Hampshire Open Studios: A Little Artists’ Haven by the Sea

5 days ago
2 min read

Looking for a lovely day out in Hampshire this August? Come to Hill Head for the last ten days of August for Hampshire Open Studios (22^nd-31^st August, 2026), where you’ll find art, jewellery, ceramics and plenty of coastal inspiration, all within a few minutes’ walk of the sea. It really is a little artists' haven by the sea!

Pink Banner which reads 'Hampshire Open Studios'

Woman painting on an easel by the beach at sunset, holding a palette and brush in a calm, airy seaside scene.

At the end of August, I pack up my jewellery and head back to the coast, to my parents’ house in Hill Head, where Coffee Pod Creations began.

Originally, I started exhibiting here because I was teaching in London and it was wonderful to have an excuse to escape to the coast for a few days. I’ve continued coming back because I think Hill Head is a little artist’s haven. There’s something rather lovely about spending a late summer day wandering between studios, meeting the makers and enjoying a bit of the British seaside at the same time.

And this year, there’s a particularly lovely collection of artists to discover within just three roads of each other, making Hill Head a wonderful place to explore on foot.

I’ll be opening my studio with my upcycled coffee pod jewellery, showcasing my colourful, affordable jewellery made by upcycling aluminium coffee pods. Come and see how I transform something that might otherwise be thrown away into unique necklaces and earrings, and discover the stories behind my designs.

Smiling woman at a craft table makes upcycled coffee pod jewelry, with colorful earrings and necklaces displayed on a table.

Nearby you’ll find Sara, whose expressive paintings are inspired by the sea and nature, working in watercolour, oils and mixed media. Original artwork, prints and cards will be available.

Elaine Reed captures the beauty and mystery of the natural world in watercolour, while Chris Lewis explores coastal themes through painting, collage and mixed media. Sue Wells makes jewellery using semi-precious gems and silver. Just across the road, John Cook presents an original collection of ceramic sculptures and pottery, created using ancient techniques and combining highly creative figurative and decorative work.

a hand holding a watercolour paint brush and dipping it in some paint

And don’t miss Karen Townsend, who celebrates the coast through art. Her sea-themed pottery and demonstrations throughout the week offer a chance to step into her welcoming studio and perhaps even have a go yourself!

a potters wheel and hands shaping the bowl

Best of all, entry is free and there’s free road parking.

Make a day of it: start or finish with a coffee, cake or lunch at The Breezes Cafe, or head a little further along to Titchfield Haven for a wander and a treat at the Harbourside Cafe.

Hampshire Open Studios in Hill Head is a chance to meet local artists, discover handmade treasures and enjoy a little bit of seaside summer along the way. I’d love to see you.