The Orchard Workshop at Heddon Valley

A view of the Orchard Workshop in the Heddon Valley — The Orchard Workshop in the Heddon Valley | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

The Orchard Workshop is a versatile space in the heart of the Heddon Valley. It’s a place intended as a venue for learning, sharing and supporting; where the imagination is inspired and caring for our natural environment, local community and rural ways of living is promoted.

About the Orchard Workshop

The site is made up of a small stone workshop with a level outdoor workspace and raised grassy banks within a small orchard. It’s a venue that can be used for a variety of events and activities, including:

Rural skills demonstrations
Storytelling and performances
Community groups and talks
Training seminars
Artist residencies
Craft work demonstrations.

It’s also a great spot for a picnic.

Where to find the Orchard Workshop

The workshop is at a public intersection in the Heddon Valley next to the Hunter’s Inn, the National Trust shop, ranger’s office and public footpath towards Heddon’s Mouth. Around 80,000 visitors come to the Heddon Valley each year and the space’s central location means it has excellent passing footfall in the summer months, offering users of the workshop an opportunity to engage with the public.

‘Maintaining a rustic charm, the Orchard Workshop is a place where one world blends into the next. Moving from car, through car park, past the shop, and into the orchard, visitors can brush off the binds of the human world as they are welcomed into the boundless beauty of Heddon Valley.’

– Josey Field, Lead Ranger

How to book the Orchard Workshop

The workshop is available to hire from April to September, with a minimum booking of one week and a maximum of two weeks. People who want to use the space to demonstrate rural skills or deliver environmental learning and nature-based activities will be given priority.

Because of licensing rules, artists are not allowed to sell directly from the workshop but can arrange to sell their work through the Heddon Valley National Trust shop.

There is a small suggested donation for the use of the space, and all proceeds will support the conservation work of the West Exmoor ranger team.

Find out more by emailing northdevon@nationaltrust.org.uk