Residentials, Retreats & Holidays
Experience a North Yorks Art School education at Cober Hill
North Yorks Art School are thrilled to be collaborating with Cober Hill on a series of new residencies led by artists and practitioners of quality and expertise.
These residencies come with full board accommodation at Cober Hill, quality tuition and all materials and equipment needed to complete the course.
There will be limited spaces available on each course that does not include accommodation.
Cober Hill is a Victorian mansion, steeped in history and set in acres of stunning grounds. Nestled in the North York Moors National Park and just a stone’s throw from the heritage coast, Cober Hill has breathtaking views.
Built in 1890 by Sir Frank Lockwood, a barrister by profession and from 1885 Member of Parliament for York, the property was purchased by Arnold Rowntree, former Liberal Member of Parliament for York, and nephew of the chocolate manufacturer Joseph Rowntree, in March 1920.
Note: Although a private company, Cober Hill operates in a similar way to a charity. This means dividends on the ordinary shares has never been paid and surpluses are used to maintain and improve the facilities. Every residential you book goes towards the upkeep of this historic site.
Take a look at what we're offering
Our ambition is to offer inspiring, quality retreats. See below to see what's on.

Week of Creative Exploration
Four Night Residential - November 2025
Over three days of expert-led tuition, participants will delve into three core disciplines spanning traditional and contemporary art.
Drawing with Chalk and Pastels with Jeremy Ford
Experimental Watercolour Techniques with Annie Quicke
Impressionist Oil Painting with Garth Bailey
Check-in Monday 17th November 2026
Check-out Friday 21st November 2026
£845 Per Person
Full Board
Portraiture with the Masters
Four Night Residential - April 2026
Hone your portraiture skills under the guidance of Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year winners Wendy Barratt, Gareth Reid and semi-finalist Sara Reeve.
Painting Portraits with a Limited Palette with Wendy Barratt
Self-Portraits with Sara Reeve
Portrait Drawing with Gareth Reid
Check-in Monday 20th April 2026
Check-out Friday 24th April 2026
£1195 Per Person
Full Board


Stone Masonry Masterclass
Four Night Residential - July 2026
Perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike, the programme features three structured days, each focusing on a unique aspect of stone carving, however seasoned carvers are welcome to use this residential to work on a specific project of their choosing.
With
Alex Macey
Check-in Monday 13th July 2026
Check-out Friday 17th July 2026
£945 Per Person
Full Board
Introduction to Botanical Art
Four Night Residential - September 2026
Designed for beginners and those with some artistic experience, the programme features three structured daytime workshops, each focusing on essential botanical art techniques. Optional evening sessions provide opportunities to explore complementary skills, and the retreat concludes with a pop-up exhibition to share your creations.
With
Sandrine Maugy
Check-in Monday 21st September 2026
Check-out Friday 25th September 2026
£995 Per Person
Full Board


Contemporary Portraiture Masterclass
Four Night Residential - September 2026
Led by Samira Addo, the 2018 Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year winner, this residential offers an immersive introduction to contemporary portraiture for artists of all levels.
With
Samira Addo
Check-in Monday 21st September 2026
Check-out Friday 25th September 2026
£1095 Per Person
Full Board
Join us at Cober Hill without accommodation
We have a small number of non-residential spaces available for all of our week-long residentials at Cober Hill. See below for more details.
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Non-Residential Tuesday 23 - Friday 26 September 2025. Workshops take place 10am - 4pm
350 British pounds - 365 British pounds
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Tuesday 18th - Friday 21st November 2025 Cober Hill Non-Residential with Gareth Reid
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- 650 British pounds
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- 395 British pounds
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- 550 British pounds
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Non-Residential Tuesday 22nd - Thursday 24th September 2026
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Your Stay at Cober Hill
Checking In and Out
You will be able to check-in at 3pm on your day of arrival.
Following check-in you are welcome to join us and other guests for a complimentary drink at 5pm before the evening meal. This is a chance to meet other participants of the residential. Do also take time to explore the hotel and its grounds after checking in.
You will need to check-out of your room by 10.30am on the last day of your stay.
Meal Times
Your buffet-style breakfast is available from 8.30am.
Lunch will be served at 12.30pm.
Evening meals are served at 6.30pm
Your Room at Cober Hill
On check-in you will be allocated your own en-suite bedroom. Accommodation at Cober Hill is basic but clean. There are no TV's in the bedrooms but there is free wi-fi throughout the site for you to use.
Preparation and What to Bring
Bring suitable footwear and clothing for any outdoor sessions, as some workshops may involve exploring the grounds.
The grounds are fully accessible, but please inform us of any mobility concerns so we can make necessary arrangements, including alternative options for those unable to walk long distances.
Rooms do not have a hairdryer but there are a limited number for people to use. These are available from reception.
Entertainment
Your group will have use of a private drawing room for the duration of your stay. This includes a TV, board games, a selection of classic literature as well as views of the gardens and, in the distance, the sea.
Cober Hill has lovely grounds and surroundings which you are free to explore. There is also a tennis court and a bar. Cober Hill is a short distance from the North Sea and there are excellent transport links to Scarborough, Robin Hood's Bay, Whitby and beyond.
Parking and Public Transport Links
There is ample parking at Cober Hill across two carparks. There are also good public transport links to Cober Hill with a bus stop a short walk from the Hotel. You need to let the driver know you are going to Cober Hill and you will be getting off the bus at Cloughton Village.
Extending Your Stay
Subject to room availability, you can also extend your stay. Please add a note at the time of booking and we will contact you to arrange any additional accommodation required.
If needed, we will be able to provide secure storage for any luggage after check out.
Accessible Rooms
There are a number of accessible rooms available at Cober Hill. Please confirm at the time of booking if you require an accessible room.
Guests
If you would like to stay at Cober Hill with someone who won't be attending the course, we will be able to arrange this for you. There will be an additional cost which we can confirm with you before booking.
How to Find Us

bookaclass.com events in Cober Hill are located at:
Cober Hill
Cloughton
Scarborough
North Yorkshire
YO13 0AR