North Devon

Art Break

There is so much to inspire local artists here in North Devon, from quintessential seaside towns and villages that meet charming harbour ports, to small sandy beaches and stunning coastal views, from hilltop paths. Ilfracombe boasts a hub of art galleries, where local artists capture the essence of North Devon.

Book A Break

Art Trail Weekend Stay | 8-10 MAY 2026 | ilfracombe, north devon

from £269 per person

Spend a spring weekend immersed in Ilfracombe’s creative life with our Art Trail Weekend Stay — a hosted, small-group experience created around the town’s annual Ilfracombe Art Trail.

This is not a course, and it’s not a DIY gallery crawl.
It’s a carefully curated break combining accommodation, artist-led workshops, shared meals, and insider guidance — designed for guests who enjoy discovering art through people, conversation, and place.

Hosted at The Carlton Hotel, the weekend brings together visiting guests and local artists for an experience that feels social, informal, and distinctly Ilfracombe!

A Hosted Creative Weekend

For one weekend each year, Ilfracombe opens its studios, pop-up galleries, and creative spaces to the public. The Art Trail transforms the town into a living, walkable exhibition — from harbourfront venues to tucked-away studios.

Our Art Trail Weekend Stay is designed for those who want to engage more deeply, without needing specialist knowledge or formal tuition.

Across the weekend you’ll enjoy:

two artist-led workshops
shared suppers including an evening dining with one of the resident artists,
and time to explore the Art Trail at your own pace, supported by local insight and thoughtful planning.

Everything is arranged around the rhythm of the weekend, so you can focus on the experience rather than logistics.

FRIDAY 8 MAY – PAINT & SIP WORKSHOP

Arrive mid afternoon and settle in to the hotel. We’ll be serving a supper in our Brasserie and you are booked in to this evenings Paint and Sip Workshop hosted by local artist Jane Perrin. Her studio is five minutes from the hotel, on the way to the harbour.

Saturday 9 May – Art Trail & Photography

Enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast before heading out to explore Ilfracombe’s Art Trail venues. Studios, galleries, and pop-up spaces are spread throughout the town — from harbourfront locations to tucked-way creative spaces. We’ll help you plan your route over two days, matched to your pace and interests.

In the afternoon, return to The Carlton for a traditional Devon cream tea, before taking part in Through the Lens, a hands on pinhole camera workshop, exclusive to Carlton guests.
The evening concludes with dinner in our Brasserie.

Sunday 10 May – Final Discoveries

After another hot, cooked breakfast, enjoy time to visit remaining Art Trail venues before heading home. For those wishing to linger, Sunday Lunch in our Brasserie is available as an optional extra.

You don’t need to be an artist to enjoy this weekend — just curious, open, and happy to spend time in creative company.

A summary of what’s included:

Two nights’ accommodation at The Carlton
Welcome drink on arrival
Paint & Sip workshop (Friday evening)
Supper with your workshop tutor on Friday
Freshly prepared breakfast on Saturday and Sunday
Devon cream tea
Through the Lens pinhole camera workshop (Saturday)
Dinner in our Brasserie on Saturday evening
Art Trail route planning and local guidance

Pricing

£269 per person. Based on a double or twin room.

Other room types available (supplements apply).

Part of Ilfracombe’s Creative Community
The Carlton is proud to support the Ilfracombe Art Trail and will host the official Art Trail Launch Evening on 24 April 2026, welcoming artists, invited guests, and media.
Our Art Trail Weekend Stay reflects this ongoing partnership — offering guests an authentic, insider way to experience Ilfracombe’s creative scene.

Book Your May Art Trail Weekend
Spaces are limited to maintain an intimate, hosted experience.
📩 To enquire or book, please contact our reservations team on 01271 862446 or email stay@ilfracombecarlton.co.uk.