Art and Craft at Blackthorpe Barn
Centre for showing and learning art and craft near Bury St Edmunds
Be Inspired
Blackthorpe Barn on Rougham Estate is a thriving centre for art and craft enthusiasts, providing a vibrant platform for local and regional talent. The Barn hosts inspiring exhibitions, transforming its space into a dynamic gallery to showcase a diverse range of artistic expressions.
Commitment to the arts extends beyond exhibitions, encompassing hands-on workshops taught by experienced tutors as well as the renowned Arts and Crafts Fair in November and December, attracting talented makers from around the country.
Craft Workshops
Come and discover the art of a traditional craft, perhaps for pure pleasure or to satisfy your creative aspirations. Take part in our in-person workshops in the Meadow Room at Blackthorpe Barn, where learning a new craft is a perfect stress-relieving remedy.
Led by skilled and artistic professionals, each workshop offers a delightful and relaxing learning experience in our rural Suffolk setting.
Art Exhibitions
The exhibitions at Blackthorpe Barn showcase a range of artistic disciplines, from contemporary pieces to traditional art forms, creating an inspirational and enriching experience for visitors.
The old thatched barn provides a unique location for both established and emerging artists, fostering a vibrant artistic community. The carefully curated exhibitions not only celebrate the beauty of art but also contribute to the cultural enrichment of the community, making Blackthorpe Barn a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts.
Forthcoming Exhibitions
There are currently no events to show. We’re working on adding some soon.
Arts and Crafts Fair
For over 30 years the Arts and Crafts Fair has been held at Blackthorpe Barn
- featuring textiles, ceramics, glassware, metalware, woodwork, beauty products, leather items, jewellery, basketry, food and much more
- held over 5 weekends during November and December
- showcasing some of the country’s most talented artists and craft-makers
- makers specifically chosen to ensure quality and a wide range of crafts
- each weekend features a new mix of creators and artists
Where to find us
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
SatNav: IP30 9HZ
Plenty of free parking on site.
Please keep to the 20mph speed limit.
Disabled access available
This is a rural location and paths can be muddy.
The car parks close when Roots Café closes and the entrance gates are locked after this time.
Blackthorpe Barn is situated just south of Junction 45 of the A14, three miles east of Bury St Edmunds, in the village of Rougham.
Look out for the entrance gates to a long tree-lined avenue at the White House junction.
The Barn is down the avenue, on the right.
The Rougham Post
NEVER MISS A THING
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Our courtyard planters have had a refresh thanks to the green fingered Chris Watson from Watson Plants.
They have really brightened up the courtyard and make a real treat for those eating al fresco. 🌷
If you would like any plant or gardening advice, Chris will be back with us on the 3-4th July from 10am-4pm.
#courtyardreferesh #roughamestate #gardeninglove
Learn how to turn your kitchen into a flavour lab by joining the Fermentation Workshop, here at Rougham Estate!
On Saturday 25 July from 11:00–12:30 – at Blackthorpe Barn, Rougham Estate, Bury St Edmunds (IP30 9HZ)
You’ll get hands‑on tuition from fermentation experts with two delicious ferments to take home that you will have made yourself.

All ingredients and equipment provided.
Spaces are limited and selling fast.
Secure your spot now by booking via our website – link in our bio.
Bring your curiosity, leave with tasty jars and new skills. This is perfect for beginners or anyone who loves bold flavours.
#fermentation #workshop #handsonlearning #roughamestate
This weeks specials are summer on a plate!
Bold and fresh, packed with goodness and bursting with taste. Only available this week we have:
Brunch – heirloom tomato, burrata, toast, lemon, basil, pepper with balsamic glaze.
Salad – mixed leaf, ricotta peach, golden beetroot, pine nuts with pickled reds.
Only at Roots Cafe! Open 9am-4pm daily.
#roughamestate #rootscafe #specialsmenu
Show us Rougham Estate Through Your Lens!
To celebrate both Suffolk Day today and the end of Rougham Estate in Bloom we’re launching our first amateur landscape photography competition to showcase the beautiful Rougham Estate.
We’re inviting you to share your best photograph of Rougham Estate that captures the beauty, character and spirit of this place.
The competition will run over the next 5 and a half weeks and the winner will receive £100 voucher by email, to be spent at the Estate.
The judges will be a team at Rougham Estate who will narrow the entries down to a final 10 pictures which will then be put to public vote.
To take part:
🏷️ Tag us @roughamestate on an Instagram post of yours, taken at Rougham Estate (you will need to ensure your account settings are set for visibility).
⌨️In the caption say “Rougham Estate Through Your Lens Competition” so we know you are entering the competition.
💌 Entries are accepted from 21st June – 5th July.
👩⚖️👨⚖️🧑⚖️The judging team at the Estate will pick their favourite 10 entries.
📆 From 17th – 24th July the 10 finalist pictures will be open for you to vote on, either by commenting your favourite on the Instagram post we will put out then, or by coming and voting in person at Blackthorpe Barn.
📆 On 29th July we will announce the winner from these votes, announcing it both on Instagram and on our website.
To enter:
➡️You must be aged 18 and over
➡️You must be a resident of the UK
➡️The photo entry must be of Rougham Estate
➡️There is a maximum of 3 picture entries per person
➡️No purchase is necessary
All the details and full terms and conditions are listed on our website – see the link in our profile. By entering this competition you agree to abide by these rules.
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Instagram. By entering, entrants confirm they are 18+ years of age, release Instagram of responsibility and agree to Instagram’s terms of use.
More info on our website.
#SuffolkDay #roughamestate #photographycompetition
Last chance to book on to the Canvas Club with @_day_design_ in on Friday 26th June.
Drink fizzy, eat tapas and get creative!
Set in the lovely Roots Cafe on Rougham Estate it makes for a very enjoyable evening out where you can connect with friends, family or on your own.
Bookings can be made via our website.
#canvasclub #girlsnightout #paintingclass🎨
Bees are the backbone of the Estate because they are vital for our farming, gardens and everything that blooms here.
We’re proud to stock Bee Cosmetics, born from a family’s beekeeping journey: from backyard hives to handcrafted skincare. Their products use hive treasures of beeswax, honey and propolis all blended with natural botanicals and made with care. Each jar tells that story of hive-to-shelf craft and sustainable stewardship.
A nod to the power of pollinators and to the final week of Rougham Estate In Bloom. So pop by the shop to see the range and celebrate our buzzing helpers. 🌼
#RoughamEstateInBloom #BeeCosmetics #Beekeeping #SuffolkShopping
He’s back again…
@watsons_plants will be back tomorrow and Saturday with a range of beauty garden plants.
Maybe one could make a Father’s Day gift for those who love their garden? Chris is on hand to give you all the advice you need.
Find him in the courtyard between 10am and 4pm.
#popupplantstall #roughamestate #blackthorpebarn
Something new has come to Rougham Estate!
The Rougham Estate Trust is opening a new museum at Lawneys Farm which shares the rich history of Rougham Estate. Visitors can discover the stories that have shaped Estate over many years.
It will be open on select dates only so we recommend joining our newsletter (link in profile and bottom of the RoughamEstate website) to find out first.
The museum will host a changing programme of exhibitions exploring the people, places and events that have made Rougham Estate what it is today. The first exhibition focuses on the remarkable life of John Agnew, whose vision, energy and enthusiasm left a lasting mark on the Estate and far beyond.
From pioneering environmental projects in Sudan and fundraising through the famous Rougham Fairs, to organising major aviation events and supporting local heritage initiatives, John’s passions touched countless lives across East Anglia.
Through photographs, documents, objects and personal stories, this inaugural exhibition offers a fascinating insight into one of Rougham Estate’s most influential characters, while marking the beginning of a new home for the history of the Estate.
This museum has been created and is organised by the Rougham Estate Trust.
#RoughamEstate #RoughamMuseum #SuffolkHistory #WestSuffolk #HeritageMatters
Tag us @RoughamEstate
