A rare opportunity to experience the Bayeux Tapestry in Britain, with specialist RSN embroidery tuition and five nights at One Aldwych.
Sunday 7- Friday 12 February 2027 at One Aldwych, Covent Garden, London.
RSN RETREATS
For the first time, the Royal School of Needlework invites you to join us for an exceptional five-night residential retreat celebrating one of the most remarkable embroidered works in history: the Bayeux Tapestry.
Limited to just 15 guests, this intimate retreat has been created to coincide with the Tapestry’s extraordinary return to Britain and brings together embroidery, history, culture and exceptional hospitality for an experience that will not be repeated.
Over six days in London, you will experience the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum, explore its extraordinary history and craftsmanship and then take that inspiration into three days of dedicated embroidery tuition with the Royal School of Needlework.
At the heart of your retreat is the opportunity to see the Bayeux Tapestry during its historic return to Britain.
Created almost 1,000 years ago, the Tapestry is one of the world’s most celebrated surviving works of embroidery. This remarkable exhibition offers a rare opportunity to see it in person and discover the extraordinary detail, storytelling and craftsmanship that have fascinated generations.
Your visit will form the inspiration for the days that follow, allowing you to move from experiencing the original work to exploring its techniques, materials and visual language through your own embroidery.
Situated in the heart of Covent Garden, One Aldwych is a luxury five-star hotel combining contemporary elegance with the character of its historic Edwardian building. Just moments from London's renowned theatres, galleries and cultural landmarks, the hotel offers beautifully appointed rooms, exceptional dining and outstanding facilities, including a tranquil swimming pool and wellness centre. With its sophisticated atmosphere and central location, One Aldwych provides the perfect setting for an exclusive Royal School of Needlework Retreat.
You will arrive at One Aldwych during the afternoon, where you can check in and settle into your room before the retreat begins.
That evening, you will join your fellow guests in The Library for a complimentary cocktail and canapé reception. You will be welcomed by the Royal School of Needlework, your RSN Tutor and retreat host and introduced to the days ahead, including your exclusive Bayeux-inspired embroidery project.
You will visit the British Museum to experience the Bayeux Tapestry during its historic return to Britain.
Your retreat includes a guaranteed ticket and access to the exhibition, giving you the opportunity to see this extraordinary work in person as part of your Bayeux Tapestry experience.
Your first full day of embroidery begins at One Aldwych, where you will be introduced to your exclusive Bayeux Tapestry-inspired project with your RSN Tutor.
Drawing on your experience of seeing the Tapestry the previous day, you will explore its history, techniques and distinctive embroidered details before beginning work on your own piece.
Your second full day of embroidery will allow you to continue developing your Bayeux-inspired piece, with further demonstrations, specialist technical guidance and individual support from your RSN Tutor throughout the day.
Your final day of embroidery gives you the opportunity to continue developing your Bayeux-inspired piece, consolidate the techniques you have learnt and receive individual guidance and support from your RSN Tutor.
That evening, you will come together with your fellow guests for a celebratory dinner at One Aldwych, marking the final evening of your retreat.
Following breakfast and check-out, you will travel by private coach to Hampton Court Palace for the final experience of your retreat.
You will visit the Royal School of Needlework in its historic home at the Palace, with the opportunity to step inside the RSN and discover more about its work and history, before enjoying time to explore Hampton Court Palace.
THE EMBROIDERY PROJECT
Recreate The Bishop's Feast, a remarkable scene from the Bayeux Tapestry depicting Bishop Odo blessing a banquet before the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Using authentic wool threads in colours inspired by the original, you will learn the traditional stem stitch and Bayeux stitch techniques used by 11th-century embroiderers.
Under the expert guidance of a Royal School of Needlework Tutor, you will learn traditional methods of framing up, explore how designs are transferred onto fabric and develop your embroidery through specialist demonstrations and individual tuition, experiencing the historic craftsmanship of one of the world's most celebrated embroideries.
All embroidery materials and equipment required for the retreat are provided.
Please note that the retreat excludes: travel to and from London, airport or railway station transfers, travel insurance, evening meals other than the final group dinner, additional drinks outside included reception drinks, personal expenditure, additional hotel nights and room upgrades. Our Retreats Team would be happy to assist with any additional arrangements, including transport, transfers and accommodation requests, with any associated costs charged separately to the individual participant.
"This is far more than a stitching holiday, it is a rare opportunity to engage deeply with one of history's most celebrated embroidered artworks while learning from the world's leading authority on hand embroidery, all within the surroundings of one of London's finest hotels."
Head of Contemporary Programmes, Royal School of Needlework
Joining an RSN Retreat is a straightforward process, with our dedicated retreat team guiding you through each stage. From selecting your preferred accommodation to confirming your place, we will help you make the arrangements for your experience.
Select your chosen retreat and complete the online application form. You will be asked to provide your contact details, accommodation preferences and any dietary, accessibility or other requirements. You will also be asked to provide an emergency contact, review the booking terms and conditions and indicate your communication and photography preferences.
Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an acknowledgement email confirming that it has been received. Please check your junk or spam folder if you do not see this in your inbox.
Our retreat team will review your application, check availability and confirm your accommodation arrangements. All room preferences are subject to availability and our team will contact you to discuss the next steps.
Once availability has been confirmed, you will receive an invoice for a 20% deposit to secure your place. Payment can be made securely by card using the link provided on your invoice or by bank transfer.
Once your deposit has been received, your place on the retreat will be secured and you will receive your formal booking confirmation.
As your retreat approaches, our team will share further information about your accommodation, embroidery programme and practical arrangements. You will also have the option to join a private WhatsApp group to connect with fellow guests and receive updates throughout your experience.
The price of this RSN Retreat is £5,950 per person. To secure your place, a 20% deposit of £1,190 is required once your application has been reviewed and availability confirmed. Our retreat team will issue an invoice with details of how to make your payment securely by card or bank transfer. Once your deposit has been received, your booking will be formally confirmed. The remaining balance of £4,760 is payable by the specified deadline, with full payment details provided by our retreat team.
RSN RETREATS
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