A Weekend at The Gilpin Hotel & Lake House

For my birthday this year, my husband surprised me with a very special weekend away at The Gilpin Hotel & Lake House in Windermere — and after a particularly busy few weeks in the studio, it couldn't have come at a better time.

So, for Episode 8 of Making it as an Artist, I'm swapping the easel and my Manchester studio for a couple of days in the beautiful Lake District.

We packed quite a lot into our little escape: walking up Orrest Head for those incredible views across Windermere, exploring the grounds of the Gilpin, visiting Brockhole, squeezing in a spot of plein air painting and, probably the highlight, enjoying an incredible Michelin-starred dinner at SOURCE at Gilpin.

This is a slightly different vlog from me — there's less talking and a lot more beautiful scenery, food, music and generally switching off for a couple of days.

If you're planning a weekend in Windermere, considering a stay at the Gilpin, or simply fancy escaping to the Lakes with me for a few minutes, grab a cuppa and enjoy.

Watch: My Weekend at The Gilpin Hotel & Lake House

It was exactly the little reset I needed before heading home and getting stuck back into painting again.

Next up, it's back to studio life: new paintings, markets, minis and a particularly exciting commission I'm looking forward to sharing more of soon.

Amanda x