Truth
John Ruskin, the visionary writer and artist, found his soul’s mirror in the waters of Coniston. From his sanctuary at Brantwood, he pondered the sacred connection between art, nature, and the human spirit. A founding father of the Arts and Crafts movement, Ruskin believed that beauty was a necessity, not a luxury. He famously taught that "to draw a leaf is to love it"—believing that slow, "holy attention" was the highest form of reverence. As we wander the gardens he once tended, let his legacy remind you that there is no wealth but life, and no greater joy than rediscovering the sacred in the simple.
The Storyteller of the Lakes
Meet Beatrix Potter, the beloved author and illustrator whose charming tales of woodland creatures have enchanted generations. Potter’s deep love for the Lake District not only inspired her enchanting stories but also led her to become a dedicated conservationist, preserving the very landscapes she cherished. Her charming illustrations and delightful characters are a vivid reflection of the natural beauty surrounding her. As you visit Hill Top, her quaint farmhouse and creative sanctuary, you will discover the world that inspired her whimsical tales and connect with the magic of her storytelling.
The Modern Muse of the Lakes
In her haunting ballad The Lakes, Taylor Swift reaches back across time to join the Romantic poets in their shared longing for solitude, beauty, and truth. Her lyrics echo like modern myth, weaving melancholy, yearning, and reverence into verses that feel both ancient and achingly new. After her retreat to the Lake District, the spirit she evokes became deeply real: a hunger to be still, to belong to the land, to escape the noise and remember the self. Let her music be your companion as you wander; a reminder that the tortured poets still write, and that you may be one of them!
Is This the Chapter You’ve Been Waiting For?
✔️ You find healing through nature, story, and the arts and crave time to immerse yourself in all three
✔️You want to deepen your connection to yourself, to beauty, to history and to something greater than the disenchanted world commentary
✔️ You crave inspiration, not the fast, fleeting kind, but the slow, sacred kind that lingers in your journal and your bones
✔️ You don’t just want a holiday; you want a pilgrimage for your poetic self
Meet Your Guide
Hi, I'm Georgie (she/her)
Let's discover the Lake's Enchantment together
Hi, I’m Georgie, founder of 'Academy Of The Enchanted Arts', former founder of internationally renowned handmade hair accessory boutique 'Beauxoxo', curator of the enchanted living blog 'Georgie xoxo' and a mentor for creative soulful entrepreneurs.
Once upon a time, whilst deeply unsatisfied with my rigid art and music history education, coupled with managing spiralling chronic health conditions and an unaligned University environment, I became deeply depressed and longed to open my own online school that focussed on the symbiotic relationship between the arts.
Fast forward to today, I'm now on a deeply personal mission to inspire creative, highly-sensitive and enchanted souls just like you to experience arts education steeped in enchantment so that you are able to enter into a world of deep reverence and awe.
When I hear a piece of music, or when I look at a great work of art, to me it's a portal to the divine through the door that the artists have left open.
These creatives truly are the mystics that continue to grace us with their gifts so that we can then walk through their door and experience the world around us with more awe and wonder than we could possibly imagine.
It is with this sense of rapture and awe in relation to the arts that I guide my students in the Academy so that you can marvel at the wonders of the history of art and music.
If you have even resonated with 5% of the above, I know we’ve not met by accident, and that we were destined to meet. I can't wait to meet and welcome you into the Academy!
The Lake District: A Sanctuary
For The Soul
Cradled in the north-west of England lies a realm unlike any other: a tapestry of lakes and mountains, wildflower meadows and mossy stone walls, drifting mist and golden light.
This is the Lake District: not merely a destination, but a portal. A place where time slows, where nature speaks in quiet languages, and where the soul is invited to remember its deepest longings.
Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lakes have long been celebrated for their astonishing natural beauty; but they are equally hallowed for their profound cultural and artistic legacy.
For centuries, this land has stirred the hearts of poets and painters, naturalists and musicians, wanderers and mystics alike. Here, in the gentle hum of Grasmere, you’ll find Dove Cottage, once home to William and Dorothy Wordsworth, a place where poetry poured like spring water and where the Romantic movement found its pulse. Wander the quaint village lanes where time seems to sleep, taste the famous Grasmere gingerbread, and let the mountains cradle you like a hymn.
To the south lies Windermere, England’s largest lake, a shimmering stretch of water beloved by boaters and dreamers alike. Its nearby woodlands and winding shores have inspired generations of artists, including the visionary J.M.W. Turner, who captured its moods and mists in luminous paint.
And then there is Coniston, quiet and spellbound, where our own retreat home, Lanehead, rests in the shadow of the hills. This is the land once walked by John Ruskin, the great thinker and art critic, whose home at Brantwood still watches over the water. Coniston holds a quieter magic, a hush between the trees and a sense of sanctuary not easily named.
To the west lies Hill Top, the beloved farmhouse of Beatrix Potter, who found in these pastures not only stories but a deeper way of living: attuned to the rhythms of the land, the dignity of the rural, and the enchantment of the everyday.
And even now, the Lakes continue to call to the poets of our time. Taylor Swift, who visited these landscapes in 2019, captured their haunting stillness in her song The Lakes and laced the spirit of the region throughout Folklore and Evermore. Her lyrics echo the same longing that has drawn artists here for centuries: a wish to belong to the land, to escape the noise, to live inside a quiet kind of beauty.
To journey here is to enter a living poem: where every lake is a mirror, every stone a story, and every path an invitation. This is the Lake District. And it has been waiting for you.
Map image credit here
There are places in this world that feel like coming home: where the land holds you, the quiet restores you, and creativity stirs like spring water. The Lake District is waiting, and your story belongs here too.
Your Questions Answered....
What is the Take Me to the Lakes Retreat?
The Take Me to the Lakes Retreat is a five-day, immersive creative experience set in the enchanting Lake District. Designed to inspire artists, writers, and dreamers, the retreat blends the natural beauty of the Lakes with guided workshops, creative sessions, and explorations of the region’s rich artistic and literary heritage.
When and where does the retreat take place?
The retreat will take place from Monday 1st June 2026 until Friday 5th June 2026.
How much does it cost, and are payment plans available?
The retreat is offered at £1450 for a solo room and £1150 for a twin room (shared with one other guest). If you’re booking a twin room, you’re most welcome to share with a friend who is also attending or, if travelling solo, we’ll thoughtfully pair you with another kindred guest. To help make your journey more easeful, I offer gentle 3-month or 2-month payment plans for all bookings made before April 2026 for 3-month payment plans and May 2026 for 2-month payment plans. After this time, full payment is required at the time of booking so I can finalise all preparations with care. If you have any questions about payment or wish to explore a personalised plan, please don’t hesitate to reach out because I'm always here to support you with warmth and understanding towards something that works for you.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, travel insurance is a requirement for every guest, and should be arranged at the time of booking. This should cover illness, injury, travel delays or cancellations. Please ensure you also check your personal requirements for visas, travel documents, and health coverage for visiting the UK. You are responsible for arranging your own transport to and from the retreat venue. All additional activities not listed in the retreat itinerary (such as paddleboarding or solo excursions) are at your own expense.
What about visas and travel documents?
If you’re travelling internationally, it’s your responsibility to ensure you have the necessary visas and travel documents for entry into the UK.
What is the cancellation policy?
Due to the intimate nature of this retreat and the commitments made to venue and catering, all deposits are non-refundable. If you cancel before March 1st, any payments beyond the deposit will be refunded. After March 1st 2026, refunds are not available unless your place is filled by another guest. You may also transfer your booking to a friend with prior approval.
Is transport to the retreat venue included?
Transport to and from the retreat is not included, but rest assured, you will be held every step of the way. Upon booking, you’ll receive access to a lovingly curated online portal filled with detailed travel guidance, helpful tips, and a welcoming community of fellow travellers ready to share advice. For those arriving by car, Lanehead offers convenient private parking, so you can come and go with ease and peace of mind. Whether by train, bus, or car, you will never be alone on your journey here.
How do I get to the retreat?
Guests are welcome from every corner of the world, the Lake District has always been a magnet for wandering souls! If travelling by train, I recommend coming into Windermere station, from which you can either take a taxi directly to Lanehead, or a local bus to Coniston village (from there, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the house, or I can personally pick you up!). If you are driving, Lanehead has its own private car park, and you’ll receive directions closer to the time.
For my muses travelling from afar, Manchester Airport is your closest gateway to the Lake District. From there, a scenic train ride or a two-hour drive will bring you to the shores of Coniston. I can help you book this. If you are landing in London, the train from Euston to the Lake District is a beautiful way to let the world fall away before you arrive.!
Please check whether you need a visa for entry into the UK, and do note that travel insurance is a requirement for all guests, wherever you’re travelling from. If you want to run through any travel plans, please click here to arrange a call with me and I'd love to meet you and support you with your planning!
Who is this retreat for?
This retreat is ideal for anyone seeking to deepen their creative practice, whether you're a painter, poet, writer, musician, or someone looking for inspiration. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the beauty of nature, are fans of Taylor Swift’s Folklore, or are interested in the artistic and literary history of the Lake District.
What can I expect during the retreat?
The retreat includes a mix of guided nature walks, creative workshops, visits to historic sites like Beatrix Potter’s home, and personal creative time. You’ll also enjoy a private string quartet performance of Taylor Swift’s folklore and evermore songs. Each day is designed to inspire and nurture your creativity, with opportunities to engage in art, writing, and reflection.
How many people will be attending?
The retreat is designed to be intimate, with a group size of 15 participants maximum. This allows for personalised attention and a close-knit community atmosphere.
What should I bring?
I always say: prepare for every season in a single day as such is the charm (and cheek) of British weather! The Lake District may greet you with golden sunlight one moment and misty rain the next, so please bring a waterproof jacket, warm layers, and comfortable shoes suitable for countryside paths.
I suggest cosy sleepwear, a special outfit you might wear for the string quartet evening, and perhaps even a swimsuit if you’re tempted by a wild dip or sauna! All craft materials are provided, and there will be endless tea, fruit and soul-nourishing meals awaiting you, so just bring your wondrous self, a dash of curiosity, and a heart ready to be enchanted! I'll have more guidance in the Take Me To The Lakes online portal that you will have access to.
What is included in the retreat package?
The retreat package includes accommodations for four nights, all meals and refreshments, guided workshops and activities, a private string quartet performance, and a thoughtfully curated goody bag, workbook and online lecture series (the latter is for after your retreat experience).
Are there any extra costs I should know about?
Optional activities such as paddleboarding, saunas, or solo excursions are not included but can be arranged at Lanehead for an additional cost. There are also yoga mats as Lanehead is normally home to yoga retreats so you are welcome to use these facilities too!
Will there be free time during the retreat?
Yes, the itinerary includes free time each day for personal reflection, exploration of the beautiful surroundings, or working on your creative projects. You can use this time to relax, recharge, or engage in activities that inspire you.
What safety measures are in place?
Your safety is my number one priority. I will follow all necessary health guidelines and protocols to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all participants. Detailed safety information will be provided closer to the event.
Is the retreat suitable for people with chronic illness, disabilities or neurodivergence?
Absolutely. As someone living with multiple chronic illnesses, I’ve created this retreat through the lens of lived experience: with softness, spaciousness, and deep understanding at its heart. Every part of Take Me to the Lakes has been designed to honour fluctuating energy levels, the need for rest, and the importance of pacing. You will never be expected to “keep up”, instead, you’ll be gently invited to move through the days in a way that suits you.
I also welcome guests who are neurodivergent, and aim to make the space feel as soothing, safe and sensory-friendly as possible. There are quiet corners, cosy bedrooms for downtime, and no pressure to socialise beyond what feels right. I believe in creating an environment where every guest feels free to be fully themselves; whether that means journaling alone in the garden, or quietly joining in craft circles by candlelight. If you have any specific needs, requests or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out here. It would be an honour to hold space for you in a way that feels gentle and true.
How physically demanding are the activities?
The activities are designed to be low-energy and accessible. We’ll be engaging in gentle nature walks, creative workshops, and relaxed group discussions. All activities are optional, and you’re encouraged to participate at your own pace. If you need to rest or take breaks, that is completely okay. I’ve structured the retreat to accommodate different energy levels, recognising that I, too, would need this consideration.
Is the retreat accessible for everyone?
Lanehead is a historic property and this means there are some steps, uneven floors, and no lifts, which may not suit all accessibility needs. That said, I will do everything I can to work with you to understand your requirements. If you have any mobility or health considerations, please contact Georgie directly before booking so we can ensure the space will be comfortable and supportive for you. Please click here to email me directly.
How will you ensure a comfortable environment for everyone?
The retreat is intentionally small and intimate, allowing for personalised care and attention. I will ensure that everyone has the space they need to feel comfortable and supported. The pace of the retreat is gentle, with plenty of opportunities to relax, enjoy the surroundings, and connect with others in a way that feels right for you.
What if I’m not sure I can manage the full retreat schedule?
That’s completely understandable. The retreat is designed to be flexible, with plenty of time for rest and personal reflection. You’re welcome to participate in as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. The environment is supportive and understanding, and there’s no pressure to do more than you’re able.
Is the retreat LGBTQ+ friendly?
Absolutely!!! We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and celebratory environment for the LGBTQ+ community. This retreat is for everyone who longs for a more poetic world. If you want to talk more deeply about this please book in for a free video call here.
What if I have specific dietary requirements or allergies?
Your comfort and well-being are top priorities. All meals at the retreat are plant-based and gluten-free, inspired by seasonal, nourishing ingredients from the local area. If you have additional dietary needs or allergies, please do let us know when booking and we’ll do our very best to accommodate you with care and creativity.
We will work closely with our catering team to ensure all dietary needs and allergies are fully accommodated. When you sign up, you’ll have the opportunity to provide details about your requirements, and I'll make sure your meals are tailored to your needs. I myself have a dairy intolerance so I deeply understand! If you'd like to book a call for with me to go through any details please do that here.
How can I contact you with additional questions?
If you have any more questions or need further information, I am here to help! Please click here to email me directly but even better you can book a free call here so we can meet face to face! I'd love to meet you!
Where We Stay: Lanehead, Coniston
Some houses hold memory like perfume.
A house of heritage and hush, nestled between the lake and the sky Lanehead is not just our retreat venue; it is part of the story.
Tucked in the emerald hills beside Coniston Water, it gazes gently across the lake, just a stone’s throw from Brantwood, the beloved home of John Ruskin, and Bank Ground, the inspiration behind Swallows and Amazons.
Built in 1840, Lanehead was once the home of William Gershom Collingwood; painter, novelist, antiquarian, and the trusted assistant to Ruskin himself. These rooms have known artists, poets, philosophers, and perhaps a few ghosts of inspiration! In fact, it is said that Arthur Ransome found his spark for Swallows and Amazons within these walls.
Lanehead remains a place of quiet grandeur; a large, historic home filled with wooden floors, velvet chairs, weathered portraits, and rugs that whisper underfoot. You'll find both communal warmth and solitary nooks: drawing rooms for reading, sunrooms for sketching, and corridors steeped in the hush of decades gone by.
Each bedroom is vintage, charming, and soulful and each with their own en-suite. Some of the bedrooms are overlooking the lake, others tucked gently beneath the eaves.
Meals are shared in the great dining hall, inspired by local harvests and the region’s rich culinary traditions. And whether you are journalling by the window, sipping tea beneath the trees, or dreaming by candlelight, Lanehead becomes something more than a house.
You’ll arrive a guest....but you’ll leave as part of the story.
Reserve Your Place
Solo Room with En-Suite
(Private room, limited availability) - 3 spaces Available
1 Time Payment
Solo Room with en-suite
£1,450
Billed Once
One time payment of £1,450 with a non-refundable deposit of £362.50
3 Monthly Payments
Solo Room with en-suite Payment Plan
£483.33
Billed Monthly
Three monthly payment plan of £484.33 with a non-refundable deposit of £362.50
Twin Room with En-Suite
(Single bed in a shared room with one other guest, perfect for friends or kindreds) - 5 Spaces Available
1 Time Payment
Double Room with en-suite
£1,150
Billed Once
One time payment of £1,150 with a non-refundable deposit of £287.50
3 Monthly Payments
Double Room with en-suite Payment Plan
£383.33
Billed Monthly
Three monthly payment plan with a non-refundable deposit of £287.50
"Georgie doesn’t just host workshops she conjures worlds. Attending the 'Language of Flowers' was like stepping into a secret garden where time slowed down and beauty bloomed in every direction. Every detail, from the poetry readings to the vintage florals, the quiet journaling prompts to the lovingly chosen teas, felt as though it had been placed with intention and soul. Georgie holds space in a way I’ve never experienced before: tender, reverent, and deeply cares. I left with more than knowledge, I left with wonder, and a deep sense of having returned to something sacred within myself. If you are yearning for magic, meaning, and a deeper connection to creativity and the world around you, follow her."
Anneliese Vale
Terms and Conditions
Booking and Deposit: To secure your place at the retreat, a non-refundable deposit of is required at the time of booking. This deposit confirms your space and allows us to begin preparing your welcome with love and care. For bookings made before March 2026, you may choose to pay in full or opt for a four-month payment plan. After March 1st 2026, the full retreat fee will be due at the time of booking to allow for final preparations.
Payment Plans: If you choose the payment plan option, your balance will be automatically split into four equal monthly instalments. Please ensure your payment method remains active during this time. Kindly note that missed payments may result in the loss of your place on the retreat. If you would like to discuss an alternative schedule, please reach out before booking because I am always happy to offer gentle flexibility where possible as long as it's before May 2026.
Cancellations: Due to the intimate nature of this retreat and the commitments required to secure the venue, catering, and all included experiences: All deposits are non-refundable. If you cancel before March 1st, any amount paid beyond the deposit will be refunded. If you cancel after March 1st, unfortunately, no refunds can be offered, unless your space can be filled. If you are unable to attend, you are welcome to gift or transfer your place to another guest (subject to approval).
Travel & Insurance: Travel insurance is a requirement for every guest, and should be arranged at the time of booking. This should cover illness, injury, travel delays or cancellations. Please ensure you also check your personal requirements for visas, travel documents, and health coverage for visiting the UK. You are responsible for arranging your own transport to and from the retreat venue. All additional activities not listed in the retreat itinerary (such as paddleboarding or solo excursions) are at your own expense.
Disclaimer: Please note that the Take Me to the Lakes retreat is an independent event inspired by the works of Taylor Swift, specifically her albums Folklore and Evermore. This retreat is not officially affiliated with Taylor Swift or her management. All references to her music and themes are used to celebrate and draw inspiration from her artistry as well as many other creatives throughout art, music and literature throughout the centuries. This retreat is also not officially affiliated with Beatrix Potter.
Do you have a question about the this retreat from the Academy Of The Enchanted Arts? Please contact me here.
© Academy Of The Enchanted Arts
Want to explore more courses? Click here to take you back to our homepage
