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.
Upcoming Workshops
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
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 5mph 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
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This week’s special is a game changer and a real twist on the traditional bacon sandwich.
A butter croissant filled with salt & pepper pork belly with avocado, smoked cheddar, chipotle jam, pico de gallo and Coriander.
It’s truly decadent and when it’s gone, it’s gone. Only available at Roots Cafe this week.
#RootsCafe #WeeklySpecial
Exciting update…
From tomorrow, Monday 2nd February, the re-thatch will begin on our much loved Blackthorpe Barn.
To ensure safety during this process, please note that the car park in front of the barn (as shown in the first picture) will be closed for the duration of the works. We anticipate that this will take approximately 2-3 months, depending on the weather conditions.
However there will be ample parking available in the overflow car park and the car park where we sell Christmas Trees at Christmas.
We look forward to sharing more updates on the re-thatch as we go 😊
#Rethatch #BlackthorpeBarn #RoughamEstate
Goodbye January…
Hello February!
Here’s a snapshot of moments on the Estate during January. We think you’ll agree, it’s a place of calm and delight. Even in January, it’s beautiful.
#january2026 #roughamestate
There is something truly delightful about a proper croissant, isn’t there? It’s all about those golden, paper-thin layers that shatter when you bite into them, revealing a soft, buttery middle that’s light as air.
Well, today, there’s no better excuse to tuck into one as it’s national croissant day.
Whether you’re a “purist” who loves them plain and flaky, or you prefer yours slathered in jam, they are the ultimate indulgence for any time of the day.
You could go ultra indulgent and add bacon and eggs to yours!
Head on down to Roots Cafe today to enjoy a bit of France in the Suffolk countryside.
#rootscafe #suffolk #nationalcroissantday
Make friendly connections and enjoy some fresh air and a brew at the next Ramble & Roots walk on the 16th February.
Join us at 10am outside the sunken garden at Blackthorpe Barn (IP30 9HZ) for a relaxed 45-minute stroll through the beautiful Suffolk countryside.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet new friends, enjoy nature, and share a brew together afterward at Roots Café. We only ask that you register your interest by emailing events@roughamestate.com
It’s free to attend and you will be guided on the walk by a friendly face of Rougham Estate.
Let’s continue the great conversations and community spirit.
#RoughamEstate #RambleAndRoots #SuffolkWalks #MakeNewFriends
As we enter the final week of Veganuary, we`re excited to unveil our last vegan dish in the brunch special…
This one showcases how flavourful vegan food can be – Red lentil, Chickpea & Quinoa Curry with Red Pepper, Spinach, Poppadom, Mango Chutney, Pickled Red Onions and Coriander.
Roots cafe is open daily 9am til 4pm.
#veganuary2026 #rootcafe #roughamestate
We are a perfect location for those slow January days…
Take time to recharge in our Suffolk setting with a stroll or simply a wander round our @roughamestateshop or time out in our Roots Cafe.
It’s what we do best.
#roughamestate #slowdays #rootscafe
Applications are now open for Rougham Estate Arts and Crafts 2026, held in Blackthorpe Barn near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.
We are looking for art and craft of the highest standard, especially contemporary design. You must design and make all the work yourself and be available to be at your stall all weekend.
The event is held over 5 weekends from 14th November to 13th December.
We love to welcome new makers to the medieval thatched Barn, as well as seeing old friends again from around the country.
The first tranche of stalls will be allocated by the selection committee, usually in March.
From textiles to glasswork, ceramics, woodwork, jewellery, metalwork, art, sculpture and more, submit an application to join the talented craftspeople this coming Christmas.
Please share this post with makers who would be interested in joining us. All the information can be found from our website.
We look forward to hearing from you!
#artsandcraft #artisanmarket #handmade #craftsmanship #britishcraft artsandcraftsmovement artisanmade eastanglianartists
Tag us @RoughamEstate
