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 of the Stanford Hall Estate, Bushcraft Magazine together with Ray Mears invite you to this very special venue with its truly stunning surrounding ancient parkland. With two beautiful lakes, 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 Demonstrations and activities.
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 our chefs will prepare a sumptuous meal hosted by Ray.
On Sunday afternoon, we’ll all gather for a talk/presentation by Ray followed by a book signing session with autograph/photo opportunity.
Whilst you are awaiting your class with Ray, our friend and associate Jason Ingamells and the highly trained instructors of Woodland Ways will be offering you a number of bushcraft sessions scheduled to include:
1. Dedicated workshops
- Animal Track & Sign
- Introduction to Foraging
- UK Wildlife ID fun (with prizes!)
2. Self Guided learning;
- Leather working
- Willow Weaving
- Wood Carving
Meals:
Throughout the weekend, our partners at Bush Café will be selling coffee (including their delicious Irish coffee!) hot chocolate, teas & soft drinks together with a range of beers, cider and wines for you to enjoy with your meal.
Dietary requirements will be catered for – including vegan, vegetarian & gluten (should you have specific dietary requirements, please Complete this form HERE).
Who knows you may have the oppotunity to meet Ray over Breakfast…
Camping & Accomadation:
Wheather you choose to pitch up your tent or park up your camper the choice is yours to enjoy a magical stay with us over the weekend. Raised fires allowed. Please note: All vehicles must park parrell to the water incase of handbrake failure.
If you are looking for a little bit of comfort, we have a limited offering of duluxe rooms available for an optional upgrade at the time you purchase your tickets.
Friday evening (approx 19:00)
There will be a simple offering of Hot Dogs (including a vegetarian version) which you can enjoy around the communal camp fire. Alternatively you are welcome to self cater (a supermarket, Fish & Chips, Indian/Chinese take away restaurants are located in Rugby 8 mins drive away).
Saturday
The day starts with a cooked breakfast @ 07:30. Lunch (hot soup & bread or sandwiches/savouries & fruit) will be served @ 12:30.
The day culminates in what will be a wonderful meal, hosted by Ray, where you can join him around the campfire enjoying a magical feast of curries, bread, rice & savouries. There will be a pop-up bar, communal fire and some live music if you fancy making some silly shapes!
Sunday
As with Saturday, there will be a hearty breakfast to start the day followed by lunch @ 12:30.
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 talk to you about The Bushcraft Show 2025 (as many of you will know, Ray Mears is a very strong supporter of this fabulous, annual event).
Included in your weekend adventure:
- Two nights camping in a truly stunning setting
- A guided woodland walk with Ray Mears
- Two demonstrations by Ray Mears
- A talk/presentation by Ray Mears followed by a book signing & photo opportunity.
- Opportunity to join a number of classes/demonstrations with our friends at Woodland Ways.
- Supper on Friday evening, meals all day Saturday with breakfast and lunch 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 a 1st aid station are provided.
Please note:
- Gates open 15:00 hrs on Friday 18th October (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.