This summer, we're doing something rather wonderful.
From 10–14 August, our Neighbourhood Learning Summer School brings together some of the most captivating minds in cultural history for five days of exploration, conversation and shared discovery. The programme is rich and varied, ranging across centuries and disciplines, offering depth for those who want it and pure pleasure for those who simply want to enjoy it — and very often, those turn out to be the same thing.
But the Summer School is about more than just the sessions themselves. It is about the conversations over coffee, the debates over dinner, the unexpected connections between ideas and between people. Learning, at its best, is a communal experience — and that spirit is at the heart of everything we do.
Residential students enjoy complete access to every course, evening lectures, all meals, refreshments, and bed and breakfast. Non-residential students enjoy the same full programme while returning home each evening. Or simply join us as a day student for whichever course or lecture catches your eye.
However you choose to join us, you'll be very welcome.
Your tutors: Gwyn Parry-Jones, Jan Cox, Laura Mayer, Angie Smith, Richard Kay, Alan Lascelles and John Highnam.
Scroll down to book your place or check out the full programme by visiting our Summer School 2026 page below…
Prices (per-person)
Residential (Single Occupancy - En-suite)
4 nights, full programme access
4 nights B&B (Single Occupancy)
All 4 lecture evenings
4 evening dinners
Course access Mon–Thu
All lunches & refreshments
£1,295 per person
We operate a deposit scheme of £250 per-person for all booking types, with the balance due 4 weeks before the course start date (We will send a reminder and secure payment link for the balance on the due date).
For a full description of all the courses taking place, visit our full Summer School page by clicking here.
Residential (Shared Occupancy - En-suite)
4 nights, full programme access
4 nights B&B (Shared Room)
4 evening dinners
Course access Mon–Thu
All lunches & refreshments
All 4 lecture evenings
£850 per person
We operate a deposit scheme of £250 per-person for all booking types, with the balance due 4 weeks before the course start date (We will send a reminder and secure payment link for the balance on the due date).
For a full description of all the courses taking place, visit our full Summer School page by clicking here.
Residential (Non-resident)
Day access, Mon-Thu
All workshop access (4 days)
All course lunches
All 4 lecture evenings
Dinner on lecture nights
£625 per person
We operate a deposit scheme of £250 per-person for all booking types, with the balance due 4 weeks before the course start date (We will send a reminder and secure payment link for the balance on the due date).
For a full description of all the courses taking place, visit our full Summer School page by clicking here.
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Nestled in the Somerset countryside near Wincanton, Holbrook Manor is a charming Georgian house offering comfort, calm, and character — ideal for residential courses and retreats. With elegant rooms, home-cooked meals, and access to the indoor pool, spa bath, sauna, and steam room, it’s the perfect place to learn, relax, and recharge.
The venue has plenty of free parking, accessible course rooms and some accessible bedrooms. There are also a few bedrooms which are dog friendly.
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You can book either as a resident or as a non-resident student for our Summer School.
RESIDENT (Single occupancy)
Each booking includes one place for the duration of the Summer School (Monday - Friday) plus bed, breakfast, lunch, dinner and refreshments at break times (tea/coffee etc.) throughout.RESIDENT (Shared occupancy) [Double or Twin]*
Each booking includes one place for the duration of the Summer School (Monday - Friday) plus bed, breakfast, lunch, dinner and refreshments at break times (tea/coffee etc.) throughout.*Rooms are for 2 people sharing only. Each guest staying must book one of these tickets.
NON-RESIDENT
Each booking includes one place for the duration of the Summer School (Monday - Friday) plus lunch and refreshments at break times (tea/coffee etc.) throughout.
If, as a non-resident student, you wish to join the group for breakfast or dinner on any of the days then this can be arranged and charged separately. Simply send a request, no later than 2 weeks before the Summer School start date, to info@neighbourhoodlearning.com -
Holbrook Manor has 15 enchanting and spacious bedrooms in the manor along with 5 garden rooms with private terraces located within our stunning grounds.
All rooms are en-suite and come with towels included.
The garden rooms are located on the ground floor and suitable for those with access needs. They are also dog friendly.
Rooms are allocated on a first come, first served basis. We will of course always try to accommodate requests where possible!
Check in is from 15:00 on the day of arrival