The perfect painting holiday, with award winning artists.

Enjoy a residential art weekend with expert tuition for all levels in the magical Blackdown Hills.

Sitting on the border of Somerset and Devon, our landscape was immortalised by The Camden Town Group of post impressionists, who a century ago were drawn to paint the area’s extraordinary natural beauty, much of which is unchanged to this day.

Perfect art holidays and weekends at The Blackdowns Artist Retreat

Let the outside in

Surrounded by 32 acres of mesmerising woodland, meadows and a clear babbling brook, the retreat is a truly beautiful place to indulge your artistic nature.

Weekend Art Courses for beginners at Blackdowns Artist Retreat

Learn from the best

Enjoy small art classes of just 8 people as our award-winning artists guide you through the 2 day weekend courses, to suit all levels from beginner to the more accomplished.

Art courses, great food, wonderful  location. Blackdowns Artist Retreat.

The art of relaxation

Choose from four comfortably and stylishly appointed double rooms in the main farmhouse, where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served using the freshest local ingredients, prepared by chef Marc Jerem.


  • “An exhilarating experience...the setting, the people and of course the creature comforts"

    – Ian M. Surrey

  • “Truly wonderful! Fabulous location, great tuition, guests and hosts, can’t recommend it enough"

    – Annette L. Devon

  • “ - just great and I can’t wait for my next taste of the Blackdown magic."

    – Jenny M. Cornwall

  • “Nice mix of people, great food, inspirational teacher - I loved my room and your hospitality. It felt like a private club"

    – Katje P. Devon