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 around 12, 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 2025
11th - 14th April: Dai Hannya Kyō Reiki A Path to Self Illumination (Level I)
14th – 19th May: A North Devon Sketchbook with Mark Warner
25th – 31st May: Five Day Watercolour Retreat with Tom Shepherd - FULLY BOOKED
1st - 6th June: What Would Seago Do - a Landscape Painting Masterclass with Paul Oakley
11th - 15th June: Three Day Plein Air Painting Retreat with Maria Rose ROI
16th - 20th June: From Sketchbook to Canvas with Melanie Cambridge
9th – 14th July: 4-day Plein Air Painting Adventure with Graham Webber ROI - FULLY BOOKED
14th – 18th July: Watercolour Laid Bare with Brian Smith RI, SDWS
18th – 21st July: Painting Wildlife in Realistic Settings in Acrylic with Andrew Forkner
11th – 15th August: Art Retreat with Gail Mason: 'Paint, Print And Play'
16th – 21st August: 4-day Artistic Escape - En Plein Air in Devon with Graham Webber ROI
21st - 27th August: Earth Denizens Awakening: Journeys into Faery Land
1st – 5th September: Transform Your Painting Skills In Just 3 Days With Nick Logan
8th – 11th September: Two Day Acrylic Retreat with Tom Shepherd
11th – 15th September: Three Day Watercolour Retreat with Tom Shepherd
26th – 29th September: Art Retreat with Lynda Kettle R.B.S.A. - Vibrant Soft Pastels
16th - 21st October: Dai Hannya Kyō Reiki A Path to Self Illumination (Level II)
Workshops & Retreats in 2026
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."