Higham Hall

02/09/2026

Last month, Louise Stoddart and her Gardening for Wildlife students spent some time in the woodland area building “bug snugs” — small, teepee-style shelters filled with leaves, twigs, cut grass and other natural garden materials.

Bug snugs are a simple way to provide shelter for insects, spiders and other small creatures through the colder months. They’re similar to insect or bee hotels, but use materials that you may already have around the garden.

So, next time you’re doing your autumn tidy-up, perhaps leave some of those fallen leaves, grass cuttings and plant stems to one side. What might look like garden waste could be a valuable winter home for wildlife. 🐞🕷️🌱

31/08/2026

Join us for the next lecture in our Summer Series:

Sunday Lecture: The Co**se Roads of Cumbria
📅 Sunday 13 September 2026
⏰ 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Explore the medieval routes once used to carry the dead to their ‘mother’ church for burial. Around 30 of these historic paths still survive today as public footpaths, weaving their way across the Cumbrian landscape.

🎟️ Book online: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/FYMM
📞 Or call: 017687 76276

We look forward to welcoming you!

**seRoads

A talk and discussion about the co**se roads that criss-cross Cumbria. These ancient paths were used in medieval times to take the dead to the...

28/08/2026

As summer draws to a close, we're looking back on a busy and enjoyable few months. ☀️

From celebrating our 50th anniversary to making the most of the sunshine, enjoying Shakespeare in the garden, listening to the legendary jazz concert, and launching new courses with Nicola Jarvis, Saima Kaur and Jack Smith, it's certainly been a busy season.

We've also welcomed visitors from across the UK and beyond, including Spain, Shetland, Austria, Cornwall and Germany, to name just a few. Thank you to everyone who joined us over the summer.

Now we're looking forward to what the next season has in store.

26/08/2026

It may only be August, but those who love Christmas know the best celebrations are planned well in advance. 🎄✨

Gather friends, family or simply treat yourself to a relaxing festive afternoon in the beautiful historic dining room at Higham.

Whether you prefer a traditional Christmas menu or a vegetarian option, you'll enjoy a warm welcome, beautifully decorated halls and cosy open fires – everything you need to get into the festive spirit.

📅 Tuesday 15 & Wednesday 16 December 2026
🕧 Lunch served at 12.30pm
🎟️ £30 per person

Tables are expected to fill early, so why not book yours today?

📞 Call 017687 76276 to reserve your place.

24/08/2026

NEW TO OUR AUTUMN/WINTER PROGRAMME

Printmaking: Etching
Sunday 18 – Tuesday 20 October 2026
With Jack Fawdry Tatham

This autumn, we’re pleased to welcome experienced printmaker Jack Fawdry Tatham back for a three-day course exploring the fundamentals of etching.

Through demonstrations and practical support, learn how to etch and draw onto a metal plate, working with techniques similar to those used by artists such as Rembrandt and Goya.

The course will explore the etching process from start to finish, culminating in a set of your own limited-edition prints.

The course is suitable for beginners, as well as those with previous experience who would like to develop their knowledge further.

For further information or to book, please call 017687 76276.

21/08/2026

🎶 INTERMEDIATE CHOIR 🎶

📅 Tuesday 22 – Thursday 24 September 2026
🎵 With Deborah Catterall

Love to sing and growing in confidence? Join us for a friendly, nurturing course exploring a wonderful mix of folk songs and beautiful classical choral music, singing in parts.

🎼 No need to read music fluently—just bring your enthusiasm!

📞 Book your place: 017687 76276

19/08/2026

Now available to purchase from the office!

Take a little piece of Higham Hall home with you with one of our beautiful wooden keyrings. The perfect keepsake to remember your time here. Made by one of our multi-talented music students.

17/08/2026

New Brochure Out Now!

Our brand-new brochure has landed, featuring courses running from October 2026 to April 2027.

Whether you're looking to learn a new skill, explore a creative passion, or enjoy a relaxing getaway, there's something for everyone. From woodcarving workshops to Italian culture retreats, plus our usual wide range of inspiring courses and experiences.

If your brochure hasn't arrived just yet, don't worry—you can browse all of our upcoming courses online while you wait.

🌿 Explore the full programme here: https://highamhall.com/our-courses/

#

14/08/2026

Join Judy Hardman for a four-day Introduction to Natural Dyeing course and learn how traditional plants can transform animal fibres into a spectrum of natural shades.

Perfect for beginners and those with some previous experience, you'll:
- Dye your own yarn samples using natural plant dyes
- Create a personal colour reference collection
- Explore a variety of traditional dyeing techniques
- Leave with the confidence to continue your natural dyeing journey at home

📅 Tuesday 8 – Friday 11 September

To book, call the office 017687 76276

12/08/2026

🎭 Exploring Shakespeare: The Taming of the Shrew 🎭

📅 14–17 September 2026
👩‍🏫 With Clare Smout

Comedy, deception, disguises and the battle of the sexes… but is The Taming of the Shrew simply a farce, or is there something more disturbing—and subversive—beneath the surface?

Join us to explore Shakespeare’s intentions and different approaches to staging this controversial classic.

📞 Book your place: 017687 76276