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This isn't a retreat it's an epic guitar adventure. It was so much fun, the food was amazing, the guitar workshops were great with Thomas and Marek . The performances under the stars were beautiful. 

Thank you!

A Stay in a Castle in France

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<h2>A Weekend of Food and Music</h2> Now in its 12th year,&nbsp;band camp remains our most loved retreat, with over 50 people joining us every year for workshops, jams, and our evening party lit by fire down in the woods. You’ll be given a jam schedule so that you can fill your day picking up new songs with new people. The menu is lush and the bar is bottomless — and better still, it’s all included in the price.<h2>Where is it and how do I get there?</h2> You’ll be in the Harrietsham area of Kent. There’s a train station about a 40-minute walk away (a map will be provided), and if you’re driving, there’s a place to park your car.<h2>Where will I sleep?</h2> We have a number of options available, from high-end accommodation to a tent under a tree. See the package options.<h2>Who attends?</h2> People who love music, with ages ranging from 19 to 70. It’s hard to pin down the average attendee — just music fans.<h2>What’s the playing level like?</h2> We’ve had people show up who have just bought a guitar, and for them we’ve provided a beginner’s provision. We’ve also had hard-hitting jazz nerds amongst the meadows. If you have a guitar and you want to play it, you are welcome.<h2>What will we eat and how?</h2> We use a different menu every year and love to get creative on this front. The meals are colourful and varied. Everyone who attends gets one cooking shift. You’ll be given a role, a recipe card, and a box of ingredients. Many people say this is a lot of fun — so if you don’t cook, don’t worry, you’ll enjoy it.<h2>What does a day look like?</h2> Breakfast at about 9.30amJams from 12pmLunch at 2pmAfternoon workshops and jams until 5pmDinner at 6pm Then you follow the candle-lit path deep into the woods for the evening’s party. Lit and warmed by multiple fire pits, expect music into the early hours, with plenty of opportunities to perform the songs you’ve been working on.

Kent, United Kingdom 

Band Camp

We have a huge amount of space for you to consider when laying down your tent. You can head into the woods, choose a spot in a meadow or hide under a tree.

Bring your own tent

A hut with a clear glass front wall down in the woods with your own yard, fire pit and chairs. Includes a double bed and internal antique, stylish furniture.

The Whiskey Library 

Right at the heart of the site there's a round, wooden house with a huge tree growing out of its roof. Inside there's a fire, sofa, double bed and bunk beds. Outside, a porch with a sofa and mini outside kitchen area. It's what I have stayed in in years gone by and I've always imagined to be like a house a hobbit might enjoy living in. As there are three beds, this would suit a family or group of friends.

The Hive 

For photos please get in touch. Once a flat bed lorry, now a home nestled in the woods. There's steps leading up the porch and front door. The room is long with a fire at the far end and a window above the double bed that looks out into the woods. In the corner there's a desk, just in case you feel the need to write home about what an amazing time you're having.

Alices Palace 

Wendy’s house was built by Peter and the lost boys so that Wendy should be able to recuperate. This certainly is a place to relax, read, write, step back solo, or romance; we can count several weddings, proposals, and honeymoons in Wendy’s House over the years!Inside one space cosy up in an antique iron double (130) bed with comfy mattress and fresh linen. Lounge in the other small space on the single bed and tuck in by the woodburning stove on chilly nights.There are windows with a view in every direction and a back door to the woodland balcony.&nbsp;The outdoor space is open&nbsp;to the woods on one side and the meadow on the other, with firebowl for cooking, and campfire for gazing and endless chatter. There is a covered porch for outdoor dining with kitchen cupboard and dining table.The cabin is Off Grid, but the woodburner is plenty warm in winter, and small chargeable lamps are provided inside. Water and facilities are only a short way across the little meadow.&nbsp;The campsite bubbles with families and laughter during the busy holidays and settles down to complete peace on weekdays. Out of season ( Oct – march), when there are no campers, share the space only with two other guests, the pheasants and the local wildlife.&nbsp;There is a covered shelter and lounge outside reception where you can charge a device, catch up on necessary work, buy some eggs and firewood, use the fridge…Includes access to The ‘Kitchen Cupboard’ filled with plenty of exciting and practical cooking and dining equipment.that Wendy

The Wendy House 

Sensitive to its surroundings this tiny house style cabin has been designed with its natural setting and privacy in mind. It faces the fields, orchards and woodlands, and is tucked away not far from the facilities with its own private area amongst the nut and elder trees.Built off ground, and well insulated, the cabin is a sun trap and cosy warm. In the Winter a bio-ethanol burner keeps the cabin cosy, and provides a dancing flame for ambience. Large skylight windows give the option for some indoor star gazing, and light up the cabin during the day for maximum solar gain.Floor to ceiling sliding doors overlook the private deck with dining table. Unspoilt views across the open meadows. The private, semi wild garden has a firepit for a campfire, outdoor cooking and al-fresco dining.The wooden cabin is built using as many local and sustainable materials as possible; it is clad with local chestnut, and its stunning cordwood floor was painstakingly made with our very own trees.The off-grid cabin is lit with rechargeable LED lights, and a powerpack can be requested for practical charging and USB devices.The Ivy is an absolute ‘bijou’, a&nbsp; comfortable, boutique off grid stay.

4 of these gorgeous tents can be found in our middle meadow. The meadow is a mixture of wildflowers and lawns, edged by willow, field maple and wild rose hedgerows.Another 2 can be found hidden away on decks in the nut orchard and herb garden not very far away.Each tent can accommodate four adults. There are beds (proper beds) and bedding can be organised for an additional £20You'll be sharing with other people, but there is plenty of space and this remains the most popular option amongst attendees.

Shared Bell tent

Band Camp (copy)

A short break in one of the most awe inspiring and beautiful places on earth. We'll be staying in a gorgeous house, checking out the Northern Lights and traversing the Golden circle. In between all of that activity they'll be a whole lot of guitar playing.I love going to Iceland at this time of year because there is something within its landscape that lends its self to taking a deep breath-perhaps its the air-after a year in whatever populace our attendees have arrived at this retreat from. It's the comma, placed right at the end of the year. We love it, and we're sure you'll love it too.

Iceland

We have people joining us from all over the world via trains, planes and automobiles so, to keep things simple we leave the travel to you while we sort the music 

Travel 

Any alcohol enjoyed in the house is bought by attendees

Alcohol 

We eat in places where the bill is done individually. We like to keep it simple

Meals out

All meals enjoyed in the house are provided by The Guitar Social. We eat local and to meet all dietary needs. 

Food

More than 15 hours of guided tuition and one to one time 

Tuition 

We stay in the very best houses, mansions, castles and apartments we kind find. Prepare for something incredible

Accommodation 

AfternoonAfter some lunch and drinks at the Accomodation, we'll be heading out to see the Northern lights on a coach excursion. The lights are famously temperamental, so, if you don't see them on your first night, you can reuse your ticket for a chance later again in the week.EveningEither delighted or disappointed by our trip out, we head back to the house for a wholesome dinner, some drinks and a jam to last until bed.

Arrivals and Norther Lights

Day 1

Workshops<ol><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Icelandic pop music discovered</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">18th century folk traditions with a focus on Rimur music</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Technical studies; we will spend 45 minutes each day exploring key areas of playing that meet the groups requirements and playing levels. This will vary depending on attendance and group playing level.</li></ol>AfternoonA four hour tour of the golden circle, an area of incredible natural beauty including stunning waterfalls, exploding geezers and rolling landscapes created by millennia of volcanic activity. This jaw dropping tour is done via coach and covers a vast area of the island, providing you with the opportunity to get a true feel for this one of a kind location.EveningDrinks and live music at Hús máls og mennigar

Golden Circle 

Day 2

Workshops<ol><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">A study of Nordic forms in music</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Icelandic punk music</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Technical studies</li></ol>Late afternoonIt's time to explore the compact and fascinating city of Reykjavik. As it's December there'll be plenty of opportunities for some Christmas shopping in this permanently festive place and, somewhat less festive, a trip to the Icelandic punk museum, housed in an underground toilet and staffed by two anarchic genuine teenage punks. Expect to be told to fuck off on entry.EveningThere's an array of interesting places to eat in Reykjavik with some rare items on the menu for the carnivorous adventurer and plenty on offer for those who like to stay on familiar ground.From there we'll head to see a live band or two before making our way home for some late night jamming.

Reykjavik

Day 3

Workshops <ol><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Jamming pop songs from 90's and 00's Iceland</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Creating an ethereal sound on guitar using alternate tunings </li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Technical studies </li></ol>AfternoonLunch in Reykjavik and then a ferry across to the rarely visited Videy Island, a place described by some as a magical island that passes most tourists by. This former volcano was deserted by the last inhabitants in 1943-you can see the deserted village-but now homes 30 species of birds including puffins.We'll be taking a walk, spotting some wildlife, imagining how the last inhabitants felt when they packed their stuff up for the final time before leaving ourselves, for one more drink in Reykjavik ahead of our closing party at the house.EveningYour host (Thomas) is cooking you a traditional Icelandic dish to be enjoyed before we sing and play into the night.

Videy Island 

Day  4

The last day on a Guitar Social retreat is dedicated to packing down and making our way home with as much ease as possible.Check out is at 10.30am. Depending on your flight, you may wish to head to a luggage drop off point to store your luggage before stealing however many hours you have left in your new favourite City.

Breakfast and Home

Day 5

Understandably, many people feel anxious about trusting their precious instrument to baggage handlers. That anxiety isn’t helped by the endless Reddit threads and online discussions on this hot potato of a subject. The first thing you need to know is that almost everything you read online isn’t based on reality. We travel with hundreds of guitars every year, and they always arrive safely and undamaged. The process for ensuring your guitar reaches its destination safely is actually very simple: 1. Check it in as baggage. You can do this by selecting ‘musical instruments’ or ‘sports equipment’ when booking your flight. 2. Use a hard case or a well-padded gig bag. This provides essential protection for your guitar. Other options include: 3. Buying a seat for your guitar. Some airlines allow you to purchase an extra seat for your instrument to keep it safe in the cabin. 4. Buying a guitar at your destination. You might want to treat yourself or pick up a cheap guitar from a pawn shop, which you can then sell back when you leave.5. Hiring a guitar from The Guitar Social. On some retreats, we can provide a guitar for you to use during your stay. If you have any questions or need support in this area, please don’t hesitate to get in touch — we’re here to help.

Traveling with a Guitar 

On a Guitar Social retreat, all the action happens in our communal spaces — the kitchen, the lounge, and, if you’re joining us in France, the castle grounds. Your room is simply a place to store your clothes and get ready for your next musical adventure. Room shares are allocated with age, gender, and identification in mind. We also consider people’s personal interests and do our very best to match guests well. For example, on one retreat, we organised a room share for three women — those three still holiday together, and two of them even lived together in London for a year. You never know who you’re going to meet on a Guitar Social retreat! If you prefer your own room, we’re totally here for that. All of our accommodation options include private rooms, and if single rooms are sold out, just send us an email — we’ll explore alternatives, like buying out a twin room. Most of all, we want you to trust that we take the care and wellbeing of everyone who books a retreat with us very seriously. That’s why we take more than 150 people on holiday each year and why, no matter where you are in the world, if you type “guitar retreats” into Google, it’s The Guitar Social you’ll find.

Sharing a room or going solo? 

We welcome all levels of players onto our retreats. The Guitar Social is a specialist in making mixed groups work; there isn’t an advanced song that can’t be made simple, and there isn’t a simple song that can’t be made complex. Every player has a place in a Guitar Social jam. Furthermore, once you have booked, your retreat tutor will be in touch to get an understanding of where you are with your progress, and the workshops will be designed around your, and the wider group’s, needs. We pride ourselves on being non-elitist, inclusive, and creative in the way we approach our workshops.

Playing level 

We limit retreats to about 15. This is a far cry from a guitar retreat in a conference room in a hotel on the motorway. This is small scale, boutique, bespoke.

How many people will be there?

Iceland, a winter guitar retreat

Your room mate is selected empathetically with ages and gendered considered carefully.With the time in the house spent mainly in workshops, you'll be in your room to sleep only, making this option our most popular amongst the many that make repeat bookings with The Guitar Social.Bathrooms are shared with two people usually sharing one bathroom.

Bed in a shared room

Your own room 

The Guitar Social is not only London's number one guitar school, but also a leader globally in music retreats. 
We can't wait to holiday with you. 

The Guitar Social

Hello traveller, let’s pack for the Lake District, shall we? This is a guitar hiking retreat for the people that like to get out into the wild; that like to jam with other people and that like sit around an open fire talking into the night. It is for people that could think of nothing finer than finding a country pub and sitting in it for a couple of hours;&nbsp; for those that understand the rewards of a long walk; the hot bath that awaits and&nbsp; the easing of bones once back home, on a sofa, with a drink, feet elevated, music playing.&nbsp; The Lake District&nbsp; is one of the most stunning places on earth. Breath taking might well be a cliché, but it is advisable to remind yourself to breath as you stand in-front of one of those incredible, awe inspiring peaks. It's also relatively close to where I was born, so It's going to be a personal pleasure to put on a retreat in this radiant gem of the North in a place where time will stand still just for you, allowing you to linger, think, and of course, pack in some guitar playing.&nbsp;See you there. Bring your boots. And a flat cap.

Lake district 

All bundled together in a special book made just for this retreat

Course materials

Song sheets

Featuring the works of the Lake Poets selected and illustrated by the founder of The Guitar Social and host of this retreat, Thomas Binns.

Poetry Book

Concierge Service

Daily Workshops

Events

A high end country manor house to call home.

Accommodation

Meals

Throughout the retreat and pick up and drop off at Penthrite Station.

Transport

1:00 pm Pick up at Penrith train station4:00 pm Check in, settle in, tune up&nbsp;5:00 pm Folk Jam featuring classic folk songs and music with a pastoral theme to quicken our acclimatisation into our new surroundings7:00 pm Dinner, featuring local produce cooked to traditional Northern recipes9:00 pm - until late&nbsp; Candle Light Live&nbsp; Our much loved London based event,&nbsp; in the Lakes.&nbsp; This is an opportunity for everyone to share a song, in a private, non judgemental setting. Performances are optional, but encouraged. As the week develops, collaborations will form through daily practice meaning that we can look forward to duos and trios forming. You will see this event listed every night.&nbsp;

Welcome Home

Day 1: 1st of August

8:00- Breakfast&nbsp;9:00 - 9:30 Optional Poetry workshop.&nbsp; We are in the Lakes, home of the great poets. In this session we will be studying one piece by William Wordsworth and taking a view of his life in the Lakes10:00 Hike 1, A five kilometre trek, moderate.&nbsp;12:00 Lunch in a pub&nbsp;3:00 Workshop: Fingerstyle Kings and Queens, the best work by the best players adapted to suit the playing styles of all present4:00 Open tunings and their Prescence in Folk Music&nbsp;6:00 Evening jam,&nbsp; songs brought forward by the group and suggested by The Guitar Social7:00 Collaboration hour, get with your group and work on some songs ahead of tonight's ...9:00 Candle Light Live

Poets and Mountains 

Day 2: 2nd of August 

8:00 Breakfast in Buttermere&nbsp;9:00 The William Wordsworth House and Museum&nbsp;11:00 In Search of a waterfall, a three kilometre hike&nbsp;2:00 The infinity Pools, a three kilometre hike finishing in natures own infinity pools, bring your swim gear&nbsp;5:00 Workshop Easy Acoustic songs6:00 When Poetry meets music-a workshop exploring the difference between lyrics and poetry and examples of when pop music and poetry have crossed paths7:00 The evening jam&nbsp;9:00 Candle light Live&nbsp;

Chasing Waterfalls 

Day 3: 3rd of August 

7:00 Optional five-kilometre Country Run in a forest with Thomas9:00 Breakfast&nbsp;10:00 Songs inspired by the Lake District&nbsp;10:45 Song writing workshop-finding your own inspiration from your surroundings&nbsp;11;30 A ten kilometre hike taking in some of the Lake's most stunning views. There are many rest points across the way, including pubs.7:00 The evening jam&nbsp;9:00 Candle light live&nbsp;

Up the airy mountain, down the rushy glen

Day 4: 4th of August 

10:00 Breakfast&nbsp;11:00 Finger style workshop featuring modern music contrasting with song choices from day one12:00 Workshop The Folk Music of Britain. An exploration of what traditional music is in Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales with key artists, styles and trends discovered3:00 Wild Water Swimming in a Lake5:00 Lake Side Performance and picnic. With lush food and gorgeous drinks, we'll be heading to a quiet spot for a couple of hours to sing some songs.&nbsp;8:00 The evening jam&nbsp;9:00 Candle Light Live&nbsp;

Swimming

Day 5: 5th of August 

5:00 Optional 3 kilometre hike. This is a chance to see the Lakes at a time rarely seen, as the sun rises. I appreciate this isn't for everyone, and I may well be doing it on my own, but this is a spectacular and rare way to see these unique locations9:00 Breakfast&nbsp;10:00 Check out&nbsp;Drop off at Penrith stationFarewells, arrangements made, phone numbers swapped

Until next time

Day 6:  6th of August 

We limit attendance to about 15. This is a far cry from a guitar retreat in a conference room in a hotel on the motorway. This is small scale, boutique, bespoke but in big houses.

We’ll be staying in a grand old house with jaw dropping views, quick access to a lake for any wild swimmers and high end indoor facilities. See photos below.&nbsp; We only ever take the finest accommodation we can find. This involves big spaces in&nbsp;end houses and apartments. Rooms are shared and room shares are allocated empathetically based on age, interests and gender. It is worth mentioning, the time spent&nbsp;in your room is likely to be very little.

We welcome all levels of player on our retreats. This includes a mix of beginners to advance players. The Guitar Social is a specialist in making mixed groups work. This is achieved through upscaling simple songs so advanced and beginner players can jam together and/or, re-arranging the workshop schedule so that all attendees receive their allocated workshop hours by running additional workshops beyond what is listed below.&nbsp;

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