What is Halsway Manor?

Halsway Manor – National Centre for Folk Art is a registered charity set up to promote and support the practice of the traditional folk arts, especially those practised in England. This includes traditional folk dance, folk music, song, folklore, storytelling, arts and crafts.  It is the only residential centre in the world concentrating on the varied folk heritage of England.

For over 50 years Halsway Manor has hosted unique experiences and inspired thousands of people to experience folk dance, song, music and art. We host year round residential and outreach activities covering all facets of folk arts. Our mission is to enrich lives through inspirational experiences so we attract expert tutors from all over the world to offer a broad programme that assists amateur exploration, professional development, the creation of new work and stewardship of our heritage. People visiting Halsway also cherish the new friends that they make here and the community of folk artists that Halsway attracts.

“A truly magical location with world class courses” Course participant

Nestling discretely in the Quantock Hills within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Halsway is in a magical setting. The Manor house is listed by English Heritage as Grade II* late 15th century with 19th century additions. Visitors enjoy six beautiful acres of gardens,  a warm and welcoming atmosphere, onsite accommodation in a range of comfortable bedrooms, great food and a beautiful panelled bar. The manor’s seclusion and the warm and friendly atmosphere is much appreciated by its many supporters as being highly conducive for educational/learning activities.

“I love teaching at Halsway, it’s such and amazing place. The folk world is so lucky to have it!” Vicki Swan

The manor houses the Kennedy Grant Library, a nationally important collection of about 10,000 books and recordings of folklore, customs, traditional folk music, dance and song, it is the second largest library of its type in the UK and has a number of unique items which tell the story of Britain’s folk heritage.

You can read our Articles of Association (2021)
You can view our Annual review and accounts for 2021/22 here: Financial Report 2021/22
You can read about our Environmental Policy here: Environmental Policy & Action Plan

If you would like to read more about the history of Halsway Manor please visit Our History.