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
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
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How is it July already!?
June was an incredible month with the heatwave and days reaching record temperatures – the Estate was buzzing with life (and bees 😁) and al fresco dining.
Thank you all for supporting us through another great month and goodbye June!
Let’s see what July has in store for us…
#roughamestate #rootscafe #suffolk
Don’t like wasting food? This fermentation workshop is for you…
Fermentation is a natural, low-energy way to preserve seasonal produce. The friendly microbes turn sugars into delicious tangy, long-lasting foods, helping you save surplus veg and cut waste.
Great served as a condiment, in sandwiches or with a bit of cheese 😋
In this workshop you’ll learn to make kimchi, sauerkraut, pickles and more using fresh produce.
The session includes guided fermentation, tastings, safe-storage tips and take-home jars so you can keep fermenting at home.
Spaces are limited — details and tickets can be found on our website.
#workshop #roughamestate #whattodoinbury
Ready for this week’s tasty new arrivals at Roots Cafe? Pop in today, we’re open daily 9–4 and pouring a refreshing Lemon & Elderflower Fizz special.
Or dishing up brunch of toasted sourdough topped with avocado, grilled Halloumi, pesto and dukkah spice.
If you fancy something a bit lighter we have pesto pasta salad with courgette, corn and cucumber trips topped with feta chunks and lemon and mint dressing.
Swing by this week and give them a try, see you at Roots!
#roughamestate #specials #summerdishes
Want to win £100 to spend at Rougham Estate? Tag us in your photo taken on the Estate and mention this competition in your caption.
Do you have some lovely pictures you’ve taken around here on the Estate? We’d love to see them and we’re offering a prize for the best one as voted for by our judging panel, and our visitors and followers.
If your photo is picked as the favourite, you will win a £100 gift voucher to spend at Roots Café or at the Rougham Estate Shop, which includes the Christmas Shop and Christmas trees. The voucher is valid for 1 year and can be spent over multiple visits. What would you spend your £100 on?
To enter, post your picture on Instagram, tag us @roughamestate and mention Rougham Estate Through Your Lens Competition in the caption.
Here are some example pictures we’ve taken around the Barn. Why not visit the Estate this weekend and see what pictures you can take. It’s free to visit with free parking.
All the details about the competition can be found on our website.
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.
#burystedmunds #suffolkphotography #photographycompetition #suffolkcountryside
It’s set to be one of the warmest days on record, followed by a rather warm weekend too!
Please note: To help look after the welfare of our team, the Shop and Roots Café will be closing at 2pm today (Friday). Thank you for your understanding.
So why not stay cool and hydrated with one of our iced drinks?
Each week we feature a special made from our homemade seasonal syrups. A very popular refreshing choice is the lemon & mint spritz, which is still on special it’s that popular!
There’s no better excuse to visit Rougham Estate to cool down and enjoy a delicious iced drink in the beautiful Suffolk countryside.
#drinkspecial #iceddrink #roughamestate
We are seeking a new Barista! So if you have an interest in coffee and enjoy making people smile, we would love to hear from you.
Roots is a reputable café set in a beautiful, scenic location, and we pride ourselves on creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for both our customers and our staff. This role is perfect if you are looking for a reliable, lovely place to work where your day-to-day efforts are genuinely valued.
You will get to work with a fantastic team in a gorgeous setting, doing what you do best. If this sounds like the right fit for you, please tap the link in our profile to view the full details and apply.
#vacancy #roughamestate #jobadvert
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
Tag us @RoughamEstate
