Description
Herein lies a wonderful opportunity to join Ray Mears in the woods for a unique weekend packed full of fun, creativity and learning.
Within the stunning grounds and ancient parkland of the Stanford Hall Estate, Bushcraft Magazine together with Ray Mears invite you to this truly special venue. With a beautiful lake and 1/4 mile frontage to the River Avon, the grounds and woodlands are bustling with nature and wildlife and presents majestic oak tree lined avenues which radiate out from the Hall into 700 acres of private parkland.
You’ll be able to temporarily forget the stresses of the outside world and relax into a weekend of bushcraft – and who better to host this weekend than the man who has recently marked forty years in the ‘industry’, the pioneer of the bushcraft revolution worldwide – Ray Mears!
Divided into groups, Ray will take you on an unforgettable woodland journey to include fascinating demonstrations and workshops.
During the course of the weekend, there will be loads of scope to engage with everyone’s favourite – not least of which will be at the fabulous meal on Saturday evening where, in the confines of the beautiful, cobbled courtyard, our chefs will prepare a sumptuous meal hosted by Ray.
On Sunday afternoon, we’ll all gather for a short, closing talk by Ray followed by a book signing session with autograph/photo opportunity.
Whilst you are awaiting your classes with Ray, we’ll arrange for you to be kept well occupied with a range of hands-on, educational craft based activities.
Camping & Accommodation:
Whether you choose to pitch-up your tent, erect your tarp or park-up your camper, the choice is yours to enjoy a magical stay with us over the weekend. Raised fires are allowed. Please note: All vehicles must park parallel to the water incase of handbrake failure.
If you are looking for a little bit of comfort, Stanford Hall have made available a limited number of deluxe bedrooms available for an optional upgrade at the time you purchase your tickets. (please note; as of 24/08/2025, seven out of the ten available bedrooms have now been allocated so if this is something you wish to secure, act quickly!)
Meals:
Throughout the weekend, our partners at Bush Café will be selling snacks, coffee (including their delicious Irish coffee!) hot chocolate, teas & soft drinks together with a range of beers, cider, spirits and wines for you to enjoy with your meal.
Dietary requirements will be catered for – including vegan, vegetarian & gluten free (should you have specific dietary requirements, please Complete this form HERE).
Friday.
Supper will be served @ approx 19:00 – please let us know if you are likely to arrive late so that we can save you some! ([email protected])
Menu:
A simple but sumptuous offering of wild boar, artisanal burgers with cheese (including a vegetarian & gluten free option) served with triple-cooked chips.
Grab yourself a drink from The Bush Café and relax around the communal fire
Saturday.
Menu:
The day starts with a full English breakfast, tea & coffee @ 07:30 served in The Tea Rooms above the courtyard. Further hot & cold drinks, snacks etc can be purchased from Lily @ Bush Café in the courtyard.
At approximately 12:30, chef and his team of helpers will serve lunch comprising hot, home-made soup & bread/savouries & fruit.
The day culminates in what will be a wonderful meal, hosted by Ray, where you can join him around the fire enjoying a magical feast in this lamp lit setting (thank you Whitby & Co./Petromax!)
Chef will prepare:
Lamb Rogan Josh
Vegetable curry
Rice
Naan bread
There will be a pop-up bar and some fabulous live music if you fancy making some silly shapes!
Sunday
As with Saturday, @ 07:30 there will be a hearty English breakfast to bump-start your day followed at 12:30 by lunch of a delicious home-made Lasagna with salad (again, do remember to let us know should you have specific dietary requirements – see above link in blue).
Tea, coffee and a selection of cakes will be served prior to the book signing session @ c16:30.
Location:
Stanford Hall, Stanford Road, Lutterworth, LE17 6DH. Google Maps.
Whether you are arriving from the North, South, East or West, this once in a lifetime experience enjoys a centrally located site, which is easily accessed via the motorway and railway network (nearest mainline station is Rugby) and by Birmingham International and East Midlands Airport. Please find more information on our Location page.
Bushcraft Magazine will be in attendance with some very special offers on their range of current & back issues, subscriptions and to make you an offer you can’t refuse on tickets for The Bushcraft Show 2026 (as many of you will know, Ray has supported our fabulous, annual event for many years now).
Included in your weekend adventure:
- Two nights camping in a truly stunning setting
- A guided woodland walk with Ray Mears
- Two classes with Ray Mears
- A closing talk by Ray Mears followed by a book signing & photo session.
- Opportunity to join a number of classes/demonstrations whilst you await your sessions with Ray.
- Supper on Friday evening, meals all day Saturday with breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea & cakes on Sunday.
- A family/child friendly weekend under canvas in a stunning and safe environment with true experts in their craft.
- Toilets, showers, a washing-up sink, fresh drinking water and robust 1st aid cover are provided.
Please note:
- Gates open 15:00 hrs on Friday (Please do not arrive before this time as there is nowhere for you to park and wait roadside) Gates close at 21:00 hrs – should you anticipate arriving after this time, please email [email protected] so that we can make arrangements to greet you. Gates will open again 06:30 – 10:30 on Saturday should you not be able to join us on Friday.
- Access to the site will be limited following the gate closure on Friday evening/Saturday morning so we advise you to stay onsite at Stanford Hall to avoid disappointment.
- Subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of this page so as not to miss any updates.
- Please wear appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear. Always bring extra clothing just in case! “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing” – Alfred Wainwright
- The communal fire will be lit in the evenings and there will be an inside rest area open to you.
- Our lovely friends @ Bush Café and bar will be open: Friday 16:30 – 23:00. Saturday Café 07:00 – 23:00 (bar open 09:00 – 23:00). Sunday Café 07:00 – 17:00 (bar open 09:00 – 17:00)
- Prior to the event we will send out an information pack with all of the details for you.
Thank you – we can’t wait to see you!