Retreat: “To withdraw to a quiet or secluded place”
Oxford English Dictionary
At Backbury House Retreats, we specialise in expertly planned and delivered art courses.
We offer a wide range of options, including monthly taster sessions, weekly art classes, weekend courses, and bespoke experiences.
Set in a picturesque, panoramic location, our UK art retreat provides an inspiring and memorable space to create and unwind.
A visit to Backbury House Retreats is a creative experience not to be missed.
Our courses are taught by a fully qualified art teacher with 30 years’ experience. We keep class sizes small so we can provide tailored support for every ability level, with particular strength in helping beginners develop their skills.
In summary, we provide:
Please note that full details for all of our course options are detailed on the following pages:
The three-hour sessions are packed with practical tips to help you begin your artistic journey.
Suitable for beginners to improvers
Suitable for beginners to improvers
Suitable for beginners to improvers
Suitable for beginners to improvers
The classes are expertly led by a fully qualified art teacher.
In summary, you can attend our classes throughout the year in 10-week blocks for Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter sessions
Suitable for beginners to improvers
Suitable for beginners to improvers
11-12 July 26
Suitable for beginners to improvers.
Weekend Course tickets available.
25 July 26
Suitable for beginners to improvers.
3-hour Workshop tickets available.
8-9 Aug 26
Suitable for beginners to improvers.
Weekend Course tickets available.
22 Aug 26
Suitable for beginners to improvers.
3-hour Workshop tickets available.
For your convenience, you can purchase our classes, courses and workshops online 24/7 through our Events & Bookings page. Once purchased, you will receive a booking confirmation plus helpful event information all via email.
So firstly, read all about our different programmes on the designated pages. Choose either our Art Classes and Workshops page or Courses Menu page.
Then, once you have made your course choice, visit our Events & Bookings page to see availability and to book your place.
Finally, if you are unable to complete your purchase online, then please get in touch so that we can help.
Our studios are ideally situated for a great selection of places to stay and all within easy reach.
In summary, you could choose from luxury boutique hotels, traditional hostelries, budget options or even glamping!
So, head over to our accommodation page to view a selection of local options.
We have a fantastic range of weekend workshops and courses scheduled for 2026.
There is lots of choice with programmes covering acrylic, charcoal, ink, pencil, printmaking and watercolour techniques.
So, head over to our event calendar to view the complete range of programmes.
If so, why not purchase a gift voucher for a creative workshop or course?
Simply purchase a voucher from our shop page and you will then receive an email containing your voucher immediately.
In addition, if you open an account on My Account page, you can accumulate purchased vouchers in a total balance which can then be redeemed on a future purchase of your choice.
If not, you are missing out! In our online shop we have a wonderful selection of original framed artworks by Sharon Brookes.
To summarise, Sharon has been a practising artist alongside her art teaching career since obtaining her BA (Hons) in 1993. In essence, she is drawn to depicting fine detail in her artwork together with capturing an expressive quality and characterful subjects.
In summary, the artwork available to purchase online includes:
So shop now to view and purchase the full range of artworks.
In order to offer a useful source of technical knowledge and inspiration, we periodically publish our know-how posts. In addition, if you sign up to our newsletter, you will automatically be sent the latest posts. So we hope that you will enjoy reading them and find them informative. Just click on the titles to view the full articles.
In this Know-How post, you will discover how drawing and painting can harmonise to create an expressive elephant artwork.…
Do you require a creative boost? It is common to experience periods of stagnation or uncertainty regarding one’s creative…
Learn how to paint an expressive lion image in watercolour in this step-by-step guide. It’s easy when you know…
Being Inspired to paint In searching for images to paint in watercolour, I came across this beautiful photo. The…
If you are interested in developing your watercolour technique and achieve quality results, then please read on! The Task…
We are an award-winning art retreat in the heart of the Wye Valley in Herefordshire. We offer expertly led art, photography and creative mindfulness courses for all ability levels.
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"Sharon was perfect! We clicked immediately and it was like having coffee with a friend. Despite my zero knowledge re watercolours, she was very patient. She was easy to understand and had the right approach, tools and tips to allow one to learn very quickly. I came away feeling very excited to try by myself. I would highly recommend Sharon's experiences. And her coffee, biscuit and views are all A++! Thanks Sharon!"
"I bought this experience for my dad for this Birthday. He enjoys taking photos but always wanted to learn how to take really good ones - he loved the experience! Found Sharon friendly and helpful, and came away with a lot of new skills and enthusiasm for photography. Would recommend!"
"I just want to thank you for this afternoon. It was just what I was looking for! I have been on a couple of painting classes, both acrylic and watercolour and never really been told why we’re doing something this way… just this is what we do!
Your clear explanation and patience was much appreciated. You gave information on the paper, brushes and different paints. I learnt a lot and feel more confident to play with watercolours.
I can’t wait to start.
It was lovely to meet you and the other ladies and I hope it won’t be too long before I return for another class".