Cleggars Castle

"I had the most wonderful experience at Cleggars Castle.
Gina's guidance & expertise in ceramics helped me create beautiful pieces beyond my capabilities. It was an enriching and fulfilling journey of discovery."
Eiryl George

My experiences with Gina’s one-to-one tutorials have all been stimulating, enjoyable & fulfilling. Her approach was encouraging; she knows her materials so well, that she was able to give me excellent advice.
Dr. Clare Scott

Hand Building & Surface Mark-Making
Suitable for: Beginners / Skill Development.
Fee: £360 per person
Course Length: 4 sessions (4 weeks)
Maximum Class Size: 2 participants
*Daytime ClassesClick here for full details

The Photographers Eye
Suitable for: Beginners / Skill Development.
Fee: £145 per person
Course Length: 1 Day
Maximum Class Size: 2 participantsClick here for full details

Hand Building & Surface Mark Making
Suitable for: Beginners / Skill Development.
Fee: £180 per person
Course Length: 4 sessions (4 weeks)
Maximum Class Size: 2 participants
*Evening ClassesClick here for full details

Cyanotype Printing
Suitable for: Beginners / Skill Development
Fee: £160 per person
Course Length: 1 Day
Maximum Class Size: 2 participantsClick here for full details

Hand Building & Surface Mark-Making
Course Breakdown:On your first visit, we’ll begin briefly by teaching you about safe practice in working with ceramic materials. This will be followed by 2-hour activities that enable you to become accustomed to working with clay as a medium, experimenting with possible forms and a variety of hand-building techniques.In the sessions you will be taught how to slab build, pinch pot and coil. From this point you will be able to develop your skills in the making of your chosen item. Over the weeks you will explore decorating methods including sgraffito, underglaze, glazing, loading and firing an electric kiln.The goal of the course is that you feel satisfaction and capable of further skills developments in the future.

• Start a Conversation Here

Hand Building & Surface Mark-Making
Suitable for: Beginners / Skill Development.
Course Length: 4 Weeks (Sundays: 10am - 3.30pm)
Maximum Class Size: 2 participantsFee: £360 per person
1hr Lunch Break - please bring packed lunch. Tea, Coffee & Biscuits provided. Please advise of allergies.Course Fee includes:
Grogged White Earthenware Clay, Transparent Glazes, Oxides, Stains, Underglaze, Decorating Slips, Stencilling & Firings.What to bring:
Apron or old clothes, notebook and pen. Select one of the following items to make (maximum sizes):
* Vase - Height 40cm;
* Utensil - Bowl Width 40cm - container Height 40cm, 6 Mugs; 6 Side Plates;
* Planter - Height 40cm x Width 40cm.Next course dates:
To be confirmed.← Back to all Courses

Hand Building & Surface Mark-Making
Course Breakdown:On your first visit, we’ll begin briefly by teaching you about safe practice in working with ceramic materials. This will be followed by 2-hour activities that enable you to become accustomed to working with clay as a medium, experimenting with possible forms and a variety of hand-building techniques.In the sessions you will be taught how to slab build, pinch pot and coil. From this point you will be able to develop your skills in the making of your chosen item. Over the weeks you will explore decorating methods sgraffito, underglaze, glazing, loading, and firing an electric kiln.The goal of the course is that you feel satisfaction and capable of further skills developments in the future.

• Start a Conversation Here

Hand Building & Surface Mark-Making
Suitable for: Beginners / Skill Development.
Course Length: 5 Weeks (Mondays: 5.30pm - 8.30pm)
Maximum Class Size: 2 participantsFee: £180 per person (£45 per session)
1hr Lunch Break - please bring packed lunch. Tea, Coffee & Biscuits provided. Please advise of allergies.Course Fee includes:
Grogged White Earthenware Clay, Transparent Glazes, Oxides, Stains, Underglaze, Decorating Slips, Stencilling & Firings.What to bring:
Apron or old clothes, notebook and pen. Select one of the following items to make (maximum sizes):
* Vase - Height 40cm;
* Utensil - Bowl Width 40cm - container Height 40cm, 6 Mugs; 6 Side Plates;
* Planter - Height 40cm x Width 40cm.Next course dates:
To be confirmed.← Back to all Courses

The Photographers Eye - Painting with Light.
Course Breakdown:
On your visit to the studio, we’ll begin with a short introduction to safe practice when working in a photography studio.Light painting is a creative photography technique where an image is created by setting the camera to a long exposure time. Rather than capturing a single instant, the camera remains open for several seconds, allowing movement and light to be recorded across the frame.By moving a light source while the shutter is open, you can draw, shape or trace patterns in the air. The result is a beautiful and completely unique image that cannot be achieved with standard photography techniques.

• Start a Conversation Here

The Photographers Eye - Painting with Light.
Suitable for: Beginners / Skill Development.
Course Length: 1 Day
Maximum Class Size: 2 participantsFee: £145 per person.
1hr Lunch Break - please bring packed lunch. Tea, Coffee & Biscuits provided. Please advise of allergies.Course Fee includes:
Two A3 Prints included and digital USB.What to bring:
Notebook and pen.Next course dates:
To be confirmed.← Back to all Courses

Cyanotype Printing
Course Breakdown:Cyanotype is one of the oldest forms of photography, dating back to the 1840s. Using a simple mix of light-sensitive chemicals, coated paper or fabric and the power of ultraviolet light (sunlight), you’ll create bold botanical prints, dreamy silhouettes or delicate compositions from found objects and natural materials.On this relaxed course, you’ll be guided through the process step by step - from mixing and applying the cyanotype solution, to arranging your design, exposing it in the sun and developing your final print with just water. You don’t need any prior experience, just curiosity and a sense of play.By the end of the session, you'll have a unique, handmade cyanotype print to take home - each one a beautiful record of light, shadow, and creativity.

• Start a Conversation Here

Cyanotype Printing
Suitable for:
Beginners and anyone seeking to develop their skills.
Course Length: 1 Day
Maximum Class Size: 2 participantsFee: £160 per person.
1hr Lunch Break - please bring packed lunch. Tea, Coffee & Biscuits provided. Please advise of allergies.Course fee includes:
One A3 Print per session.Materials include:
Cyanotype chemicals, 1 x A3 cotton fabric, 1 x A4 cotton fabric, 1 x tee-shirt, 4 x A3 watercolour paper, 4 x A4 watercolour paper, fresh paints & flowers.What to bring:
Notebook and pen.Next course dates:
To be confirmed.← Back to all Courses

Cleggars Castle is run by ceramic artist, photographer & tutor, Gina Hughes. Whether you're just starting out or looking to develop your skills & practice, you'll find all the guidance you need from her.Gina's work is inspired by the shapes, textures & quiet beauty of the natural world around her. Gina's teaching style is gentle & encouraging, creating a relaxed, space where curiosity, play and creativity can gently flourish, under her guidance.This is a safe, welcoming and supportive space where individual expression is both nurtured and celebrated, where the pace allows you to breathe, learn and create.

We are close to Narberth, close to the stunning Pembrokeshire coastline & attractions and so close to Folly Farm you can sometimes hear lions roaring!Come to Cleggars Castle to discover what’s possible when you give yourself time & space to create.Whether you feel ready to book a course or simply want to ask a question, we'd love to hear from you.

Cleggars Castle is tucked away in the peaceful village of Templeton, just outside the bustling market town of Narberth in Pembrokeshire.Whether you're here for a morning, an afternoon, a day or a few nights, Cleggars Castle offers a creative escape in one of Wales’ most beautiful regions.Curious about joining a course?
Whether you're ready to book or simply want to ask a question, we'd love to hear from you.

We’re really easy to reach by car, located just off the A40, as well as the A478, with very good, swift road links from Carmarthen, Tenby and Haverfordwest.While you’re here, why not take the opportunity to explore the local area. Narberth is full of beautiful independent shops, galleries & great places to eat.The stunning Pembrokeshire coast is just a short drive away - with its sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, coastal paths and sea air to invigorate your soul.Whether you're here for a morning, an afternoon, a day or a few nights, Cleggars Castle offers a creative escape in one of Wales’ most beautiful regions.Come and discover what’s possible when you give yourself the time and space to truly create with us here at Cleggars Castle.

Stay at Cleggars Castle

If you'd like to make the most of your creative escape here at Cleggars Castle, you're very welcome to stay in our lovely on-site, self-contained, self-catering accommodation.We offer a bright, private, spacious and comfortable living & dining area, with a fully equipped kitchen, two bathrooms and three large double bedrooms, providing a quiet and restful space to unwind after a day in the studio or out with your camera.Located literally a few steps away from the course venue, it’s the perfect way to fully immerse yourself in the experience, without the need to clock-watch or worry about travelling.Accommodation is £80 per night, per double- room.
Please advise us of your accommodation needs,
when enquiring about courses or experiences.

Experiences at Cleggars Castle

Treat yourself, or someone special, to a memorable one-to-one experience at Cleggars Castle. Perfect as a thoughtful gift or a creative few hours shared with a friend or partner. Our experiences are bespoke - together we can shape a relaxed creative session around your interests, your pace and what you’d most like to explore.

Ceramics
Enjoy a relaxed, hands-on introduction to working with clay in a peaceful studio setting. We'll explore simple techniques at your own pace, with gentle guidance throughout. At the end of your session, you'll choose one piece to be fired & sent to you, a lasting keepsake of your time here.

Photography
Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your eye, this 1-2-1 experience offers time and space to focus on your photography in a supportive, inspiring environment. Learn how to get more from your camera, improve your composition, or explore creative approaches tailored to your goals.

• Start a Conversation Here

If you’d like to join us for a course, enquire about a one-to-one experience, or simply ask us any questions you may have, please fill in the form opposite and we’ll get back to you as soon as we possibly can.Cleggars Castle is intentionally small & bespoke, with courses limited to just a few participants at a time, making sure that we keep things personal, flexible and so that every visit feels relaxed, welcoming, special and tailored very specifically to you.

Not sure yet?Why not start a conversation?
No commitment. No pressure.We’ll simply reply with details, availability, enthusiasm and a smile!