Embroidery retreat
with Darren ball
Friday 17th - Wed 22nd July 2026
Court house farm and gardens, Portishead, uk
Summary:
Embroidery Retreat with Darren Ball
Dates: Friday 17th - 22nd July 2026
Location: Court House Farm, Portishead, Somerset, UK
Includes
5 nights’ accommodation, all meals and refreshments, expert tuition from Darren, inspiring talks, activities, and local visits
Cost From £2150 (see full pricing below)
Non-residential option available for locals
about the creative retreat
about here from darren
What’s Included
Accommodation in a stunning medieval manor (1300sAD) or adjoining Tudor Manor house (1500sAD) the opportunity to stay in a beautifully renovated country house, steeped in history
Fully catered, chef prepared meals: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner with selected wines and all refreshments.
Expert teaching from Darren Ball including workshops, guided studio time and 1-1’s
Daily guided mindfulness sessions / low key yoga! (optional)
Inspiring and engaging talk from History of Art professional
Flower Picking and Arranging in our beautiful flower garden
Fulfilling conversation with like-minded individuals
Visit from a textile trader bringing mouth-watering vintage textiles to purchase from her expeditions in France.
A local visit to a nearby cultural spot, Brunels suspension bridge, and / or the nearby Clevedon Pier- the prettiest in England!
Time to potter to the shops or walk to the nearby Marina or estuary to see the beautiful sunsets.
creative itinerary
An outline for the creative element of this retreat from Darren Ball
text from darren
A little about Court House Farm…
Court House Farm isn’t a working farm — not in the traditional sense, at least! It’s a beautifully restored cluster of historic buildings, with roots that go all the way back to pre-Domesday times.
The two main houses — one medieval, one Tudor — date from around 1350 and are surrounded by a handful of charming outbuildings. (Yes, you might find yourself making art in the cowshed — but rest assured, it's cow-free and spotlessly clean!)
We have a few acres of gardens to explore, including a small flower farm, and we’re nestled right in the heart of the estuary/ seaside town of Portishead, Somerset. There’s a lovely little high street, a picturesque marina, stunning coastal walks — and some of the most spectacular sunsets you’ll see.
During your stay, we’ll also enjoy a few light-hearted interludes — perhaps a visit to nearby Clevedon, our neighbouring seaside town, home to what might be the prettiest pier in England. And of course… there will be plenty of flowers.
For more images and information, do take a look around our website — we’d love to share more of this magical place with you.
Costs & Booking
Retreat Pricing (5 nights, all-inclusive):
£2,550 — Private ensuite room
£2,350 — Private room with shared bathroom
£1,950 — Shared room (must be booked together with another attendee)
£990 — Day-only attendance - more info below
Want to bring a non-participating partner along? Contact us for availability and pricing.
Deposit: £500 (non-refundable)
Balance due: 6 weeks prior to the retreat start date
Payment methods: Bank Transfer or PayPal
Cancellation policy: All fees are non-refundable once paid. In the unlikely event that we cancel, all payments will be refunded or alternative dates offered. Terms and Conditions
Coming from abroad?
We’re happy to help you plan a restful arrival or extended stay. Just get in touch to discuss options for arriving a day early or staying a little longer.
Non- residential
As a day attendee, you’ll enjoy:
– 4 days of hands-on workshops with Darren
– A half-day welcome and introduction workshop on 17th July, complete with an afternoon tea to meet your fellow creatives
– A half-day ‘show and tell’ on 22nd July to share your work, reflect on your retreat experience, and photograph your final pieces in the serene farm and garden setting
Cost: £990 (Includes expert teaching, studio time, lunches, refreshments, and optional relaxation activities. Evening meals and accommodation are not included.)
Deposit: £250 (non-refundable)
The balance will be due 6 weeks prior to the retreat. Payments can be made by PayPal or Bank Transfer( although we do charge for the Pay pal fees).
About Darren
Darren Ball is a textile artist based in Carmarthenshire, Wales, known for his vibrant appliqué and free-machine embroidery. Working with vintage fabrics, sequins, and beads, Darren creates richly layered textile artworks inspired by personal stories, memorabilia, and his collection of Stitchcraft magazines. His work has been shown in exhibitions across the UK and is celebrated for its joyful use of colour and texture.