Plein Air Creative Retreats

Discover new perspectives, learn new skills and make new friends

Are you an artist looking to run a course?

Well House Have Art Venue is also available for professional artists wanting to run their own courses. Free access to the extensive studio capable of taking 10 students plus tutor is available as well as free tutor accommodation - please enquire below.

Enquire Here

This year we ran a successful one day eco printing workshop run by North Yorkshire based artist Sue Walsh (@leafsong) see photos below. Also in July 2025 we look forward to hosting a 3 day workshop run by reknowned pastel and mixed media artist Robert Dutton - watch this space for further information available very soon.

Frequently Asked Questions about the practical side of our creative retreats

Is there phone reception?

Being out in the rolling Yorkshire countryside, phone reception is poor unless you happen to be with EE. Look at it as an opportunity to step away from life’s commitments and focus on your craft.

Will I have access to wi-fi?

Like phone reception, wi-fi at the Well House Haven Art Venue is limited. You will be able to check your emails, but don’t expect to be able to stream Netflix!

Where’s the nearest venues for food?

There are pubs at Middlesmoor and Lofthouse - both a short drive or 20-40 min walk. Cafes are also open during the day at How Stean Gorge and Studfold Cafe, which are even closer.

Where’s the nearest shops?

Pateley Bridge (9 miles) or Masham (11 miles)

What do I need to bring with me?

Art materials though there are plenty of workstations and easels as well as a number of field easels you can borrow. Enough clothes to last you the length of your stay, a rucksack and some sturdy walking boots! For the self catering mini-residencies please also bring your own food plenty of fridge and freezer space available.

Is the venue easy to reach?

The country roads in the surrounding area are quite winding, as you would expect, but are very quiet. Please note that low-slung cars might have trouble clearing the driveway to the venue – You won’t need a 4x4, but you will definitely need something with some clearance.

What is available in the Studio?

The Barn Studio has 10 - 12 large workstations well lit by daylight lamps and a number of large floorstanding easels as well as A2 and A3 boards. There are also few easels which can be borrowed for field studies. We provide tea/coffee/cold drink facilities in the studio and a fridge for food storage.

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Accommodation for my creative retreats

In the interest of convenience and full artistic immersion, there is limited accommodation available at Well House for attendees and their partners. There will also be a shepherd's hut on site able to accommodate 2 people with separate shower facilities.

The House also incorporates a relaxing sitting room with free coofee and tea facilities

Access to kitchen/diner for self catering available on request

If you are considering a large group event and I'm not able to fit you in, don't worry – There is plenty of other accommodation available at the local villages of Middlesmoor and Lofthouse, and slightly further away at Masham and Pateley Bridge.

Accommodation

Find yourself falling in love with the Nidderdale AONB?

You and your partner are more than welcome to stay for a few days longer – If you would like to arrange this, please email me at hello@karenblacklock.co.uk