Rural Arts
Rural Arts
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Vibrant, family friendly venue with a cafe (selling homemade soup, quiche, cakes, refreshments etc) and shop/gallery stocked with a wide range of beautiful, individual and affordable ceramics, jewelry, textiles, cards, gifts and much more. We also offer a programme of arts workshops, exhibitions, events and performances for all ages and abilities.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Restaurants
56 within 3 miles
Attractions
21 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
38 reviews
Excellent
29
Very good
6
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
1
David A
Marbella, Spain24 contributions
Mar 2018 • Friends
Very sad experience regarding small cup of coffee, has now gone up to £2.45 from £2.20, I realise that the price of coffee has gone up world wide, but surly attitude of young woman serving was not required, no smile, just sour face. Staff training badly needed! Shame really, as venue for art and crafts is first class, hope young woman concerned has the relevant training. Has put a damper on my visits to the cafe concerned, and other visitors!
Written March 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie H
Pontefract, UK120 contributions
Jan 2015 • Couples
We have visited Thirsk 2 or 3 times over the past year and have never previously noticed the Rural Arts venue in the Old Courthouse, so today was our lucky day. It's a bit of a walk back from the town towards the racecourse, but with 1 hour free parking on the market square it's worth spending that time walking to the Old Courthouse and enjoying the cafe's menu as well as looking at all the locally made craft items which are for sale. Lots of local info available for visitors as well as residents of the area. Friendly and welcoming staff. We will head there again in the future.
Written January 2, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Downbytheseaagain
Yorkshire, UK3 contributions
Nov 2017 • Solo
Encouraging, motivating, friendly, creative, welcoming, well equipped, varied, etc etc. There are many ways to describe this lovely arts centre. Having now attended several workshops I can say that it's creative staff are excellent teachers and with such a wide option of courses, you really don't know which to try first! Lovely cafe and gift shop too. Well done Rural Arts.
Written November 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pippalongsocks
18 contributions
Nov 2017 • Solo
Rural arts is a hidden gem for those who love all things creative, from art/craft workshops to performance there's something on their timetable for everyone. There's a fab little shop that sells all local artist produced creations it's difficult to choose what to buy as there's so many wonderful products. The cafe is quaint and the food homemade and delicious - Crockery could maybe do with being replenished as some of it has seen better days but don't let that put you off. The workshops are very very good with expert tutors who are very attentive, friendly and fun, with everything provided for the task. Everyone is so friendly, and helpful, I cannot recommend this place enough.
Written November 5, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emily W
Thirsk, UK73 contributions
Jul 2017 • Solo
There are so many events held here from crafts, screenings to comedy not to mention the hand made gifts and lovely cafe. Real gem in the heart of North Yorkshire, very lucky to have this on my doorstep. Recently attended a comedy evening here, and although they sold out and had to get more chairs, the staff we really friendly and accommodating and really hope they host more comedy in the future!
Written July 9, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert F
Derby, UK103 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
Very nice atmosphere, good quality home baking. A feast for your eyes too in the gallery and crafts next door. Only a little walk from the town centre. Just called in for a coffee and and tasty bit. Just a few minutes walk from TESCO car park. Smashing!
Written June 15, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Harricobean
North Yorkshire, UK101 contributions
Oct 2013 • Friends
Tripadvisor asks when I visited .... well more than once, and you will too.
Whether you're a local, or coming to Thirsk for a day out this is a great place to get a coffee, or meet up with friends for a chat. A quaint little cafe, with tasty scones, homemade cakes and quiche, soup etc. A good place to stop off on your way into or out of town, close to the cinema and Tesco. And it's a charity.
They also run training courses - tiles & jewellery making, and how to use your ipad!!. There is a gift shop in the hall where you can buy unique hand crafted items.
Whether you're a local, or coming to Thirsk for a day out this is a great place to get a coffee, or meet up with friends for a chat. A quaint little cafe, with tasty scones, homemade cakes and quiche, soup etc. A good place to stop off on your way into or out of town, close to the cinema and Tesco. And it's a charity.
They also run training courses - tiles & jewellery making, and how to use your ipad!!. There is a gift shop in the hall where you can buy unique hand crafted items.
Written November 13, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review and your lovely comments. We are really pleased that you enjoyed your visit to The Courthouse and we hope to meet you again soon.
Written November 15, 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Northeast10
Northeast106 contributions
Mar 2013 • Couples
This place place is a very pleasant surprise. There's a really lovely gallery with plenty of high quality ceramics, paintings, prints, cards, textiles and jewellery, and it has a friendly cafe serving home cooked food, and lots of music and theatre events and art and craft workshops. If you're visiting the area, I'd recommend you see what's on.
I'm a regular visitor both to the events and cafe, and it's a rare treat in a rural location.
Highly recommended.
I'm a regular visitor both to the events and cafe, and it's a rare treat in a rural location.
Highly recommended.
Written March 24, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane84
Northallerton, UK13 contributions
Mar 2023
This is really such a lovely asset to the community - warm welcome and feels lovely and clean too. Only small moan would be the lack of any vegan offerings...please make us some gorgeous goodies too!!!
Written March 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bobbysox2015
North Yorkshire, UK22 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
Amazing quality homemade food, exceptionally delicious . Friendly service, a warm welcome and relaxing atmosphere.
Written February 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adventure561376
Darlington, UK
I am travelling from Darlington to a course on Friday and would like to know where I can park, please.
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Claim your listingRural Arts - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Rural Arts
- Rural Arts is open:
- Tue - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Rural Arts:
- (0.03 mi) The Ings
- (0.04 mi) Fourways Guest House
- (0.16 mi) Golden Fleece Hotel
- (0.11 mi) 2 bedroom accommodation in Thirsk
- (0.19 mi) Kirkgate House Hotel
- Restaurants near Rural Arts:
- (0.02 mi) Westgate Fish & Chips
- (0.12 mi) Racha Thai Bistro
- (0.13 mi) Bianco Ristorante Thirsk
- (0.14 mi) Upstairs Downstairs Tearooms Deli & Sandwich Bar
- (0.15 mi) Yorks Of Thirsk
Rural Arts Information
Excellent Reviews | 29 |
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Very Good Reviews | 6 |
Rural Arts Photos | 20 |