Mrs Parkman’s Academy of Needlework ~ Swindon 2027 a Weekend in the Life of a Young Victorian Lady ~ Deposit

Mrs Parkman’s Academy of Needlework ~ Swindon 2027 a Weekend in the Life of a Young Victorian Lady ~ Deposit

£250.00

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Mrs Parkman’s Academy of Needlework ~ Swindon 2027

A Weekend in the Life of a Young Victorian Lady

DoubleTree by Hilton, Swindon | 15–17 October 2027

Step gently back in time and enter the world of a young Victorian lady — her education, her accomplishments, and the quiet discipline of her needle.

Mrs Parkman’s Academy of Needlework is a stitching retreat designed to immerse you in the rhythm of nineteenth-century needlework. Over the weekend you will learn, stitch, laugh, and share good company, while exploring the role needlework played in a young woman’s life: a skill, a social expectation, a mark of character, and a lifelong companion.

This is more than a workshop. It is an experience — measured in thread, time, and thoughtful hands.

Dates & Venue

Main Retreat: Friday 15 October to Sunday 17 October 2027
Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton, Lydiard Fields, Swindon, Wiltshire SN5 8UZ

Opening Times (Lydiard Suite):

  • Friday: 2:30pm – 10:00pm (event begins at 4:30pm)

  • Saturday: 9:00am – 10:00pm

  • Sunday: 9:00am – 5:00pm

What Your Retreat Fee Includes

Total Retreat Fee: £495.00 GBP

Your place includes:

  • Mrs Parkman’s main weekend workshop: A Weekend in the Life of a Young Victorian Lady

  • Complete workshop kit (36ct linen & Soie d’Alger)

  • A second project, with full kit included

  • Lectures by Mrs Parkman and guest speakers

  • Retreat goodies

  • Show & Tell

  • Optional smalls exchange

  • Door prize drawings

  • Access to on-site sales boutiques throughout the weekend

  • Meals included:

    • Friday 3-course dinner buffet

    • Saturday cold buffet lunch

    • Saturday 3-course dinner buffet

    • Sunday hot carvery lunch

  • Tea & coffee on Saturday and Sunday

  • Bottled water for each table

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi and parking (vehicle registration required at reception)

Optional Pre-Event (Complimentary) Workshops

Thursday 14 October & Friday 15 October 2027

We offer optional pre-event activities, including an Early Bird Shopping & Stitch-In and a choice of complimentary workshops. Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Each attendee is guaranteed one workshop and may be allocated more depending on availability.

Workshop teachers include:

  • Cissy Bailey Smith (Gentle Pursuit Designs): Dancing to the Blues
    Inspired by an antique Shaker Thimble & Sewing Shoe — a small, elegant project with options to personalise, and construction taught in class.

  • Karen & Brendon Kirk (Fox & Rabbit): a beautifully finished reticule project (pre-stitching required; assembly during class; kits available to purchase).

  • Polly Kalich: a new paper-based class (details to follow).

  • Rae Niles (Red Barn Samplers): Hidden Surprises! a tiny sewing roll and needle book inspired by motifs discovered behind an antique sampler (finishing in class).

  • Robin Laukhuf (Olde Willow Stitchery): stitching-based class to be announced shortly.

Pre-stitching instructions will be sent in advance where required.

Private Exhibition Viewing

From Tuesday 12 October to Thursday 14 October 2027, attendees will have exclusive access to a private exhibition at Witney Antiques. Further details will be provided in due course.
(Transport arrangements are your responsibility.)

Payment & Registration

Deposit: £250.00 non-refundable deposit payable at time of booking
Balance: £245.00 payable by 29 July 2027
An invoice for the balance will be issued on 1 July 2027.

After purchase, you will immediately be sent confirmation of your order which will include the link to download the Registration Form. Please make sure you check your spam folder. Your place is not confirmed until your completed form is returned and we acknowledge receipt.

Cancellation Policy (Please Read)

We are unable to offer full refunds, as costs are incurred in advance.

  • If you cancel before 1 October 2027, we will endeavour to find a replacement. If successful, monies paid will be refunded less a £125.00 administration fee.

  • If you cancel on or after 1 October 2027, no refund will be available. Your workshop kit will be posted to you after the event. Shipping costs and any customs duties are your responsibility.

Attendees are responsible for cancelling their own accommodation and travel arrangements.

Accommodation (Booked Separately)

Accommodation is not included. Your hotel booking is strictly between you and the hotel.

Hilton Event Rate:

  • £137.00 single occupancy

  • £147.00 double occupancy

  • Upgrades: Family +£10 / King +£20 / Suite +£50 per night

Room booking link 
https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/rooms/?ctyhocn=SWIHNDI&arrivalDate=2027-10-13&departureDate=2027-10-18&groupCode=GANW27&room1NumAdults=1

Please read the hotel’s terms, conditions, and cancellation policies carefully.

Reserve Your Place

Places are limited and this retreat is expected to sell quickly. We cannot wait to welcome you to Swindon for a truly special weekend.

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