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Welcome to Guitar Retreats, the ultimate Guitar Getaway!
Our events are aimed at hobby guitar players who want to learn new skills and increase their confidence within a group of other like-minded players. We provide a relaxed, supportive environment for you to focus on your guitar playing along with expert tuition.
Our retreats are tailored to give the time you need to indulge your passion for playing the guitar without the usual distractions. You simply relax, learn, practise and jam with other guitar enthusiasts.
We offer weekend breaks plus 4 and 7 night retreats both in the UK and in Europe, in fantastic venues and inspirational locations.
Non playing partners are always welcome and will find plenty to enjoy in the beautiful locations we use while their other halves indulge their favourite pastime.
Folk /Blues/Americana
FEBRUARY 2024
With James Dixon
February 20th-22nd 2024 – Swindon, Wiltshire – 1pm Tuesday to 1pm Thursday
Two days and nights focusing on the roots and shoots of Folk and Blues (from the British Isles to America and beyond) with the gifted guitarist and singer songwriter James Dixon. For acoustic guitar players who wish to understand the interweaving strands of these rich musical traditions and how they go hand in hand to create some of the most enduring and evocative guitar led music around. James will demonstrate the essential fingerstyle patterns, flat picking techniques, basic to advanced slide guitar techniques, alternate tuning’s and chords plus bring his wealth of musical knowledge on how to create an authentic sound. All skill levels are welcome and lessons will be tailored to suit all abilities. James plays a blend of fingerstyle, flat picking and slide guitar on both traditional acoustic guitars and handbuilt boxes! In his live act he also combines a stompbox and foot tambourine to create a one man band sound that is all together a force to be reckoned with. James’ playing style is influenced by Neil Young, John Martyn, Ralph McTell etc as well as more modern interpreters such as Kelly Joe Phelps, David Rawlings and Chris Wood, plus of course all the very early acoustic blues and folk guitarists. Alongside his own excellent compositions James will be drawing from many of these artists styles in the teaching material.
About Guitar Retreats
Guitar Retreats began life in 2008 as a fun weekend arranged for friends and colleagues who wanted to play the guitar but felt constricted by work, family life and lack of free time. So we hired a holiday home, all piled in with food and drink and we taught the group to play a few chosen songs together over the course of the weekend. It was such a success and so much fun that we repeated it and more and more people wanted to join us!
So here we are now 12 years on, dozens of events and hundreds of budding guitar players have been on our retreats, we continue to grow and thrive with new ideas and longer more exotic retreats. We now also offer vocal coaching, performance skills and songwriting courses. We have a steady core of regular customers who come back again and again for the fun and the camaraderie.
We aim to provide a stress free environment where you will have the time to learn, play and practise and jam in the company of like-minded people.
Getting there is part of the adventure and we offer you magical locations and special places to experience.
We have always believed in providing a fun first, laughing and learning ethic. We choose excellent teachers with an ego free approach to improving your playing, singing and performing. Think of our guitar retreats as a club where you can come and meet old friends and make new ones, pick up a few tips and indulge your favourite pastime to the full in beautiful locations across the UK and Europe.
Guitar Retreats Events
Choose your retreat from our range of locations, themes and different length events. Experience the rugged beauty of Cornwall with a short break to Tresco Island in the Isles of Scilly, or spend a weekend in the charming coastal town of Bude. If you like to travel further-a-field we also offer week long guitar and guitar/songwriting retreats to The Dordogne in South West France plus winter Guitar Getaways to the Algarve in Portugal.
Booking Information
Reserve your place on a retreat today
Please follow the information below to make a booking
Latest News, Reviews & Guitar Stuff
Subscribe to our Monthly Newsletter for all the latest offers and get the lowdown on future retreats in advance.
Read all about our most recent retreats and planned events in our blog below………….
Past Guitar Retreats
View images from some of our previous guitar retreats and events, in Cornwall, Cotswolds, Wales, the beautiful and secluded Tresco Island in the Isles of Scilly and Southwest France. Also see pictures of our new retreat destinations including the Algarve in Portugal and Valencia, Spain .
Venues and Locations
We pride ourselves on our choice of inspiring venues and stunning locations across the UK and in Europe. We only use places that offer something special and provide the sense of escapism and relaxation we require.
We spend a lot of time and care searching to find the ideal venues for our events. Whether it be a seaside hotel, country house, a converted monastery in France or even an entire island!
On many of our events we have full exclusive use of the venue and all its facilities for the duration of the retreats. Your fellow guitarists and their partners will be the only other guests. This gives you the freedom to play whenever and wherever you like without ever being told to be quiet!
Guitar Retreats Forum
Upcoming Events and News
Find out all the latest GR news before everyone else!
Hello, Hola, Bonjour, Hey there!
Hello and welcome to GRSC! - This thread is for introducing yourself sharing your profile, likes and guitar related interests.
Find a guitar buddy!
This forum is the place to hook up with other players in your area or further afield, for a jam session or practice.
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Gear For Sale
This forum is the place to list your guitars and equipment for sale to other GRSC members.
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Stuart Marshall
Founder and Director
As a guitar player, singer, performer, songwriter and teacher, Stuart has been playing music his whole life. A self confessed music obsessive, he has tried his hand at everything from Punk to Funk, Rock to Reggae and all points in between! Nowadays he especially enjoys his role as group leader, teacher, and facilitator for Guitar Retreats. Besides playing guitar and discovering new music, Stuart loves to travel, socialise and meet new people. Guitar Retreats is his perfect vocation!
Sharon Marshall
Events manager
Wife to Stuart, roadie, PA, secretary, accounts manager and general all round supporter of Guitar Retreats! “My reward is that I get to meet so many great people and stay in fantastic places. I love the open mics in the evenings – they really are a highlight of each retreat. Always fun with lots of laughter and a great finale of new songs learnt, original tunes performed and guitarists supporting each other in newly formed bands!”
Guitar Retreats Forum
Upcoming Events and News
Find out all the latest GR news before everyone else!
Hello, Hola, Bonjour, Hey there!
Hello and welcome to GRSC! - This thread is for introducing yourself sharing your profile, likes and guitar related interests.
Find a guitar buddy!
This forum is the place to hook up with other players in your area or further afield, for a jam session or practice.
Forum is empty
Gear For Sale
This forum is the place to list your guitars and equipment for sale to other GRSC members.
Forum is empty
La Perdrix – Dordogne, France
La Perdrix is a magical, rustic, rambling wonderland of creativity. A converted 13th Century Monastery set in its own grounds in the heart of The Dordogne. Now a guest house it is owned and run by English host and chef Johnny and his team. Quirky interiors, characterful rooms, arty antiques, fine food, beautiful gardens and a swimming pool to relax by!
Tresco Island – Isles of Scilly
Tresco Island in the Isles of Scilly, Cornwall has to be one of the most beautiful places in the British Isles. This privately owned Island paradise is a luxury playground for nature lovers and those seeking a little peace and calm away from the modern world. Our venue The New Inn Hotel is wonderfully cosy and welcoming, the rooms reflecting the beachside harbour location. The food and the service is second to none.
October 2023 – Blues Jam Retreat
29/10/2023 – 31/10/2023
From Sunday 12pm – To Tuesday 12pm
Learn the ‘secrets’ to playing classic acoustic blues licks, riffs and runs!
How do I learn to play a blues in any key? How does Robert Johnson get those great licks?
How can I put a good solo together?
How many notes make a good solo?
How can I play something that sounds different but fits in?
If the tempo is fast, do I have to play fast?
If you’ve ever asked any of these questions, this is the retreat for you!
Over the course of the retreat participants will learn to play blues chord progressions in different keys, moving on to learn how they can be used effectively in duo, trio and group performances.
Techniques we’ll be looking at will include; Bending notes (which ones and when to use them), playing rhythm back up and keeping good time, what makes a good fill/lick, how to use open’ tunings, using a capo when playing with others. We will be learning how to play all these skills in 4 different keys; E, A, D and G. And once you learn them they will be applicable to all keys.
The retreat is open to all abilities. Those new to a blues jam situation will be well catered for but there is plenty of scope for intermediate and advanced players also to get involved and learn something new. Some experience of finger style playing would be an advantage but not essential.
Our tutor is the one and only Adam Franklin , simply one of the best acoustic blues players in the UK. Follow the link to his website to learn more about Adam and listen to his recorded output.
The venue is the magnificent Dumbleton Hall in the Cotswolds. This venue is perfect for our needs, with plenty of break out spaces for jamming and rehearsing with small groups. Its going to be a jam to remember!
Songwriting Guitar Retreat – France
SEPTEMBER 2024
03/09/2024 -10/09/2024
A week long residential retreat in a magical setting in The Dordogne, France, practising the art and craft of song writing for guitarists, singers, other instrumentalists and non playing writers alike.
Over the week you will be taught and guided to complete your own compositions in the company of other budding song writers. There will be classes on song structure and composition, lyric writing, rhyming structures, chord progressions, arrangements, song style, rhythm, keys, melody, chord theory and its use for song writing. Plus professional tips tricks, brainstorming and a whole lot more. Plus of course lots of guitar playing, song swapping, singing and jam sessions in the evenings!
Partners are very welcome to come too and just relax for the week and enjoy the music, space, atmosphere and gourmet food.
March 2024 – Tresco Island Retreat
Thursday 14th – Monday 18th March 2024
Arrival time Thursday afternoon/ evening – Departure time Monday morning
We are exited to be returning to the Scilly Isles this year for a 4 day, 4 night retreat, on the beautiful island of Tresco, Just a few miles off the coast of the tip of Cornwall.
This Guitar Retreat/ holiday brings together guitar tuition, playing with others and a truly magical location with first class accommodation, facilities and gourmet food. It is a fantastic way to discover this special corner of the UK and offers a wonderful opportunity for partners to come too and simply relax and enjoy all that Tresco and The Isles of Scilly have to offer. Including free entry to the world famous sub tropical gardens and the luxury spa complex! Places are limited to 14 players (plus partners).
Guitar, Body and Soul Retreat – Morocco
27th Nov – 4th Dec 2024
Our latest foreign adventure is entitled the ‘Guitar, Body and Soul Retreat’ because on this very special week long event we aim to provide an experience that invigorates all these things at the same time! A relaxing holiday with time and space to learn, practise and play whilst exploring an ancient culture rich in colourful sights, sounds and tastes, food for all the senses. It will take place in the beautiful ancient walled town of Taroudant in the south of Morocco, located within sight of the Atlas Mountain range. The stunning venue La Maison Anglaise incorporates beautiful eco gardens, cool shaded areas and a central swimming pool within a modern building complex. The venue combines traditional and innovative sustainable design with all modern amenities and comforts you could wish for. The beautiful courtyard and terrace and, airy, en-suite bedrooms makes this is the perfect place to bring your partners too as they can simply relax , sight see or take part in many different creative activities on offer, while you strum away!
The musical theme for this week is ‘Campfire Friendly Songs for guitarists and singers’ – How to choose, arrange, play and perform them with confidence.
We will spend the week learning and playing through a range of well known songs in different styles and genres, all of which are suitable for performing to small groups, with the aim of encouraging group participation. This might be round a campfire, at an open mic session or at any small gathering where you might be asked to perform or want to play something simple, inclusive and within your abilities. We will discuss song choice and explore how to adapt and arrange songs so that they are tailored to your abilities and the environment in which they are performed. The week is dedicated to honing your current skill set and practising performing songs in a fun, safe and supportive environment with the aim of improving your confidence when playing in public.
Places are limited to 14 players (plus partners).
Winter Sun Getaway
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An Mor Hotel – Bude, Cornwall
An Mor Hotel is a newly refurbished uniquely themed Boutique hotel which embraces the best of British culture, music, art and humor. It has to be experienced to be believed! Situated on the stunning Atlantic coast its just a short stroll to the beach and harbour. There are sea views from many of the bedrooms and a fantastic covered outdoor space and sea view garden to explore as well as the sumptuous and spacious interior. A great place for partners to come too and simply enjoy the charming town and surroundings of Bude.
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Contact Us
GET IN TOUCH
CALL US
07903 316 313
POSTAL ADDRESS
71 Victoria Road, Bude, Cornwall, EX23 8RH
Creative Acoustic with Chris Woods
June 5th – 7th
Wednesday 12pm – Friday 12pm
Breathe new life into your acoustic guitar playing whatever level you are at. In this enlightening course, tutor Chris Woods (Chris Woods Groove Orchestra) will be offering inspiration in bucket loads! Teaching a huge range of fresh approaches, techniques and ideas for us all to use in our own unique way. With different skills tailored to suit all abilities Chris employs musical ideas that are inspiring to advanced players and beginners alike. The many different ideas and approaches are designed to breathe new life into your playing and unlock your creativity. Chris will be visiting everything from playing by ear to usable music theory, rhythm techniques to percussive fingerstyle, using a loop station and improvising with others. Expect to finish the course with a host of exciting new ideas and abilities to add to your playing and practise. This course will help you whether you are in a creative rut and want to get out of it, or your already feeling inspired and want to explore new areas of acoustic playing. This retreat will fuel your creativity and make picking up your guitar an exciting adventure every time!
- Explore rhythms from around the world
- Percussive techniques
- Altered Tunings
- Using a loop station (with BOSS loop stations to try out)
- Creative strumming patterns/grooves
- Creative finger picking
- Harmonics/ tapping/ slapping/ special effects
- Unique time signatures
- Modes explained and simplified
- Creating melodies
- Improvising/ear playing
- Composing/arranging
Beatles Guitar Secrets – Abbey Road (1)
APRIL 2024
With Gary McCausland and Stuart Marshall
April 11th – 13th 2024 , Thursday 12pm – Saturday 1pm, Swindon, Wiltshire
The latest in our series of extremely popular Beatles themed retreats. On this retreat we will take an in depth look at the many different guitar styles and techniques employed on the ‘Abbey Road’ album. Taking apart classic timeless songs such as Come together, Something, Here Comes the Sun, Octopus’s garden and a cornucopia of fantastic guitar parts on all the other songs too. In fact too much to learn in one retreat, so we have divided Abbey Road into two parts and will focus mostly on side one of the album this time.
Fellow Beatles fanatic and hugely talented guitarist Gary McCausland, joins me once again to share his undying love for everything Beatles and give you the low down on the guitar parts, guitars, gear, stories and myths of the most famous band in history. We will give you the low down on the classic and innovative rhythm parts, hooks, chords, riffs and lead lines that make up the fantastic collection on Abbey Road. Dissecting every aspect and presenting it with detailed chord charts and tab. You will come back with a ton of new interesting ways to play. No guitar players repertoire would be complete without a few tips from John, Paul and George.
The material covered will be tailored to suit both acoustic and electric guitar players and all skill levels are welcome to participate.
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HERE'S WHAT PEOPLE HAVE BEEN SAYING...
watching every one progress and to grow more confident was something that I shall never forget. It was so enjoyable when everyone played together and got into the groove.
Every lesson was packed with gems of information for a budding beginner and I thought your whole team did a fantastic job.