Spring Watercolours for Beginners Plus
- 11th Apr 2026
- 10am - 4pm
- £75pp
- £67.50 for Heligan Members
Join Lauren Waycott, Heligan’s own illustrator and graphic designer for a small-group introduction to watercolour, set in the peaceful beauty of the Heligan gardens. With plenty of personal guidance, you’ll learn the essentials of watercolour, gather natural inspiration from the gardens, and enjoy behind-the-scenes access.
Perfect for those who have participated in Lauren’s beginner class, or have dabbled in the past, this immersive and nurturing workshop will leave you confident, inspired, and creatively refreshed.
Course Detail
Join artist Lauren for a relaxed and inspiring full-day re-introduction to watercolour, set within the beautiful surroundings of the Heligan gardens. You experience will begin with a guided walk through the gardens to The Seedpod, our wonderful new nature-connected learning space. On your walk, you may collect any materials that inspire your creativity.
In this immersive workshop, Lauren will introduce watercolour painting exercises, designed to grow your confidence with materials and techniques.
The afternoon will be spent developing and painting your final piece, with plenty of one-to-one guidance from Lauren. You’ll leave with your completed artwork, along with practical tips and techniques to continue your watercolour journey at home.
This workshop is created for those who have completed one of Lauren’s beginners classes, or those who have had a little experience in the past – considerable previous experience is not required. Lauren will be on hand throughout the day to support and encourage you as you explore the joy of watercolour painting with nature.
Essential information
- Tea/ coffee and cake provided.
- Lunch can be pre-ordered on arrival from the Steward’s House Cafe or you can bring a packed lunch.
- All materials will be provided but feel free to bring your own brushes/ paints if you prefer
- Wear comfortable, weather appropriate, clothing to explore the gardens and perhaps be a little messy in!
- Notebook or journal to take notes, we have paper if needed.
About Lauren
Lauren grew up in the Wye Valley in South Wales, where her interest in the natural world began. She completed a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design at Hereford College of Arts, followed by a BA (Hons) in Illustration from Falmouth University.
For the past three years, she has worked within the design team at Heligan, creating illustrations inspired by the gardens, the animals and the people who care for them. She primarily works in watercolour and acrylics and her work has been shown in several climate crisis exhibitions at the Courtyard Arts and Canwood Gallery – an issue she feels strongly about.
Since graduating in 2022, Lauren has continued to develop her illustration skills while gaining a broad knowledge of Heligan’s plants, stories and hidden corners. She brings this experience to the workshop, guiding participants to create their own winter watercolour painting inspired by the gardens.
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Photography Workshop – Heligan in the summer
- 18th Aug 2026
- 16:00 - 21:00 - £75pp (£67.50 for Heligan Members)
Join Andy Wilson, Heligan’s very own wildlife photographer, for an evening of outdoor photography. With Andy’s expert guidance, you’ll explore Heligan’s springtime gardens in the peaceful evening hours, seeking out the perfect images of our plants, Jungle, productive gardens, nature and wildlife.
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James Canton - Wild Writing Retreat
- 6th - 7th Jun 2026
- 10am - 5pm
Join nature writer and academic Dr James Canton at Heligan to explore techniques of writing the wild and remake your own connection to nature.
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