Ashburton Cookery School & Chefs Academy
Old Exeter Road, Ashburton, Ashburton, TQ13 7LG
Member Overview
What is Ashburton Cookery School & Chefs Academy?
Ashburton Cookery School & Chefs Academy is one of the UK's leading independent cookery schools, located on the edge of Dartmoor in Ashburton, Devon. Established over 30 years ago, the school offers inspirational cookery courses for everyone from complete beginners and enthusiastic home cooks to aspiring professional chefs seeking accredited culinary training.
With expert chef tutors, purpose-built kitchens and a passion for great food, Ashburton has built an outstanding reputation for practical, hands-on learning that develops confidence, skills and creativity in the kitchen.
What does Ashburton Cookery School & Chefs Academy offer?
Ashburton offers more than 50 cookery courses covering a huge range of cuisines, techniques and skill levels. From half-day workshops and one-day masterclasses to weekend courses and intensive week-long programmes, there is something for every food enthusiast.
For those looking to pursue a career in food, the Ashburton Chefs Academy provides professional chef training programmes in Culinary Arts and Patisserie, with accredited qualifications designed to fast-track careers in hospitality.
The school also offers gift vouchers, accommodation packages, dining experiences and specialist courses throughout the year.
Our Specialities
- Professional cookery courses
- Chef training programmes
- Culinary Arts Diplomas
- Patisserie and bakery training
- Hands-on cookery workshops
- International cuisines
- Baking and bread making
- Specialist skills masterclasses
- Professional chef qualifications
- Small group learning
- Local and seasonal ingredients
- Gift experiences for food lovers
Why choose Ashburton Cookery School & Chefs Academy?
Ashburton is recognised as one of the UK's most respected cookery schools, offering expert tuition in a friendly and supportive environment. Courses are led by experienced professional chefs and designed to give students practical skills they can immediately put into practice.
The school's location between Dartmoor and the Devon coast provides access to outstanding local produce, with a strong emphasis on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Whether you're learning for pleasure, personal development, or a professional career, Ashburton combines exceptional teaching with industry-relevant skills.
Learn & Cook at Ashburton Cookery School
Cookery Courses (Home Cooks)
Ashburton offers an exceptional range of experiential courses to suit every interest, including:
- Cook‑to‑Go 3‑hour classes – fast‑paced sessions where guests cook a complete meal to take home.
- Half‑day classes – short, skill‑focused sessions perfect for gifting.
- One‑day courses – full themed days ending with a lunch and wine made from dishes you prepare.
- Weekend experiences – immersive two‑day courses, ideal for deeper learning and accompanied by local B&B accommodation.
- Five‑day intensive courses – designed to elevate your existing cookery skills and confidence.
Courses cover a wide range of culinary themes, including world cuisines, patisserie, breadmaking, seafood, sauces, baking, modern British dishes and more.
The Ashburton Chefs Academy – Professional Training
For those seeking a professional career in hospitality, the Ashburton Chefs Academy offers industry‑recognised, full‑time chef training programmes. These include:
- 4‑week Chef Foundation Course
- 17‑week Culinary Arts Diploma (residential)
- Advanced Diplomas in Culinary Arts & Patisserie
- 15‑week Patisserie Diploma
- The Academy is ICSA‑accredited, reflecting its high training standards and exceptional educational facilities.
- Local, seasonal and ethically sourced Devon ingredients, reflecting its setting between the moor and the sea.
- Expert chef‑tutors with backgrounds in prestigious UK kitchens.
- Professional‑grade facilities, including purpose‑built kitchens designed for immersive cookery training.
- Courses for all skill levels, from short half‑day classes to advanced multi‑week professional programmes.
This is a place where food lovers can grow their skills, deepen their culinary knowledge and connect with high‑quality local produce in a supportive, inspiring environment.
Where can you find Ashburton Cookery School & Chefs Academy?
Ashburton Cookery School & Chefs Academy is located in Ashburton, on the edge of Dartmoor National Park in South Devon. The purpose-built cookery school and professional chef training academy is easily accessible from the A38 and attracts students and food enthusiasts from across the UK
Opening Hours
Customer Services
- Monday to Friday: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:30 am to 3:00 pm
The school runs cookery courses and chef training programmes throughout the week, with classes and academy courses scheduled year-round.
How to Get There
- Located just off the A38, approximately 20 minutes south of Exeter.
- The nearest railway station is Newton Abbot, approximately 20 minutes away by taxi.
- Free customer parking is available on-site.
Accommodation & Experience Packages
Students can stay at Ashburton Court B&B or partner accommodation in historic houses in central Ashburton, creating a relaxed and immersive cookery‑holiday experience.
Weekend cookery experiences also include curated local accommodation options, allowing guests to explore Devon’s landscapes and food culture between classes
Courses run throughout the year, seven days a week, with options ranging from short practical workshops to intensive professional chef programmes.
Cookery School | Chef Training | Culinary Arts | Patisserie | Professional Qualifications | Baking | Food Experiences | Dartmoor | Devon Food Education | Cookery Courses
Contact Ashburton Cookery School & Chefs Academy
Contact Info
Where to find us
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ashburton Cookery School known for?
Ashburton is one of the UK's leading cookery schools, known for its expert chef tutors, hands-on learning experiences and professional chef training programmes
How many cookery courses are available?
Ashburton offers more than 50 different cookery courses covering a wide range of cuisines, techniques and culinary skills
What types of cookery courses do you offer?
Courses include baking, bread making, pastry, international cuisines, knife skills, seafood cookery, vegetarian cooking, professional chef training and much more.
Can I train to become a professional chef?
Yes. The Ashburton Chefs Academy offers accredited professional training programmes, including Certificates and Diplomas in Culinary Arts and Patisserie designed to fast-track careers in the hospitality industry.
What is the Ashburton Chefs Academy?
The Chefs Academy is the school's professional training division, offering intensive full-time chef courses for aspiring chefs, pastry chefs and hospitality professionals.
Are courses hands-on?
Yes. Ashburton specialises in practical learning, with students working at their own cooking stations and preparing dishes themselves under the guidance of professional chef tutors
Do you use local Devon ingredients?
Yes. The school places a strong emphasis on local, seasonal and, where possible, organic ingredients sourced from across Devon and the South West.
Do students get to eat what they cook?
Yes. On many courses, dishes prepared during the day form part of lunch, and students often take home food they have prepared during the course
Can I buy a cookery course as a gift?
Absolutely. Gift vouchers are available and make popular gifts for food lovers, aspiring chefs and anyone keen to learn new culinary skills.
Is accommodation available?
Yes. Accommodation options are available through partner properties, making it easy for visitors travelling from further afield to enjoy longer courses and cookery weekends.
Can businesses book team-building or private cookery events?
Yes. The school can accommodate private groups, bespoke food experiences and corporate events. These hands-on experiences are ideal for team building, client hospitality and special occasions.
What makes Ashburton Cookery School different?
Its combination of expert professional tuition, small class sizes, purpose-built facilities, accredited chef training programmes and over three decades of experience makes Ashburton one of the UK's most respected and established cookery schools.
Are there courses for aspiring pastry chefs?
Yes. Ashburton offers specialist Patisserie and Bakery Certificates and Diplomas covering everything from bread making to advanced pastry techniques.