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 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.
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, with the Barn on the right of the avenue.
Blackthorpe Barn’s black and white signs direct visitors from local roads.
The Rougham Post
NEVER MISS A THING
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Our brunch special for this week is…
Salted caramel apple churros, with almond crumble.
We anticipate this to be a sweet success! So why not treat yourself this bank holiday Monday??
#BrunchSpecial #SaltedCaramel #AppleChurros #AlmondCrumble #SweetSuccess #Foodie #BrunchLovers #GourmetTreat #Yummy #Foodstagram #RootsCafe #RoughamEstate
Our brunch special for this week is…
Salted caramel apple churros, with almond crumble.
We anticipate this to be a sweet success! So why not treat yourself this bank holiday Monday??
#BrunchSpecial #SaltedCaramel #AppleChurros #AlmondCrumble #SweetSuccess #Foodie #BrunchLovers #GourmetTreat #Yummy #Foodstagram #RootsCafe #RoughamEstate
Looking for something to do this half term?
Rougham Estate is the perfect spot whether you’re here for a gentle wander or to spend time with the family.
Roots Café has a great kids` menu, with a tempting range of ice creams from saffronicecreamco, and a sandpit to keep them entertained.
There’s plenty of space to enjoy the Suffolk countryside with our walks which are ideal for all ages and abilities – whether it’s a short distance or something more challenging.
Dogs are more than welcome too but we ask that they are on a lead, with paws on the floor – in both the café and on the trails.
Come for a catch-up, a coffee, a stroll or just a bit of breathing space. Everyone is welcome.
#RoughamEstate #HalfTermFun #FamilyDaysOut #SuffolkDaysOut #RootsCafe #KidsActivities #DogFriendly #WalksForAll #SandpitFun #IceCreamLover #CountrysideEscape #FreshAirAndFun
Looking for something to do this half term?
Rougham Estate is the perfect spot whether you’re here for a gentle wander or to spend time with the family.
Roots Café has a great kids` menu, with a tempting range of ice creams from saffronicecreamco, and a sandpit to keep them entertained.
There’s plenty of space to enjoy the Suffolk countryside with our walks which are ideal for all ages and abilities – whether it’s a short distance or something more challenging.
Dogs are more than welcome too but we ask that they are on a lead, with paws on the floor – in both the café and on the trails.
Come for a catch-up, a coffee, a stroll or just a bit of breathing space. Everyone is welcome.
#RoughamEstate #HalfTermFun #FamilyDaysOut #SuffolkDaysOut #RootsCafe #KidsActivities #DogFriendly #WalksForAll #SandpitFun #IceCreamLover #CountrysideEscape #FreshAirAndFun
Well, that didn’t take too long… we said the pumpkins could do with a drink, and overnight we had 5mm of rain! Not quite a soaking, but after such a dry stretch, we’ll take what we can get.
It’s come at just the right time to help the freshly planted pumpkins settle in. A bit more over the next week or so wouldn’t go amiss – fingers crossed the raindance keeps working (and only at night 😊).
Meanwhile, the rest of the crops on the estate will be soaking up the rain and moving along nicely now, including the Sunken Garden.
Let’s keep doing the raindance for a little bit longer!
#RoughamEstate #FarmingLife #Pumpkins2025 #RaindanceSuccess #GratefulForRain #UKFarming #SunkenGarden #SpringAtRougham #FromFieldToGarden
Well, that didn’t take too long… we said the pumpkins could do with a drink, and overnight we had 5mm of rain! Not quite a soaking, but after such a dry stretch, we’ll take what we can get.
It’s come at just the right time to help the freshly planted pumpkins settle in. A bit more over the next week or so wouldn’t go amiss – fingers crossed the raindance keeps working (and only at night 😊).
Meanwhile, the rest of the crops on the estate will be soaking up the rain and moving along nicely now, including the Sunken Garden.
Let’s keep doing the raindance for a little bit longer!
#RoughamEstate #FarmingLife #Pumpkins2025 #RaindanceSuccess #GratefulForRain #UKFarming #SunkenGarden #SpringAtRougham #FromFieldToGarden
Just a little reminder that our Pop-Up Plant Stall with Watsons Plants kicks off tomorrow for the Bank Holiday weekend!
If you’re into gardening or just fancy adding a bit of green to your space, come along to the courtyard from 10am-2pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Chris Watson will be there with a great mix of plants and plenty of advice to help you get your garden looking its best this summer.
See you there!
#BankHoliday #Gardening #PopUpPlantStall #WatsonsPlants #rootsandherbs
Just a little reminder that our Pop-Up Plant Stall with Watsons Plants kicks off tomorrow for the Bank Holiday weekend!
If you’re into gardening or just fancy adding a bit of green to your space, come along to the courtyard from 10am-2pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Chris Watson will be there with a great mix of plants and plenty of advice to help you get your garden looking its best this summer.
See you there!
#BankHoliday #Gardening #PopUpPlantStall #WatsonsPlants #rootsandherbs
Pumpkin season prep has officially begun!
We’ve just started planting the pumpkin seeds for our ever-popular October patch, and we’re already looking forward to seeing the field full of colour later this year to welcome families for a pumpkin extravaganza!
As much as we hate to say it, but fingers crossed for a bit of rain to help them establish.
We’ll keep you posted on their progress, but for now it’s all about patience, sunshine… and a few well-timed showers.
Roll on autumn!
#RoughamEstate #PumpkinPatch #PumpkinSeason #SuffolkDaysOut #OctoberFun
Pumpkin season prep has officially begun!
We’ve just started planting the pumpkin seeds for our ever-popular October patch, and we’re already looking forward to seeing the field full of colour later this year to welcome families for a pumpkin extravaganza!
As much as we hate to say it, but fingers crossed for a bit of rain to help them establish.
We’ll keep you posted on their progress, but for now it’s all about patience, sunshine… and a few well-timed showers.
Roll on autumn!
#RoughamEstate #PumpkinPatch #PumpkinSeason #SuffolkDaysOut #OctoberFun
It`s definitely time for a brew!
Sometimes, a cup of tea is exactly what you need. Whether you`re taking a breather, catching up with a friend, or just enjoying a moment to yourself – it has that magic way of making things feel a bit better. That`s why it`s important to celebrate it!
To celebrate International Tea Day, we’ve got a whole line-up of feel-good favourites, from bold Black Teas to calming Herbal blends and creamy Matcha Lattes.
And there’s something special for today… Our new Assistant Manager at Roots Cafe has been getting creative and come up with a Strawberry Iced Tea special. It’s made with fresh homemade strawberrry syrup and is light and fruity for a warm day.
If you fancy upgrading your tea break, pop into the Garden Room Shop – we’ve got a lovely range of mugs and cups, whether you’re into minimal style or fun prints.
#internationalteaday #timeforatea #strawberryicedtea #matchalove #herbalmoments #teabreaksorted #creativityinacup #roughamestate #roughamestateshop #gardenroomshop #rootscafe
It`s definitely time for a brew!
Sometimes, a cup of tea is exactly what you need. Whether you`re taking a breather, catching up with a friend, or just enjoying a moment to yourself – it has that magic way of making things feel a bit better. That`s why it`s important to celebrate it!
To celebrate International Tea Day, we’ve got a whole line-up of feel-good favourites, from bold Black Teas to calming Herbal blends and creamy Matcha Lattes.
And there’s something special for today… Our new Assistant Manager at Roots Cafe has been getting creative and come up with a Strawberry Iced Tea special. It’s made with fresh homemade strawberrry syrup and is light and fruity for a warm day.
If you fancy upgrading your tea break, pop into the Garden Room Shop – we’ve got a lovely range of mugs and cups, whether you’re into minimal style or fun prints.
#internationalteaday #timeforatea #strawberryicedtea #matchalove #herbalmoments #teabreaksorted #creativityinacup #roughamestate #roughamestateshop #gardenroomshop #rootscafe
Bee Proud!
It’s World Bee Day, and here on the Rougham Estate, we’ve got plenty to celebrate.
Dotted across the Estate are 48 honeybee colonies, all doing vital work pollinating our wildflower fields, crops and hedgerows – and giving us something rather special in return.
Our bees produce local honey that’s used in the Roots Café and sold in the Pantry Shop and other local outlets, including Blackthorpe Barn. It’s a true taste of the Estate.
Our first crop of honey arrives around late May, just after the oilseed rape petals drop. This one sets quickly – making it perfect for toast or stirred into your morning coffee (no sticky drips). By mid-August, the main crop is ready, thanks to foraging on blackberries, sweet chestnut, limes and our vibrant pollinator strips full of borage, phacelia and sunflowers. This one stays runny for longer – ideal for porridge, Greek yoghurt or even a simple dessert.
Every jar is a reflection of the season – sunshine, rain and the flowers in bloom all shape the flavour and colour. No two harvests are the same, which is exactly what makes it so special.
We also stock a lovely selection of bee-themed gifts, including a Bee Revivor kit – perfect for helping tired bees get back on their feet.
Supporting pollinators is something we care deeply about, and we’re proud to be doing our bit – from flower-rich fields to happy hives.
Pop into the Pantry Shop or Roots Café to try our Estate honey – or pick up a bee-friendly gift while you’re here.
#WorldBeeDay #RoughamEstate #SupportTheBees #LocalHoney #BeeRevivor #RootsCafe #PantryShop
Bee Proud!
It’s World Bee Day, and here on the Rougham Estate, we’ve got plenty to celebrate.
Dotted across the Estate are 48 honeybee colonies, all doing vital work pollinating our wildflower fields, crops and hedgerows – and giving us something rather special in return.
Our bees produce local honey that’s used in the Roots Café and sold in the Pantry Shop and other local outlets, including Blackthorpe Barn. It’s a true taste of the Estate.
Our first crop of honey arrives around late May, just after the oilseed rape petals drop. This one sets quickly – making it perfect for toast or stirred into your morning coffee (no sticky drips). By mid-August, the main crop is ready, thanks to foraging on blackberries, sweet chestnut, limes and our vibrant pollinator strips full of borage, phacelia and sunflowers. This one stays runny for longer – ideal for porridge, Greek yoghurt or even a simple dessert.
Every jar is a reflection of the season – sunshine, rain and the flowers in bloom all shape the flavour and colour. No two harvests are the same, which is exactly what makes it so special.
We also stock a lovely selection of bee-themed gifts, including a Bee Revivor kit – perfect for helping tired bees get back on their feet.
Supporting pollinators is something we care deeply about, and we’re proud to be doing our bit – from flower-rich fields to happy hives.
Pop into the Pantry Shop or Roots Café to try our Estate honey – or pick up a bee-friendly gift while you’re here.
#WorldBeeDay #RoughamEstate #SupportTheBees #LocalHoney #BeeRevivor #RootsCafe #PantryShop
This week at Roots Cafe, we`re serving up some delicious specials to celebrate British Sandwich Week, along with a fresh salad and a new dish from Jack, our junior chef.
Toasted sandwich special for British Sandwich Week
Try our smoked ham and Emmental cheese toasted sandwich, finished with garlic and herb mayo, sauerkraut and gherkin, all served on artisan sourdough.
Brunch special by Chef Jack
Enjoy Jack’s first creation – a chicken croquette with charred asparagus and Caesar dressing, served on rosemary focaccia and topped with Parmesan. A brilliant showcase of our junior chef’s passion and flair.
Salad of the week
Brighten your day with a colourful salad of rainbow chard, romaine lettuce, cucumber, heirloom tomatoes, carrot ribbons, goat cheese and pickled radishes, all drizzled with honey mustard dressing.
Pop in and treat yourself this week – we’d love to see you!
#BritishSandwichWeek #RootsCafe #RoughamEstate #FoodSpecials #SupportLocal #Brunch #FreshSalad #DeliciousEats
This week at Roots Cafe, we`re serving up some delicious specials to celebrate British Sandwich Week, along with a fresh salad and a new dish from Jack, our junior chef.
Toasted sandwich special for British Sandwich Week
Try our smoked ham and Emmental cheese toasted sandwich, finished with garlic and herb mayo, sauerkraut and gherkin, all served on artisan sourdough.
Brunch special by Chef Jack
Enjoy Jack’s first creation – a chicken croquette with charred asparagus and Caesar dressing, served on rosemary focaccia and topped with Parmesan. A brilliant showcase of our junior chef’s passion and flair.
Salad of the week
Brighten your day with a colourful salad of rainbow chard, romaine lettuce, cucumber, heirloom tomatoes, carrot ribbons, goat cheese and pickled radishes, all drizzled with honey mustard dressing.
Pop in and treat yourself this week – we’d love to see you!
#BritishSandwichWeek #RootsCafe #RoughamEstate #FoodSpecials #SupportLocal #Brunch #FreshSalad #DeliciousEats
Tag us @RoughamEstate
