‘SKETCHING THE ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE. SURREY UK.
2026
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5 DAYS
Monday July 13th to Friday July 17th
(Can be booked to follow the Ireland Tour)
Step into the pages of an English storybook next July as we explore the historic charm of Surrey and the postcard-perfect villages of Wotton, Shere and Albury, nestled in Surrey’s rolling countryside.
History from at least the 16th century and earlier around every corner.
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COSTS
5 Days £995pp
Single Days - £210
Deposit on 5Days - £295
(non refundable but can be used on another of my tours)
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Mornings: 10.00am - 1.00pm
Sketch lunch: 1.00 -2.00pm
Afternoons: 2.00pm - 3.00pm
Erin Hill and Milton Hill are your organisers for these small personal Workshops and Tours.
It means we can more easily tailor our week to the things you’d most like to do.
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If you’d like to join us, here are your choices.
If you live within traveling distance, simply meet us each day
at Wotton House, Pembroke, in Surrey.
OR
If coming from elsewhere, book your accommodation with Wotton House - where Milton and I will be staying - or elsewhere if you find something you like - and enjoy staying in one glorious place for the week. We’ll start here each day.
WHATS INCLUDED:
Daily plein-air sketch tutoring and guidance for all levels with Erin - approx 4 hrs.
Meet after breakfast at Wotton House Hotel each morning.
One picnic in the woods.
Huge choice of daily sketch subjects, plus hints and tips.
Positive feedback and help with your sketching progress.
Organising and guidance each day.
Transport to and from locations.
History information and background with Milton.
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WHATS NOT INCLUDED:
Flights or transport to and from our Hotel in Wotton, Dorking, Surrey.
Accommodation at Wotton House based in the English countryside,
(a charming country estate in Surrey)
Other accommodation you may choose.
Meals drinks or snacks.
Sketch Kit.
Personal spending.
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Who are my Travel Sketching Tours for?
Anybody who’d love to learn travel sketching, from real subjects you see around you, using watercolours, aquarelle pencils using many of my fast and loose techniques.
Or maybe you’d like to simplify your sketching skills and become much more free.
My mission is to teach people who don’t believe they could possibly sketch or draw,
that by following my step by step approach, you will soon be sketching, and in your own style.
No photos required!
No experience required, just a desire to sketch your journey.
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WHAT YOU'LL NEED
*Sketch Kit - Available UK, USA and France. It’s the colours that are important.
* Bring a folding stool if you like, a hat, a raincoat, sunglasses, water to drink, money for incidentals, such as coffee, drinks, lunch, dinner. And all those gorgeous gifts you’ll find locally.
* Come with a big happy smile and willingness to learn.
Our Itinerary for the week. Depending on the weather of course.
Day 1 – Garden Sketch Warm-up at Wotton House
Morning:
Welcome session: Introduction to sketching week, materials overview, and warm-up exercises
Afternoon:
Explore and sketch the formal Italian gardens, ornamental bridges, and 17th-century architecture of Wotton House.
Group critique and feedback session in the lounge area.
Dinner for those who’d like to join us.
Focus: Perspective, foliage, fountains, and garden symmetry
Day 2 – Village Sketching in Shere
Morning:
After breakfast, travel to Shere (10-minute drive)
Sketch walk through the village center: timber-framed cottages, the stream, stone bridges, and St James’ Church
Afternoon:
Lunch at a local pub (e.g., The White Horse)
Continue sketching at Shere Museum courtyard, Almshouses, and nearby fields with sheep or wildflowers.
Return to Wotton House
Group critique and feedback session in the lounge area.
Dinner for those who’d like to join us.
Focus: Capturing village charm, textures, and architectural character
Day 3 – Countryside Views & Woodland Sketching
Morning:
Guided walk into the Wotton Estate countryside or nearby parks
Sketching panoramic landscapes, distant hills, old oak trees, and trail scenes
Afternoon:
Picnic lunch in the woods or meadow
Sketch exercise: Atmospheric perspective & layered greens
Optional if it rains: indoor ink & watercolor workshop using field sketches
Evening:
Group critique and feedback session in the lounge area.
Dinner for those who’d like to join us.
Focus: Ancient trees, wildflowers and landscapes, close up and distant.
Day 4 – Historic Setting: Albury Park
Morning:
After breakfast a short drive visit to Albury Park & Albury Estate village – historic Saxon church, parkland, and gothic-style buildings
(Optional sketching if it rains. The Drummond at Albury village would be great for indoor sketching, good food and drinks - perfect for people watching)
Afternoon:
Sketching peaceful waters, wooded areas, and historical ruins
Evening:
Return to Wotton House
Group critique and feedback session in the lounge area.
Casual wine & sketchbook sharing night for those who’d like to.
Focus: Reflections, storytelling, and composition planning and typefaces
Day 5 – Hidden Corners and fascinating 17thc Architecture
Morning:
After breakfast we’ll go sketch Wotton House’s hidden corners and secret places.
Afternoon:
Complete your sketches and group feedback
Farewell lunch or cream tea
Departure by late afternoon for most sketchers.
Click the little icons below to see loads of my sketches on Pinterest and Instagram