Convivial concentration: Randy Hale demonstrating in the Watermill courtyard.

We’ve always liked the word bellwether, which has nothing  to do with church bells or good weather, although we have plenty of both at the Watermill.

Convivial concentration under the dappled sunlight of the vine verandah on a Watermill Italian Language week.

For, as a recent Merriam-Webster Dictionary Word of the Day tells us, bellwether refers to someone (or an organisation) who takes initiative or actively establishes a trend that is taken up by others.

Creative laughter on a Watermill writing course.

That’s what the Watermill and its dedicated team are doing, judging by the comments of our guests on this year’s week-long all-inclusive convivially creative courses, in painting, writing, knitting and the Italian language. You can tell we are a bellwether by the high proportion of people who keep coming back, often again and again, to enjoy our warm hospitality, inspiring teaching, delicious food and wine, stunning locations and the convivial company of like-minded people.

Creative cooperation on a knitting week.

Join us and be a trendsetter in the most delightful way.

And don’t forget our Early Bird offer: £75 (English pounds) off the cost of any 2027 creative holiday, if you book before the end of 2026.

But hurry! Next year’s courses are filling fast – and we are already taking bookings for 2028!

That’s what we call a bellwether.