What is the minimum age to attend?

The event is suitable for ages 16 and up; proof of age may be requested at check-in.

Do I need painting experience?

No experience is required—artist Brydie guides absolute beginners through every step and all materials are provided.

Can I buy more fruit or bottles of juice/cider at the farm?

Yes, there is an option to buy additional orchard fruit and extra bottled juices or ciders from the farm shop on the night.

Is there parking available?

Parking is available on-site; check the meeting point details in your booking confirmation for directions and arrival instructions.

Wear footwear suitable for grass, dress in layers for cool evenings, and bring a waterproof jacket if rain is forecast.

How many people are in a session?

Group size varies by session; spaces are limited and advance booking is recommended to secure a spot.

Orchard Evenings: Pick, Paint & Platter at Hayles Fruit Farm in Winchcombe

Pick, Paint & Platter at Hayles Fruit Farm sits on the rolling edge of Winchcombe in Cheltenham, a working orchard where apples and pears still hang heavy in autumn. This two-and-a-half‑hour evening combines a pick-your-own orchard walk, a guided painting workshop with artist Brydie, and a farm deli grazing platter paired with mulled cider from Hayles’ award-winning presses.

Start at the meeting point on the farm, where rows of fruit trees frame a cosy cafe area warmed by lamps and chatter. Participants are led into the orchard to choose fruit that will become the subject of a canvas study; trunks, branches and ripening fruit provide natural still-life references and a tactile way to learn composition. Back inside, Brydie guides absolute beginners through step-by-step techniques—blocking in shapes, mixing autumnal palettes and finding loose brushwork that captures the orchard’s character. Materials are supplied, and the relaxed pace leaves room for conversation and a few sips of cider between brushstrokes.

The experience feels local and tangible: this is a farm that bottles fruit into juice and ciders on site, so the drinks aren’t an afterthought but an extension of the landscape. A grazing platter sourced from the farm shop deli keeps energy up and showcases the same regional flavors that feed the orchard. The evening lands squarely in the season—soft light on leaves, the scent of pressed apples, and the satisfying crunch of newly picked fruit.

Why book this trip? It’s a hybrid of slow, sensory farm life and creative learning that suits beginners and curious travellers. It’s also a chance to support a small producer and learn where food comes from while taking home something handmade. For photographers and writers it’s a compact subject-rich setting: fruit on branches, timber benches, paint-splattered aprons and a steaming cup of cider.

Practical notes: the session is suitable for ages 16 and up, runs about 2.5 hours, and all art supplies are provided. Wear shoes that can handle grass and uneven ground, and dress for the weather—evening temperatures cool quickly in the Cotswolds. Booking is limited, so reserve early if you want a seat at the communal table.

Whether you come for the painting, the chance to pick orchard fruit, or simply a cosy autumn evening with local food and drink, Pick, Paint & Platter at Hayles Fruit Farm is a short, memorable way to experience Winchcombe’s orchard culture. You can often buy extra fruit or additional bottles of the farm’s juices and ciders at the farm shop after the class, which makes for a practical souvenir or gift. Parking is available on-site; check Hayles Fruit Farm meeting point details when you book to confirm arrival instructions and any site-specific guidelines. Bring a bag for harvest.

About Paint Pot Parties

Paint Pot Parties is a creative events company based at The Old Kennels in England. The business runs guided painting workshops, pop-up art nights, family sessions and seasonal specials hosted at restaurants, theatres, studios and outdoor venues across the region. Events include family paint and picnic mornings, Paint & Pudding evenings, Paint & Pizza nights, Paint & Sip workshops, kids’ pumpkin and Halloween sessions, decoupage skull workshops, Barre & Brushstrokes and themed community pop-ups.

Workshops are led by experienced artists and therapeutic art coaches, with several sessions explicitly guided by art coach Brydie. Many events are described as suitable for all skill levels and include clear instruction, stencil or traceable options, and supplied materials where noted. Public pop-ups have taken place at venues such as Cotswold Lounge (Chipping Norton), Gupshill Manor (Tewkesbury), Stroud Brewery, Cattivo (Cirencester), Rose & Crown (Redmarley), The Globe (Stonehouse), Brasserie Blanc (Cheltenham), Dunkertons Park, Swan Theatre (Worcester), Topoly's (Gloucester), The Plough (Prestbury), Norton Grounds and other local establishments named in event listings.

Paint Pot Parties programs combine social dining and painting — for example, workshops paired with pizza, bruschetta, brunch or seasonal puddings — and occasional performance-led evenings like the Drag Arty Party. Tickets are offered per event, often with limited availability, and the company promotes engaging, accessible creative experiences for families, friends and community groups.

Booking information and dates are provided per event, and many nights are hosted in partnership with local restaurants, bars, galleries and community clubs. Attendees can expect social atmospheres, step-by-step instruction, and take-home artworks at the end often.