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Spring Craft Weekend in Exmoor

Holnicote House
New holiday

■ Location: Exmoor

■ Duration: 3 nights at an HF Country House

■ Availability : Mar 2027

■ Itineraries available: 1

■ Board Type: Full Board

Non-members From

£599

pp

Members From

£569

pp

Members Save £30 on this booking and get a whole range of extra exclusive benefits. Add HF Membership to your booking online. details

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
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Come and get creative on this spring escape at our charming HF Country House in Exmoor. Let expert tutor Liberty Goodswen guide you on this weekend workshop in needle felting. Have fun and hone your needle skills while making a cheeky puffin picture using soft natural wools and felting needles. You may recognise Liberty from Channel 4’s Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas where she won the wreath making competition. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience in this creative pastime, Liberty’s teaching style will ensure you get the most out of your break. And when you’re not busy getting crafty, you can explore Somerset’s stunning landscape using our easy-to-follow self-guided walking routes.

Accommodation

HF Country House
There’s plenty to look forward to at this beacon of Somerset hospitality near the impossibly pretty village of Selworthy. The location couldn’t be more perfect; within rolling-out-of-bed distance from Exmoor National Park and an easy drive from Dunster Castle, Coleridge Cottage, the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth, and the sandy delights at Porlock and Minehead. The walking opportunities here are standout, too, not least for the trails around the Quantock Hills, Dunkery Beacon, Bossington, and a section of the England Coast Path that takes you on a glorious journey along the county’s coastline.
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What You’ll Love

  • Creating a beautiful needle felted puffin picture to take home  

  • Benefiting from the knowledge and skills of our workshop tutor, who will guide you through creating your piece from start to finish 

  • Sharing inspiration and ideas with fellow crafters 

  • Getting into the creative spirit with like-minded guests 

What's Included

  • Comfortable en-suite rooms in our country house  

  • Cream tea on arrival day 

  • Cooked or continental breakfast every morning 

  • Daily packed lunches 

  • Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee   

  • Expert tuition and all necessary equipment/materials for the given craft workshops 

  • Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information available in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently 

Reviews

Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Itinerary

Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.

Craft Workshop:  

Create your own needle felted puffin picture to take home; you’ll learn tips and techniques from your expert workshop tutor, and leave with needles and a mat, so you can continue your new hobby at home. Today we’ll create a beautiful, felted seascape, exploring how to blend soft, colourful wools to capture the atmosphere of the coast. You'll learn how to build layers of colour and texture to create depth, light and perspective within your landscape. 

Using felting needles, you'll then add finer details and personal touches, bringing your scene to life and making it uniquely your own. Whether you prefer a calm shoreline, a lighthouse, or a mysterious island in the distance, there will be plenty of opportunity to express your creativity and develop your felting skills along the way. 

All materials and equipment are provided, and no experience is necessary as there will be a step-by-step demonstration of each stage. You will be allocated a morning or afternoon two to three-hour workshop session with our craft tutor, Liberty Goodswen, 2023 winner of Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas on Channel 4. The rest of your time is free for you to do as you please. Perhaps explore the local area, or if you prefer, you could visit our dedicated Discovery Point to enjoy one of our self-guided walks.    

Craft Workshop:  

In our second session, we'll move into the exciting world of three-dimensional needle felting as we create an adorable puffin perched proudly on its rocky outcrop. You’ll learn how to build and shape wool into a firm, sculptural form, discovering the techniques needed to create a strong foundation before adding finer layers and details. Along the way, Liberty will introduce you to a variety of different wools, each chosen for its unique qualities and how it can enhance your work.  

As your puffin begins to take shape, you'll add character, texture and personality, bringing your little seabird to life. By the end of the session, you'll have created a charming coastal sculpture to take home and proudly display. Your finished piece will be 30/35cm square to fit in a hoop or frame. 

The rest of your time is free for you to do as you please. Perhaps explore the local area, or if you prefer, you could visit our dedicated Discovery Point to enjoy one of our self-guided walks 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

View all

Accommodation

Holnicote House

There’s plenty to look forward to at this beacon of Somerset hospitality near the impossibly pretty village of Selworthy. The location couldn’t be more perfect; within rolling-out-of-bed distance from Exmoor National Park and an easy drive from Dunster Castle, Coleridge Cottage, the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth, and the sandy delights at Porlock and Minehead. The walking opportunities here are standout, too, not least for the trails around the Quantock Hills, Dunkery Beacon, Bossington, and a section of the England Coast Path that takes you on a glorious journey along the county’s coastline.

A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out). 

Evening entertainment

While evening entertainment varies from house to house, HF Holidays Inter-House Quiz night held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided waking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.

Walks talks 
Our HF Holidays walk leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on guided walking holiday arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s guided walks (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.  

The walking day
Prior to setting off on guided walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house. 

You are welcome to check in from 4pm at the earliest. HF Members can check in earlier, from 2pm. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team. Check out 10am.

 •  32 well-appointed guest rooms  •  Exclusive occupancy: 43 guests minimum •  Check in from 4:00pm • For members check in from 2:00pm •  Free Wi-Fi  •  Free on-site parking  •  Boot room and drying room  •  Travel cot & high chair  •  Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and information for self-guided walks  •  Books and games to borrow  •  Licensed bar  •  Two lounges  •  Garden with croquet lawn  •  Well-behaved dogs welcome on self-guided holidays  •  Electric vehicle charging point - Please note, you will need to bring your own cables to use this EV charging point Visit England - Guest Accommodation 

Seasonal dining, tailored for you

Our team of skilled chefs design our dinner menus to showcase the best of each season, from warming winter comfort food to vibrant summer dishes, including vegetarian, vegan  and high-protein options. We also source fruit and vegetables within a  40-mile radius of each house, open every break with a Chef’s Special menu inspired by dishes and flavours of the local area, and are able to adapt dishes to suit special dietary requirements.

Welcome Cream Tea

What better way to start your stay than with a cream tea, served fresh on arrival to make you feel instantly at home.  A quintessentially English tradition, our scones are baked in-house and served with preserves and clotted cream, providing the perfect opportunity to meet fellow walkers.

A hearty breakfast to start the day

Start the day with a freshly-prepared cooked breakfast  and a wide choice from our continental buffet, including  hot drinks, juices and fresh fruit. Our team offer a quick  and friendly service, leaving you fuelled and ready for your day’s adventures.

Our famous picnic lunch

Our personalised picnic lunches are perfect for a day out walking, ready to enjoy when hunger strikes. Choose from a large selection of fresh sandwiches and salads, freshly baked cakes and snacks, including the ever-popular Freddos chocolate bar! Everything is designed to fit neatly into your rucksack, and all of the packaging we provide is recyclable or compostable.

3-course evening meals

Our à la carte evening menus feature a wide choice of starters, mains, and desserts, made with seasonal ingredients and, wherever possible, herbs and vegetables from our own gardens. Shared around sociable tables, dinners are relaxed occasions, with drinks available to order at the table or from the bar, and a traditional Sunday roast to round off the week.

Designed with your comfort in mind, Holnicote House has 32 well-appointed guest rooms available in three categories: Classic, Premium, and Superior. 

Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV. 

Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.

Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers. 

We love: The rooms in the main building or the thatched grounds, especially Rooms 1 and 4. The first floor rooms have fabulous views across Crawter Hill and Dunkery Hill. 

The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply. 

 

Room supplements

Superior Premium single Premium double/twin Choose your room
£25 pppn £20 pppn £20 pppn £30 per room

 

*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location 

For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Holnicote House

Getting here

Address

Holnicote House
Selworthy
Minehead
Somerset TA24 8TJ

Tel: +44 (0)1643 862013

By train

The nearest station is Taunton.  

Check National Rail for train times and routes. 

By taxi

From Taunton train station it’s a 27-mile journey taking 1 hour.

For pricing, please contact Minehead Taxis directly.

Minehead Taxis
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended company, Minehead Taxis*. We recommend booking your taxi at least seven days in advance by contacting:

Tel: +44 (0)1643 704123

A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at Holnicote House.

*Minehead Taxis is not owned or managed by HF Holidays.

By bus

The number 28 bus runs between Taunton station and Minehead, taking around one and a half hours. At Minehead, change to the number 10 bus to the Selworthy turn (at the end of Holnicote House drive). A two-minute walk along the drive will bring you to the house.  

For bus times, check Traveline. 

By car

There’s free car parking at Holnicote House if you decide to drive.  

From Bridgwater take the A39 though the southern outskirts of Minehead towards Porlock. You’ll find Holnicote House on the left about four and a half miles out of Minehead.  

By air

The nearest airport is London Heathrow. 

Take the train to London Paddington station where there are direct trains to Taunton. It’s a relatively straightforward journey that’ll should take around 2.5 hours.  

Bristol Airport is also an option. From here, you can take the bus and train to Taunton. 

Check National Rail for routes and train times. 

More Information 

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The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next. To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.


Essentials 
 For self-guided walking should you choose:


    

  • Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip 
    • 

  • Waterproof and windproof jacket
    • 

  • Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable) 
    • 

  • Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
    • 

  • Waterproof overtrousers 
    • 

  • Gloves and a warm hat
    • 

  • Rucksack with waterproof liner
    • 

  • Flask for hot drinks  
    • 

  • Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity) 
    • 



Recommended 
 For crafting:


    

  • Battery powered craft lamp
    • 



For self-guided walking should you choose:


    

  • Walking poles are useful, particularly for descents
    • 

  • Insect repellent
    • 

  • Sunglasses
    • 

  • Camera
    • 

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Packing list

The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next. To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.

Essentials
For self-guided walking should you choose:

  • Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip 
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket
  • Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable) 
  • Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
  • Waterproof overtrousers 
  • Gloves and a warm hat
  • Rucksack with waterproof liner
  • Flask for hot drinks  
  • Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity) 

Recommended
For crafting:

  • Battery powered craft lamp

For self-guided walking should you choose:

  • Walking poles are useful, particularly for descents
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera

Carbon Footprint

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

Code: SEL03-SCW05

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Dates & availability

Spring Craft Weekend in Exmoor

Members save an additional £30 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. You can join during booking process. Read more about membership

2027

26 Mar - 29 Mar 2027

3 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£599

pp

Members

£569

pp
Single rooms

£629

pp

£599

pp
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If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

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