bg
Enrich your life

Leisure courses and study breaks in the Cotswolds

Day Courses

We run a range of Day Courses in painting, drawing, singing, music appreciation, art history, writing and crafts. A Day School is a great way to try out Farncombe Estate, or sample a new subject: learn to use a sewing machine, draw a caricature, dip into some history, music or art.

If you would like to join us for longer, you can extend your stay to include Dinner, Bed and Breakfast. This can be done at the time of booking your course.

Early Bird Deal Available! EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT Keep an eye out for this symbol to get a discount on courses

SUNDAY2 Jun Title: Cath Kidston Inspired Party Cupcakes Tutor: The Creative Cake Academy

  Everyone just loves the colours and the pretty rose themes of the Cath Kidston range of products. In this set of cupcakes, you will capture the different colours and elements to make a really special set of cupcakes that …

More Info  
SUNDAY9 Jun Title: Patchwork & Quilting – An Introduction for Absolute Beginners Tutor: Sue Hazell

This is a one-day introduction to the art of Patchwork and Quilting and you needn’t buy expensive equipment for it. You learn how to select suitable fabrics, cut out with accuracy, test your design, assemble accurately, apply quilting fabric, quilt …

More Info  
SUNDAY16 Jun Title: Vintage Cookies Collection Tutor: The Creative Cake Academy

  Cookies are now proving to be as popular as cupcakes on the coffee table.  They are also perfect for wedding favours, or in a pretty box as a special gift.  In this workshop you will be given a set …

More Info  
SATURDAY29 Jun Title: Kick-Start your Songwriting Tutor: Jo Sercombe

Do you ever feel like you keep writing the same song over and over again? If so, now’s the time to spend a day with experienced song- writing tutor Jo Sercombe, exploring different ways to write songs. Whether you like …

More Info  
SATURDAY29 Jun Title: On the Trail of Piero della Francesca Tutor: Alice Foster

Piero della Francesca is admired for his carefully-balanced compositions, his geometric precision, the spare content of his work and – probably most of all – his emotional coolness. Art expert Alice Foster delves into Piero’s work in some detail. Join …

More Info  
SUNDAY30 Jun Title: Mini Cakes: The Flower Collection Tutor: The Creative Cake Academy

Mini Cakes are a delightful alternative to the cupcake and they feature highly on the list of alternative offering for wedding and celebration cakes. In this class, you will learn a vast amount of cake decorating skills that will also …

More Info  
SATURDAY6 Jul Title: The Clothed Figure in Watercolour Tutor: Paul Weaver

 Sketching and painting from observation is the perfect way to develop a better understanding of any subject and on this course, Paul will guide you through his methods for making quick pencil sketches and watercolour studies from the clothed model. …

More Info  
SATURDAY13 Jul Title: Solo Singers Day School – Improvers Tutor: Jo Sercombe

This day school is for those who have some performing experience and would like to take their skills to the next level. Whether you’ve been in a musical, fronting a band or giving solo concerts, there will be gems to …

More Info  
SATURDAY13 Jul Title: Willow Sculpture – create a ‘masterpiece’ to take away! Tutor: Charlie Lupton

  Have you ever dreamt of kindling your creative talents and creating a sculpture? With this highly interactive workshop, you will learn simple techniques to work with withies (basket-making willow rods), sculpt any model with them you choose and take …

More Info  
SUNDAY14 Jul Title: Introduction To Beekeeping Tutor: Chris Wells

A one-day course for those who are new to beekeeping, thinking of starting or simply interested in the subject. The day covers: The Life Of The Honeybee, How To Set Up An Apiary, The Beekeeping Year, Working With Bees, Products …

More Info  
SUNDAY14 Jul Title: Vintage Cupcakes: Roses and Pearls Tutor: The Creative Cake Academy

Vintage Cupcakes are really popular and their pretty feminine design makes them desirable for many types of celebrations including wedding, party, anniversary, birthday or a special gift. At the Roses and Pearls workshop you will learn how to make hand-made …

More Info  
SUNDAY18 Aug Title: Creative Cupcakes Masterclass Tutor: The Creative Cake Academy

  If you thought decorating cupcakes just meant a swirl of buttercream and a few sprinkles, you are very mistaken. The Creative Cake Academy will teach you how to master a range of techniques from start to finish, to create …

More Info  
SATURDAY31 Aug Title: Art Day Course: Sketching with Watercolour Pencils Tutor: Jonathan Newey

A one-day course aimed at beginners, introducing the various skills and techniques that can be achieved with the watercolour pencil. Topics will include shading, texture, colour mixing and sketching trees, skies and buildings in watercolour pencil. Jonathan will give hands-on …

More Info  
SUNDAY1 Sep Title: Art Day Course: Pet Portraits with Watercolour Pencils Tutor: Jonathan Newey

This is beginners’ day course introduces the art of drawing pet portraits with watercolour pencil. Using photographs supplied by the tutor, you will be shown how to draw fur, eyes, noses and other features of dogs and cats, using the …

More Info  
SATURDAY7 Sep Title: Creative Autobiography Tutor: Sue Johnson

Have you ever thought you’d like to leave a memoir for your children or grandchildren? Have family and friends ever said “that would make a good story – you should write it down”? Explore your memories as inspiration for poems, …

More Info  
SUNDAY8 Sep Title: Chocolate Lovers Cupcakes Tutor: The Creative Cake Academy

  If you love chocolate and cupcakes, then this is the workshop for you. This class covers working with all types of chocolate, including baking rich chocolate cupcakes, chocolate flavoured fondant, chocolate ganache, chocolate buttercream and how to use chocolate …

More Info  
SATURDAY21 Sep Title: English Medieval Art 600-1400 Tutor: Frederica Law-Turner

From the glories of early Insular manuscripts such as the Lindisfarne Gospels, to the refined grace of the Wilton Diptych, this extensively-illustrated course traces the rise of a characteristically English style. Through sculpture and stained glass, manuscript, panel and wall-painting, …

More Info  
SUNDAY22 Sep Title: Vintage Cupcakes: The Lace Collection Tutor: The Creative Cake Academy

If you ever wanted to know more about Sugarveil, the product that produces the most amazing sugar lace, then this is the class for you. Ann Myles will carry out a full demonstration of how Sugarveil is produced in detail, …

More Info  
SATURDAY5 Oct Title: Painting in Spain Tutor: Alice Foster

Velasquez and Goya come to mind when thinking of painting in Spain,  but the arts were influenced by lesser-known Spanish artists and also foreign influences. Join Alice Foster to examine the complexities of the artistic heritage of Spain from the …

More Info  
SUNDAY6 Oct Title: Baby Bits to Sew Tutor: Sue Hazell

Have you ever wanted to know how to make ‘Basic Baby Bits’? We can show you how to make a Bib, Hooded Towel or Hat, all of which can be personalised on our Embroidery Machine. Make a special item for …

More Info  
SUNDAY6 Oct Title: Vintage Cookies Collection Tutor: The Creative Cake Academy

Cookies are now proving to be as popular as cupcakes on the coffee table.  They are also perfect for wedding favours, or in a pretty box as a special gift.  In this workshop you will be given a set of …

More Info  
SATURDAY12 Oct Title: Solo Singers’ Day – Beginners Tutor: Jo Sercombe

This day school is for those who are interested in solo singing and would like feedback about their skills. If you have always wanted to sing on your own, but have struggled to find the courage, this friendly workshop could …

More Info  
SATURDAY12 Oct Title: Drawing for Absolute Beginners Tutor: Lynne Gibson

  Most people would love to be able to draw!  Of course it takes years of practice to become an expert and it is vital you set about it in the right way from the absolute beginning. This can save …

More Info  
SUNDAY20 Oct Title: Mini Cakes – The Flower Collection Tutor: The Creative Cake Academy

Mini Cakes are a delightful alternative to the cupcake and they feature highly on the list of alternative offering for wedding and celebration cakes. In this class, you will learn a vast amount of cake decorating skills that will also …

More Info  
SATURDAY9 Nov Title: How to Read a Painting Tutor: Lynne Gibson

    There is a saying: ‘Every picture tells a story’. Do you sometimes get the feeling, as you walk around an Art Gallery, that you are missing the plot? Paintings can be full of information in the form of …

More Info  
SATURDAY9 Nov Title: Symbols of the Saints: Cracking the code of Medieval Art Tutor: Tim Porter

Have you ever felt that medieval art is a code and wished that you could find the key to read it like a book? If so, this day should help. It’s not just a question of learning the signs and …

More Info  
SUNDAY10 Nov Title: Festive Willow Decorations Tutor: Norah Kennedy

Decorate your home this year with your own beautiful willow creations.  we will start with a wreath then go on to weave hearts, stars, wands, mince pie platters, spheres and perhaps an angel. All tools are supplied by the tutor. …

More Info  
SUNDAY10 Nov Title: Vintage Christmas Cupcakes Tutor: The Creative Cake Academy

This Christmas, surprise all of your friends and family with an extra special box of cupcakes that has the ‘wow’ factor. These festive designs are great for your special dinner party, to replace dessert – and they look stunning when …

More Info  
SUNDAY24 Nov Title: Traditional Christmas Cupcakes Tutor: The Creative Cake Academy 14th Century Italian Fresco Cycles

If you are looking for an alternative to a large celebration Christmas Cake this year, why not join us to create a beautiful box of 12 Christmas-themed cupcakes, featuring, snowmen, holly, ivy, Christmas baubles and more. You don’t need any …

More Info  
SUNDAY1 Dec Title: Vintage Christmas Cupcakes Tutor: The Creative Cake Academy

This Christmas, surprise all of your friends and family with an extra special box of cupcakes that has the ‘wow’ factor. These festive designs are great for your special dinner party, to replace dessert – and they look stunning when …

More Info  
Click here for our booking form
Click here to find out about our new Group website