Festive Calligraphy, Afternoon Tea & Some Luxury at Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa
Yearning for an unusual Christmas experience that will have you feeling festive in no time? Rachel Ducker was lucky enough to be invited to the Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa’s special launch of their Festive Calligraphy Workshop, and found herself in the perfect mix of indulgence, creativity and Christmas pampering.
There is something quite special about this time of year. Anticipation of Christmas, the chance to catch up with friends and family and, of course, the opportunity to treat yourself to some festive luxury.
Lucky enough to be invited along to an exclusive preview of the Festive Calligraphy Workshop at Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa in Newmarket this week and I can honestly say it definitely put me in the Christmas spirit.
Putting the gorgeous, festive afternoon tea, the inspiring calligraphy workshop and the idyllic setting of Bedford Lodge together, this was the kind of afternoon I didn’t realise I needed.
With two more workshops happening before Christmas, I really would recommend booking on.
A Little Festive Indulgence
If you’ve ever been to Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa then you will know how wonderfully relaxing and luxurious it is. It’s the kind of place where you can get away from the daily grind and take some well-earned time out.
Our day started in Squires Restaurant where we enjoyed a special preview of the Festive Afternoon Tea.
There’s something about afternoon tea that elevates an event and makes it memorable, so that when you throw in a Christmas element, it gets even better.
Nice to take a step back, have a few treats and absorb the atmosphere.
For me, one of the nicest things about the whole experience was that it was absolutely no pressure at all. It was just an afternoon to share some good company, some good food and to give something new a go.
Discovering the Art of Calligraphy
Now this is something I’ve wanted to learn for such a long time.
I’ve always been a big fan of beautifully handwritten invites, Christmas cards and personalised stationery, but it’s not an art I’ve ever tried myself.
And so, when I saw that in the afternoon, I could spend two hours at a Christmas calligraphy workshop with Sleepy Bee Studio, I was over the moon.
The workshop was lovely and relaxed, and welcoming so perfect for total beginners like me.
We discovered the art of modern calligraphy and practised using nibs and ink to make pretty lettering.
Of course, it takes some practice, but that was part of the fun. There’s actually kind of a surprisingly therapeutic sensation to just focusing on each individual letter, slowing down and letting yourself be a little creative.
In this busy world of ours, where we’re always rushing around, looking at our phones, and trying to tick off the never ending to-do list, it was quite a joy to sit down, concentrate, and learn how to do something new.
And the best part? I actually learnt to do calligraphy! Something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and I’m excited to finally get to try out now Christmas is around the corner!
I can imagine some gorgeous handwritten gift tags and Christmas cards coming out this year.
Creative & Relaxing at its Best
The thing that struck me the most about this experience was the way everything gelled so beautifully.
The festive afternoon tea, the tranquil environment and the artistic calligraphy class all worked well together.
I was so laid-back I was ready to go to bed!
It’s rare you get the best of both worlds – an opportunity to relax and for education – but Bedford Lodge has bridged the gap seamlessly.
I think it’s also a brilliant idea for anyone wanting to do something a bit different with friends or family leading up to Christmas.
Skip the shopping trip or family lunch and have a day that will go into the folder of family memories. Join us for a day of fun and laughter and make an object of beauty.
If, however, you are one of those people who loves having a little bit of you-time, I would very much say book in for some solo spoiling.
Every now and then, getting away from the normal cares of life for an afternoon is exactly what we need.
Make a Day of It at Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa
Not enough to lure you in alone, Bedford Lodge is also allowing you to pair your calligraphy session with some relaxation time at its luxurious spa.
The upcoming Spa & Christmas Calligraphy Experience includes three hours of spa access, festive afternoon tea, a glass of bubbly and the two-hour workshop.
A perfect pairing for anyone who appreciates a touch of luxury with some creative flair!
All of our upcoming workshops come with a calligraphy kit to take home, consisting of a pen holder, nibs, inks and paper, so you can keep on practising long after the workshop has finished.
And let’s be honest, there’s nothing more lovely than entering into the Christmas break having learned a new skill which you can all put to use for you when wrapping your presents and writing your cards.
My Verdict
I absolutely loved this experience.
It was a lovely way to spend an afternoon: the delicious tea and the festive atmosphere, and to finally have a go at calligraphy!
I left Bedford Lodge relaxed, inspired and, most importantly, very much in the Christmas spirit.
This is a gentle reminder that you don’t always have to hit the Christmas markets or spend hours queuing for the shopping centre in the run up to Christmas. A great way to enjoy this wonderful time of year is to take your foot off the pedal, enjoy quality time with those around you and give something a go you’ve always wanted to do.
Would I recommend it? Yes!
Whatever your festive afternoon plans with friends, whether you’re buying for a loved one, or are just after a few hours to yourself, this is one Christmas experience that definitely deserves a place in your diary.
How to Book the Festive Calligraphy Workshops
Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa will be hosting two more Christmas calligraphy events this year with Sleepy Bee Studio:
Thursday 26th November 2026 – Spa & Christmas Calligraphy Experience- £155 per person – book here
This experience is suitable for beginners and includes spa use, afternoon tea and a festive calligraphy class!
Wednesday 2nd December 2026- Festive Afternoon Tea & Christmas Calligraphy Workshop – £120 (pp)- book here
Includes a glass of prosecco, a festive afternoon tea in Squires Restaurant, a two-hour Christmas calligraphy workshop and a calligraphy kit to take home.
Address: Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa Bury Road Newmarket Suffolk, CB8 7BX
For further details or to make a reservation, go to: www.bedfordlodgehotel.co.uk
Availability is limited, so please book as early as possible.
Rachel Ducker was a guest of Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa who provided complimentary entry to the Festive Calligraphy Workshop. All opinion are her own.
