Farncombe Estate Centre

Standing on the North Cotswold hills, Farncombe Estate overlooks the heart of England, the Cotswolds, and, on a clear day, sights of the Black Mountains in Wales, and the Wrekin in Shropshire, can also be seen. However, within this peaceful and idyllic 300 acre environment, the Farncombe Estate is alive with activity.

On 50 weekends a year, the Estate offers weekend, day and evening courses in a wide range of learning and leisure activities.

The courses held at Farncombe are run by some of the country's top tutors who share the estates attitudes towards learning. William Reddaway, the estates Adult Learning Manager explains that "We welcome people to come and experience the extensive range of quality courses on offer. The staff and tutors share the idea that the best learning is achieved under a relaxed and calming environment. We believe that learning should be fun yet focused and therefore adopt a more interactive discussion based approach than the 'talk/chalk' approach".

Farncombe Estate courses cover a wide range of subjects, including Arts, Crafts, Bridge, Food and Drink, Health and Wellbeing, History and Architecture, Literature and Writing, Music, Singing, Walking, Wildlife and Gardens. Within each genre is an extensive range of courses that cater for people of varying skill and experience and cover some truly diverse and interesting topic areas.

For the weekend courses, and for those travelling from a distance, modern, well-appointed on-site bed & breakfast accommodation is available. The Centre offers 53 ensuite bedrooms (26 single, 21 double & 6 twin) assessed 4-star Guest Accommodation (VisitBritain). Slightly off the beaten track, the venue is an ideal stopover for group travel and coach groups, wit h ample free parking. The Centre can offer exclusive group use at off-peak times.

Farncombe's location is not only stunning; the site is excellently maintained, secure and run by friendly, welcoming staff.

The dining room offers a delicious choice of menus, using locally sourced produce and the Team are happy to cater for special diets on request. Bed & Breakfast guests can pre-order evening meals in advance.

Farncombe caters for physically disabled guests, with a number of ground floor bedrooms as well as a lift.

The Centre is a member of the Adult Residential Colleges Association and one of only 2 Centres situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.