Creative Getaway: Bonding Through Stone-Carving and Wood-Turning in Sussex

June 28, 2025
Creative Getaway: Bonding Through Stone-Carving and Wood-Turning in Sussex

In a quest to strengthen the bond between a mother and her teenage son, Annabel Abbs and her son Hugo embarked on a unique holiday experience focused on creativity and craftsmanship in Sussex, England. Seeking a memorable trip after Hugo's A-level exams, the duo opted for a three-day stone-carving course followed by a wood-turning class, allowing them to engage in hands-on activities while navigating their differing preferences.

The trip took place in the picturesque South Downs, where they enrolled in a course at the Skelton Workshop, located near Hassocks, a region renowned for its artistic heritage. According to the workshop's official website, the Skelton Workshop is dedicated to cultivating traditional stone-carving skills, honoring the legacy of the late sculptor John Skelton, whose nearby sculpture garden is a testament to his artistic vision.

"It was the perfect blend of creativity and bonding without the pressure of constant conversation," said Abbs, reflecting on their decision. Both mother and son chose to create abstract sculptures, with Hugo selecting a striking green granite while Abbs opted for Italian soapstone. The engaging curriculum, which included hands-on guidance from experienced tutors, culminated in a showcase of their completed works, garnering praise from peers and instructors alike.

Following the stone-carving experience, the pair transitioned to a wood-turning workshop in a privately owned woodland near Battle, where they learned to use traditional pole lathes to craft wooden bowls. Led by Amy Leake, an accomplished green woodworker, the experience was both physically demanding and creatively fulfilling. Leake emphasized the importance of heritage crafts in modern society, stating, "These traditional skills connect us to our past and foster creativity in our present."

The combination of physical activity, creativity, and culinary exploration, as they dined at local pubs offering a variety of food options, enabled the pair to create lasting memories beyond mere photographs. "Our sculptures and bowls are not just art; they symbolize our time together, filled with laughter and effort," Abbs remarked.

As families seek innovative ways to connect in an increasingly digital world, such crafting experiences are gaining popularity. The rise in demand for creative holidays can be attributed to a growing desire for immersive and meaningful interactions, as noted in a report by the UK Tourism Agency, which highlights the shift towards experiential travel.

Skelton Workshops is currently offering a three-day beginner's workshop from July 29-31 for £216, all materials included. Similarly, Amy Leake offers various green woodworking classes, priced at £200 for two participants per day, which includes activities like brush-making and spoon-carving.

This journey not only enriched their artistic skills but also reminded Abbs and Hugo of the value of shared experiences, suggesting that crafting holidays could provide a remedy for modern familial disconnection. As the trend for creative getaway experiences continues to grow, it stands as a testament to the enduring importance of hands-on learning and human connection in today's fast-paced world.

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Sussex holidaysstone carvingwood turningfamily bondingcreative holidayshands-on learningartistic experiencescultural heritageSouth DownsJohn SkeltoncraftsmanshipAnnabel AbbsHugo AbbsAmy Leakegreen woodworkingUK tourismfamily travelexperiential travelart workshopslocal cuisinetraditional craftsmother-son tripsheritage skillspub diningsculpture gardencreative skillswooden bowlsartistic legacylearning holidaysEast Sussex

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