A Creative Retreat in the Heart of Rural Dorset

Where:

Your pottery retreat begins at a beautifully converted workshop on a working farm near Briantspuddle. Set within a traditional red-brick courtyard, the workshop offers a warm and inspiring space for creativity. Inside, you’ll find open wooden beams, excellent insulation, and stunning floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the studio with natural light while providing views of the surrounding farm.

The workshop is nestled in the heart of the countryside, where the peaceful rhythm of farm life surrounds you. Tractors hum in the background, cows graze nearby, and the tranquil sounds of nature create a grounding, authentic atmosphere. This combination of rustic charm and modern comfort makes it the perfect environment for a creative escape.

After your pottery sessions, unwind in Piddle Puddle Cabin, located in Affpuddle, just a short drive away. Tucked into the orchard garden of a 16th Century thatched cottage, the cabin is close to the River Piddle and offers a serene retreat. With a spacious raised deck and cosy double bed, it’s perfect for one or two guests. For larger groups, we partner with nearby accommodations to meet your needs—just give us a call to discuss your preferences.

This retreat offers the ideal balance of inspiration, relaxation, and connection with the beautiful Dorset countryside. Whether it’s creating in the light-filled studio or relaxing in your private cabin, your weekend promises to be both creative and restorative.

The Schedule:

Friday Afternoon/Evening: Welcome and Unwind
Arrive at your accommodation and take time to settle into the peaceful Dorset countryside. If you’re staying in Piddle Puddle Cabin, you’ll enjoy the charm of a cosy log cabin nestled in the orchard garden of a 16th Century thatched cottage. Relax on the spacious deck, soak in the sounds of the nearby River Piddle, and breathe in the fresh country air.
Use the evening to unwind and prepare for the creative journey ahead. Enjoy a self-catered dinner in the comfort of your cabin, or head out to one of the local country pubs for a warm welcome and delicious Dorset cuisine.
Saturday: A Full Day of Pottery and Inspiration
Start your day with a relaxed breakfast in your accommodation, then make your way to the beautifully converted farm workshop for your first pottery sessions.
Morning Session (10am–12:30pm)
Begin your creative journey with hands-on instruction in the art of hand-building with clay. Learn essential techniques, explore textures, and start creating your unique pieces in this inspiring, light-filled studio.
Lunch Break (12:30pm–2pm)
Enjoy a delicious lunch prepared with fresh, locally sourced Dorset ingredients. You’ll dine in the cosy setting of the workshop or its surrounding courtyard, allowing you to recharge and connect with other participants.
Afternoon Session (2pm–4pm)
Refine your creations and build on your morning’s work. You’ll explore underglaze techniques and learn how to add intricate details and textures, ensuring every piece is uniquely yours.
The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Relax with a glass of wine and a meal in your cabin, fire up the BBQ on the deck, or visit a nearby pub or restaurant to savour the local flavours.

Sunday: Completion and Reflection
Ease into your final day with a leisurely breakfast, then return to the workshop to complete your pottery projects.
Morning Session (10am–12:30pm)
Put the finishing touches on your creations. Whether it’s refining shapes or applying final decorative details, this session focuses on perfecting your work and preparing it for firing.
Lunch Break (12:30pm–2pm)
Another nourishing lunch awaits, giving you time to relax and reflect on your creative progress.
Afternoon Session (2pm–4pm)
Bring your weekend’s work to completion. This final session allows you to polish your creations and celebrate your progress. Your pieces will then be carefully dried and prepared for kiln-firing, with updates sent to you after the retreat.
Sunday Early Evening: Farewell and Departure
Leave with a renewed sense of creativity, deeper pottery skills, and cherished memories of your time in the Dorset countryside. Your finished pieces will be ready for collection or delivery within 2–4 weeks.
This immersive weekend offers more than just pottery—it’s an opportunity to connect with nature, refine your skills, and relax in a supportive, creative environment.

The Potting:

Pottery sessions can be tailored as 1-to-1 experiences or small group classes (up to 10 people), depending on your preference.

Over the two days, you’ll:

Learn hand-building techniques, explore textures, and experiment with underglazes and glazes.
Create a variety of fun and unique pottery pieces under expert guidance.

This retreat is perfect for beginners or those with some experience wanting to expand their skills. Please note: it is not designed for advanced potters.

The Food:

A delicious, tailor-made lunch is provided on both retreat days, crafted with fresh, local Dorset ingredients. Allergies and dietary preferences are fully catered for—just let us know your needs.

Your accommodation is equipped for self-catering, so you can enjoy breakfast at your own pace. Evenings are yours to relax and unwind:

Stay in with a book, a glass of wine, or a BBQ on the deck.
Venture out to one of the excellent country pubs or restaurants in Dorchester or Affpuddle, all within a short drive.

Your Teacher: Helen

Helen is a contemporary sculptural artist specialising in large-scale works combining ceramics and metalwork. As your teacher, she brings a wealth of experience and a passion for helping others explore their creativity.

You’ll be working in Helen’s inspiring artist studio, where her relaxed and supportive teaching style ensures you’ll feel confident and encouraged, whether you’re new to pottery or building on existing skills.

Your Work:

Pottery takes time to dry and fire. After your retreat, your creations will be carefully dried and kiln-fired to over 1000°C. We’ll keep you updated with photos of their progress, and your finished pieces will be ready for collection or delivery within 2–4 weeks.

The Price:

With Accommodation: £660 (includes 2 nights’ stay, lunch on both days, and 4 pottery sessions)
Without Accommodation: £400 (includes lunch on both days and 4 pottery sessions)

Travel:

The studio is located approximately 2 miles from the accommodation. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation, ideally by car.

Book Your Creative Getaway

Reconnect with your creativity, relax in a serene environment, and create something truly special. Contact us today to book your Pottery Retreat Weekend or to discuss custom group options.