Arts and Crafts and Painting Holidays UK

Arts and Craft Summer Schools
25 July 2025 to 14 August 2025

Nurture your creativity this summer on an arts, crafts or painting holiday away from the pressures of everyday life. Whether a complete beginner or an emerging expert, you can learn new skills and improve existing talents with our specialist tuition, fully equipped studios and group classes. 

Choose from a wide range of courses, including; Painting, Jewellery, Sculpture, Metalwork, Pottery, Drawing, Printmaking and Textiles.

With the stunning Sussex countryside as an inspiring backdrop and residential options available, our week-long Summer Schools offer the perfect creative escape for anyone looking for a unique arts and crafts holiday experience this summer.

"One of the 10 best creative retreats in the UK and Europe", The Guardian, January 2019

Highlights:

  • Expert, guided tuition
  • Fully equipped art and craft studios
  • Wide range of courses to choose from
  • Evening dinner talks included
  • Accommodation options available
  • Taster sessions in another discipline or course
  • Optional - Evening at the Chichester Festival Theatre
  • Optional - Tour of West Dean Gardens, the historic rooms at West Dean College, or West Dean Tapestry Studio
  • Informal end-of-week exhibition and group reviews
  • Celebration dinner on the final evening

Bursaries are available to help those who could not otherwise come on a course. Find out more about bursaries
 

“The company of drawing and painting with others is a great way of studying. Staying in West Dean House was a special treat, soaking up its history, its treasures and the garden. The joy of having meals prepared for me and coffee on tap, I savoured. Making friends and having the greatest fun was the best. ”

Jane, Summer School 2022
Arts and Crafts Holidays in the UK Residential Art Course

Summer School Accommodation

Turn your Summer School experience into a relaxing break with a stay at the historic West Dean House. Choose from a traditional or modern room and wake up to the characterful charm of this period property set in acres of rolling West Sussex countryside. After a day spent immersing yourself on your chosen course, you can relax with new friends and a glass of wine in the Steward's Bar, take a dip in the open-air swimming pool or curl up with a book in the historic Oak Hall.

Accommodation prices for Summer School weeks start from £432 for a twin room and include breakfast and dinner.

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