About the Combe Down Art Trail

​Headed up by artist Jeni Wood in 2017, with graphic designer Steve Wells creating the original design work and logo, the Combe Down Art Trail was the fifth art trail to join the Bath Open Studios. It has grown to be an annual fixture that people in and around the village of Combe Down really look forward to, currently run by a dedicated team of volunteers: Sally Jefferies, Kathy Pearce, Catherine Beale, Vikki Yeates, Hils Strickland, and Ele Nash.

Located on the southern slopes of Bath, Combe Down is at the top of historic Prior Park Road - the road belonging to Ralph Allen that once ferried Combe Down's iconic honey-coloured stone into the city, used to build the Bath we know and love today. The historically important village has an entrance to the Two Tunnels cycleway, as well as housing the rare horseshoe bat

It’s perhaps not surprising that picturesque Combe Down is also lucky to have so many emerging and established artists willing to open their studio doors. From jewellers to painters, print-makers to photographers, sculptors to ceramicists, there’s something to suit every taste.

With the website, map, posters and advertising updated by artists Hils Strickland, and Ele Nash, the art trail is easy to follow. Marked with red lanterns, visitors  are led through the heart of this beautiful and historic village into artists’ homes and studios as well as public venues, such as The Peggy Dodd Centre, and St Andrew's Community Centre. There are exciting workshops and live demonstrations that take place, which in previous years has included: clay throwing, raku firing, printing, animation workshops, music workshops, and stone carving, Many artists have their sketchbooks available for you to get an insight into their process.

The art trail runs over the second weekend in September giving visitors an alternative time of year to enjoy the arts on offer – especially in that lead up to the festive season!

You can reach Combe Down via both the Number 2 and Number 4A bus, which run regularly from Bath Bus Station. Alternatively, there will be some parking available around the village. Please remember to bring cash but many have mobile banking available. The nearest cashpoint is at the local Morrisons on Bradford Road.
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​You can follow the Combe Down Art Trail on Instagram @CDArtTrail and Facebook @CDArtTrail

Are you an artist interested in taking part in the Combe Down Art Trail? Or do you have a venue in Combe Down village you'd like to offer to artists for the Trail? Do get in touch!

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