Isles of Scillies- Knitting Retreat 2027

Take to the magical Isles of Scillies, a collection of small islands 30 miles off the Cornish mainland, for a retreat of knitting where craft intertwines with the essence of exploration. Delve into immersive workshops, learn more about natural fibre and traditional Cornish knitting, embark on strolls along the shoreline of these unique islands, and indulge in the embrace of the sea with perhaps a cold water dip. Join fellow crafters in a community bound by creativity and camaraderie.

Is this the retreat for you?

Our goal is to create a fun, creative, fulfilling and inclusive space for knitters and crafters to enjoy. This is a retreat for people who want to spend time enjoying their craft but also want to get outside and explore. We expect you to join us on hikes of about 5km or more, to visit the different islands by boat, and maybe even a sea swim! There will be plenty of time to sit and knit, but we are also going to be getting up and active.

With a 4-night stay on the island of St Mary’s including food and beverage, a goodie bag, workshops and island tours, how is this sounding so far? Well, this could be right for you!

Inclusivity is one of our core values. As members of the LGBTQ+ community, we want to welcome all adult men, women, trans and non-binary knitters. We are creating a retreat and space for those who wish to get out and explore, bring their knitting, and learn more about farm to fibre.

Fancy taking a cool winter dip in the Cornish sea? We will delve into immersive workshops and learn about natural fibre and traditional Cornish knitting. We will stroll along coastal paths in the company of like-minded people, returning to the house for a cup of tea and cake.

If this sounds like a retreat for you, then we look forward to welcoming you next March.

What is included?

As part of the retreat there will be a workshop discovering the traditions of Cornish heritage knitting and patterns, as well as day visits to the other islands, walks, dinner, drinks and other workshops. For a list of FAQs, click the link below or visit the retreats page on our website. Your ticket includes a return ticket on the famous Scillonian boat from Penzance to St Mary’s, though you may choose to arrange your own travel by air.

How active is the retreat?

We will be getting up and active, as well as having plenty of downtime for working on your own personal projects around the workshops. But this is “a knitting retreat like no other” after all, which means lots of knitting as well as strapping on your hiking boots and hitting the muddy (hopefully not too muddy) trails around the magical white sand islands!

Though these activities are optional, we would like to encourage a group of like-minded people who are keen to take part in the whole experience. So please do ask yourself if this is the right retreat for you, and we are always here to answer any questions you might have before booking your ticket.

What will our schedule be?

Day 1 Thursday – Arrival & Welcome

Anton will meet you at Penzance Harbour to accompany you on the Scillonian boat that will take us across to the island of St Mary’s (you may arrange your own transport). Once we arrive, we will have the day to quietly relax and get settled in. We will get to know each other over dinner served at the house and spend the evening doing some relaxed knitting before a good night’s rest to prepare for the days ahead.

Day 2 Friday – St Mary’s

We will start the day with breakfast, after which we will explore the island of St Mary’s with a hike and soak up the magical atmosphere of the Scillies. We will have lunch with a view and then head back to the house for a workshop led by Anton, deep diving into all things fibre.

In the early evening we will have a Happy Hour before dinner, which will include a themed cocktail or mocktail. Dinner will be served at the house, after which you will be able to relax and knit into the evening.

Day 3 – St Agnes

We will hop onto a water taxi for a short ride to the island of St Agnes. We will explore the rugged landscape of "Gugh" and seek out some very special ice cream and lunch. We will learn about the nautical history of the Isles and gather inspiration to take back later for our Gansey workshop.

Back at the house on St Mary’s, Anton will lead you in a Gansey workshop where you will discover the history, techniques and means to design and knit your very own Cornish Gansey. We will have another Happy Hour followed by dinner.

Day 4 – Tresco

Today we will pop across to the stunning island of Tresco where we will visit the beautiful Tresco Abbey Gardens, famous for its semi-tropical collection of plants. We will enjoy the scenery of the island, looking across the bright blue lagoon towards the other islands, and enjoy a pub lunch with a view.

Day 5 – St Mary’s

Our last full day on the island, we will stay on St Mary’s and attend a bag-making workshop led by Rat Bags, who repurpose boat sails to make stunning objects. You will learn to make your own bag to take home, perfect as a knitting project bag.

The rest of the day is yours to soak up the island, seek out local makers’ boxes, shops and places for lunch. This is your time. Later we will gather for our final dinner together.

Day 6 – Departures & Goodbyes

After a hearty breakfast, we will say our goodbyes. You will have a little time before the boat heads out to get in some last-minute shopping at the local yarn shop or souvenir shop. You will sail away with your heart full of the magic the Isles of Scillies has to offer.