Hawkwood, Stroud

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Hawkwood, Stroud Our vision is about creating the world we want now and for our future. Wherever possible, food is organic, locally sourced and home-cooked every day.

Hawkwod is an arts & education charity offering a curated programme of courses & an inspirational space for residencies in creativity, wellbeing, sustainability & leadership. We are a place that convenes people and organisations from many disciplines in support of creative endeavour, a flourishing society and a sustainable environment. We aim to nurture and develop creativity that is personally fulfilling and resource people to respond positively to our current and future societal and environmental context. Founded in 1948, Hawkwood is a registered charity and its educational activity supports the wellbeing of people and planet through diverse approaches offering a unique and compelling range of courses, talks and events across four key areas: Sustainability, Leadership, Arts & Wellbeing. Hawkwood is a Grade II listed 19th Century country house surrounded by forty-two acres overlooking the Severn Vale. Ten acres of sustainably managed woodland bounds the estate, acres of grassland are managed by Stroud Community Agriculture and the gardens comprise of a Victorian half-walled garden growing fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers for use within the house. An award-winning pond and wetlands system process household output, while mature ornamental grounds with a magnificent sycamore stand beside the constantly flowing Hawkwood spring. Tucked away in the woods situated behind the house is the Woodland Sanctuary, a place for quiet and stillness, available for use by Hawkwood guests. All of this is set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Hawkwood is a wonderfully peaceful location in which you can relax, explore and learn. Hawkwood is the choice venue for courses, meetings and corporate events, aiming to have an ethical and sustainable approach to its work. With seven function rooms and thirty bedrooms sleeping up to fifty people, Hawkwood is a versatile place for residential courses, conferences, away days, seminars and events. We look forward to welcoming you to Hawkwood!

05/11/2026

'What we are inviting them to do is set the intention to take what they have learnt here and set it in process, to set it in practice. And then when they do that, then the sky's the limit'

Music publisher and artist manager, Judy Stakee and Emmy award-winning composer and producer, Mike Meiers, brought together artists from Australia, Ireland, the UK and the US for a five-day songwriting retreat at Hawkwood in November. They reflect on the importance of the retreat and how the experience at Hawkwood went well beyond songwriting.

Our CEO, Alicia, spoke to them on their final day and has shared a blog reflecting on their conversation - and why creativity needs space and a good cup of tea! You can read all about their time here: https://www.hawkwoodcollege.co.uk/blog/hitmakers-retreat-at-hawkwood

02/11/2026

Now that Halloween is over… can we start talking about Christmas?

If you are still organising your Christmas party or are trying to find the perfect venue to gather all of your loved ones, Hawkwood’s country house offers the space to bring together your friends, family or colleagues🎄

With seasonal lunches, group parties, overnight stays, w**e tastings and exclusive house hire for Christmas and New Year, we have plenty of different options to make your festive celebrations memorable this year.

Click the link to find out more and do get in touch - we’d be very happy to help plan your celebrations!

https://www.hawkwoodcollege.co.uk/venue-hire/festive-season

The clocks have gone back and the evenings are starting to draw in, so why not take a look at what we have coming up in ...
28/10/2026

The clocks have gone back and the evenings are starting to draw in, so why not take a look at what we have coming up in November offering you the opportunity to take time for yourself and pause the demands of everyday life.

We are really looking forward to Wander - A Celebration of Walking next week, a two-day gathering exploring the transformative power of walking. There are still places remaining, so take a look at our website for session details and to book your place: https://www.hawkwoodcollege.co.uk/our-programmes/programme/29101-wander-a-celebration-of-walking

Plus, we have a whole variety of courses and workshops in writing, yoga, painting, sound healing and more taking place. Click the link for more information and we hope to see you at Hawkwood soon! https://www.hawkwoodcollege.co.uk/our-programmes

26/10/2026

How do you create compelling narratives and build tension that keeps a reader turning their pages?

Join bestselling authors SJ Parris and Abir Mukherjee for a five day retreat at Hawkwood, exploring the craft of historical and crime fiction. Whether you’re developing an idea, working through a draft or looking for a new approach to an existing manuscript, this residential course offers time to focus on your writing and support from two multiple CWA Dagger shortlisted and award-winning novelists.

Through workshops, writing exercises, group discussion and one-to-one tutorials, you’ll explore plot, character, pacing and research, alongside convincing dialogue, opening pages and narrative tension. There will also be opportunities to discuss editing and the route to publication, and to find ways through those moments when the writing gets stuck.

Joining the group for an exclusive midweek Q&A is Harriet Tyce – Sunday Times bestselling author and known for her super sleuthing appearance on BBC’s The Traitors.

Set within 42 aces of gardens, woodland and countryside in the Cotswolds, Hawkwood offers the ideal space to think, plan and write, whilst also providing cosy accommodation and nourishing meals.
Find out more and book: https://www.hawkwoodcollege.co.uk/our-programmes/programme/29062-the-plot-thickens-writing-history-and-mystery

*Last Chance to Apply* Could you be the next person to lead on the the development, planning, delivery and evaluation of...
22/10/2026

*Last Chance to Apply*

Could you be the next person to lead on the the development, planning, delivery and evaluation of our educational programme?

We are looking for a new Programme Manager who will curate a mix of courses, retreats, workshops, conferences, festivals and events across arts and creativity, climate and sustainability, wellbeing, and transformative leadership.

This role will bring together people, ideas and experiences that spark creativity and help turn learning into positive change.

Applications close Monday 26th October at 12pm and can be submitted in any form – by letter and CV, video, or other forms that best represent you and the talents that you can bring to Hawkwood.

Visit our website to download the job pack and find out how to apply - we would be delighted to hear from you!

https://www.hawkwoodcollege.co.uk/about-us/vacancies

14/10/2026

How do we capture the world on the page and turn experience into prose?

Author, teacher and mentor, Nick Hunt, will introduce you to writing inspired by place among the setting of Hawkwood’s landscape. With practical exercises, focused writing assignments, feedback, partner work and outside exercises.

Suitable for both beginner and intermediate level writers.
Friday 13th - Sunday 15th November.

Book your place today: https://www.hawkwoodcollege.co.uk/our-programmes/programme/29146-environment-nature-and-travel-writing

Explore the Frantic Method with one of their practitioners 🎭This three-day residential course will develop your physical...
12/10/2026

Explore the Frantic Method with one of their practitioners 🎭

This three-day residential course will develop your physical confidence and awareness, enabling you to be bold and playful in the way that you create your own work.

Frantic Assembly will create an environment that welcomes all levels of experience and an inclusive space that places participants at the same starting point, allowing you to be yourself and discover a true sense of 'ensemble'.

Perfect for those looking to experiment with movement, work collaboratively with a close group and feel empowered through a fun and safe process.

Aged 18-26? We have one Discover Bursary place remaining - offering you 50% off a residential place on this course!

Fri 27 - Sun 29 November 2026
Book your place here: https://www.hawkwoodcollege.co.uk/our-programmes/programme/28965-frantic-assembly-3-day-training-course

We're Recruiting! We're looking for our next Programme Manager - an exciting opportunity to lead on the development, pla...
08/10/2026

We're Recruiting!

We're looking for our next Programme Manager - an exciting opportunity to lead on the development, planning, delivery and evaluation of Hawkwood’s educational programme, curating a mix of courses, retreats, workshops, conferences, festivals and events across arts and creativity, climate and sustainability, wellbeing, and transformative leadership.

This vital and exciting role will bring together people, ideas and experiences that spark creativity and help turn learning into positive.

Application Deadline: 12pm on Monday 26th October

If you are inspired to play a central part in Hawkwood's work - or know someone who would - we'd be delighted to hear from you. Please follow the link to download the job pack and find out how to apply: https://www.hawkwoodcollege.co.uk/about-us/vacancies

There is just under one month to go until our next course with award-nominated novelist, Ally Wilkes, and publishing exp...
06/10/2026

There is just under one month to go until our next course with award-nominated novelist, Ally Wilkes, and publishing expert, Cat Camacho - Finishing and Pitching Your Novel 📚

Perfect for anyone who has a manuscript in progress and isn't sure what their next steps are, this course will guide you through writing techniques, the publishing industry and synopses, pitch letters and blurbs. Plus guest speaker, Meg Davis, will be lifting the lid on literary agents and what she looks for in manuscripts.

We caught up with Ally and Cat ahead of their course to find out more - scroll through or visit our website to read the full Q&A: https://www.hawkwoodcollege.co.uk/blog/qanda-with-tutors-ally-wilkes-and-cat-camacho

Book your place today: https://www.hawkwoodcollege.co.uk/our-programmes/programme/28691-finishing-and-pitching-your-novel

Address

Hawkwood, Painswick Old Road
Stroud
GL67QW

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 8:45am - 4:45pm

Telephone

+441453759034

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