Overview
Derbyshire Arts offers creative holidays, short-break residential art courses in a variety of media and Masterclasses in drawing and painting for all abilities at Pear Tree Farm, situated in a beautiful rural setting near Matlock in the Derbyshire Dales, UK.

Set in the beautiful Derbyshire Dales, with inspiring countryside and the company of like minded people, our courses are the perfect creative holiday for any aspiring artist. Learn techniques from professional artists whilst enjoying excellent accommodation in a wonderful rural setting. Relax and take the opportunity to socialize and share ideas. In the evening there are group discussions, along with the tutor, allowing each day's work to be brought into focus.

Our New Arts Centre is situated in beautiful countryside on the border of the Peak District in the Lea Valley Conservation Area. The Centre has its own 76 acres of pasture and woodland, through which Lea Brook runs.

We are currently arranging workshops on photography, print, writing, and woodwork. Detailed below are a list of our scheduled courses to date, but please visit our own web site to see the latest courses. The link is at the bottom of this page.

Pricing
Pricing varies between courses. Please enquire for exact pricing and details of what is included in the cost.

Accommodation
Pear Tree Farm is traditionally built, with all the features one expects of a Derbyshire farmhouse, yet with the full range of modern amenities expected by international tourists, including internet access. All bedrooms are en-suite with bath or shower.

We have 8 bedrooms (4 double, 3 twin, and 1 family). Two of these rooms are situated on the ground floor with facilities for the disabled and wheel chair access. All rooms are a good size and equipped with T.V. and hair dryers.

Pear Tree Farm has a spacious cosy guest lounge with a traditional wood burning stove. A large TV, video player, DVD player, and selection of books are available for guests' enjoyment.

Enjoy your chosen activity during the day, and relax in the large lounge after the evening meal. Sit beside a log fire and soak up the social atmosphere.

Tutor
Our Tutors are among some of the most internationally-respected figures in their fields.

Location
Pear Tree Farm is mentioned in the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage site literature as being a 17 th Century Corn Mill, providing grain for the local cotton mills employees, water for the mill’s washing processes, and having historical connections with Florence Nightingale. It is surrounded by its own 76 acres of beautiful pasture and woodland overlooking Lea Brook, providing abundant painting opportunities to inspire both beginners and the more experienced landscape artist, as well as being a tranquil B&B retreat for the discerning tourist.

Pear Tree Farm has an excellent location, being central to many places of interest:

• Lea Rhododendron Gardens, glorious in full bloom (Spring). & Sculpture in the Park event
• Country House Estates (Chatsworth, Haddon Hall and Hardwick Hall).
• Excellent and interesting local walks as well as picturesque routes through the Derbyshire Dales, Staffordshire Moorlands and Peak District National Park.
• Carsington Water offers good facilities for birdwatching and walking, cycle hire, windsurfing, sailing and fishing.
• Historical sites such as Wingfield Manor and the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Corridor(includes local Arkwright and Masson Mills, with mill shop).
• Denby Pottery visitor centre and the factory shop trail (includes John Smedley Mill, famous for its fine woollen garments).
• Matlock Bath and cable cars to the Heights of Abraham.
• Art Galleries, Theatres and Cinemas in Derby, Buxton and Chesterfield.
• National Tramway Museum, Crich
• Alton Towers

The picturesque market towns of Wirksworth, Ashbourne, Bakewell are well worth a vist. The Derbyshire tradition of Well Dressings continues in local nearby villages such as Tissington.

How to Get to Us
By Road: M1 Junction 28, take A38 towards Derby. After approx. 5 miles take the A610 to Ambergate. “T” Junction A6, Turn Right approx 5 miles to Cromford. Turn Right at traffic lights, continue for 2 miles, with River Derwent on your right, to Lea Bridge. At John Smedley’s mill turn Left, after approx. half mile Pear Tree Farm situated on Left hand side off lay-by.

By Train: Go to Derby and change for Matlock. Take the No. 140 or 141 bus from Matlock Bus Station (ask for “Common End” stop - the driver will usually let you off at the lay-by just before the stop, which is Pear Tree Farm).