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Workshops & Retreats at Westcott Barton


Where the pace of life is determined by you...

Now more than ever before we have embraced our creativity: in arts, in self-expression, in looking to understand what truly makes us happy and in rediscovering ourselves.

Having always been a holiday destination where guests have left with a sense of fulfilment from their time surrounded by nature and the ambience of Westcott Barton, we have now collaborated with a number of incredibly talented artists, photographers, yoga and meditation teachers to give you the opportunity to truly enrich your experience.

Our workshops and retreats are a new way to enjoy Westcott and discover your passion.

The courses are led by a carefully selected group of tutors, each of whom has a proven track record of running courses and retreats.

To maximise individual tutoring/assistance for each course member, numbers will be limited to 10, although non-participating partners wishing a weekend break in a beautiful, peaceful location are also welcome, subject to availability.

Please see below for the selection we currently have on offer. For further information and to book your place, please click on the relevant link.


We welcome non-residential participants on our retreats/courses - please enquire for further details.


Workshops & Retreats in 2024

27th April: One Day Plein Air Painting Course with Maria Rose

29th April - 5th May: Art Retreat with Sarah Holliday - The Wonder of Nature - FULLY BOOKED

9th - 13th May: Developing Painting & Sketching in a Wider Format (Panoramic) with Mark Warner - FULLY BOOKED

14th - 18th May: ‘Sketchbook to Studio’ with Paul Oakley

24th - 27th May: Art Retreat with Becky Gouverneur

17th – 21st June: Let the Pigments Play in Watercolour or Chosen Medium with Brian Smith RI, SDWS - FULLY BOOKED

21st – 28th June: Art Retreat with Sue Bradley - Watercolour Pure and Simple

28th June – 2nd July: Painting Wildlife in Realistic Settings in Acrylic with Andrew Forkner

7th – 11th July: Art Retreat with Mark Warner - Seascapes & the North Devon Coast - FULLY BOOKED

12th – 15th July: Earth Denizens Awakening: Journeys into Faery Land

17th – 21st July: Art Retreat with Vicki Norman

9th – 13th August: Warm, Cool, Light & Shade - Watercolour Or Your Chosen Medium with Brian Smith RI, SDWS

13th – 16th September: Dai Hannya Kyō Reiki A Path to Self Illumination (Level I)

19th – 22nd September: Photography Course with Becky Gouverneur

22nd - 29th September: LSAG Retreat and Painting with Mark Warner - FULLY BOOKED

4th – 7th October: Art Retreat with Lynda Kettle R.B.S.A. - Vibrant Soft Pastels

10th – 14th October: Art Retreat with Melissa Wishart - Paint, Sea & Nature


Workshops & Retreats in 2025

14th – 19th May: Art Retreat with Mark Warner - Details coming soon.

25th – 31st May: Five Day Watercolour Retreat with Tom Shepherd

1st - 6th June: Art Retreat with Paul Oakley - Details coming soon.

16th - 20th June: From Sketchbook to Canvas with Melanie Cambridge

22nd - 28th June: Art Retreat with Peter Keegan - Details coming soon.

3rd – 8th July: Art Retreat with Mark Warner - Details coming soon.

1st – 5th September: Art Retreat with Nick Logan - Details coming soon.

8th – 11th September: Two Day Acrylic Retreat with Tom Shepherd

11th – 15th September: Three Day Watercolour Retreat with Tom Shepherd


One of our regular tutors, Tom Shepherd, has recorded a selection of YouTube videos whilst at Westcott Barton. Please visit our Gallery page to view these along with a selection of photos from past retreats.



"I have just returned from a long weekend art retreat at Westcott Barton and it was absolutely perfect. The grounds are stunning and the accommodation is lovely. Staff were all so friendly and couldn't do enough to help. The food was incredible with a French twist. I highly recommend Westcott Barton to stay for a break or to attend one of their retreats. The studio is in a beautiful orangery backing onto gorgeous gardens. I couldn't have asked for anything more. Thank you."