ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
creative breaks
Sometimes a short break needs to be something more than a few days away from home . Sometimes we need to try something totally different , absolutely new , to keep our brains active and our bodies fit and healthy . By combining a mini holiday with an activity such as cooking or painting , we can fall in love with a new hobby whilst recharging our batteries . Here are some creative breaks around the UK to help you relax your body and revive your mind .
The Shoemaking School // London Eckington Manor // Eckington , Worcestershire
If you really want to experience something you ’ ve never tried before , why not have a go at making shoes ? The tradition of making shoes by hand ( cobbling ) is an ancient one , but one that is becoming more and more rare – so not only are you experiencing something completely different at London ’ s Shoemaking School , you are also ensuring that old ways are kept alive . Here you can join an intensive five-day course in London ( or in Berkeley , California , if you want to travel further afield ) for £ 992 . The Shoemaking School also offers courses in tutu making and boned bodice creation . And since you ’ re in London ( or Berkeley ) why not make the most of your time and explore the city too ? www . theshoemakingschool . co . uk // 0207 923 9450
Set on the border of the Cotswolds , stunning Eckington Manor is luxurious and unique ; it ’ s the perfect place to stay and unwind for a while , surrounded by wooden beams and gorgeous scenery . But there is more to Eckington Manor than simply a lovely hotel with perfectly appointed rooms – there is a cookery school here too . And not just any old cookery school ; this particular one offers the largest number of Agas in a UK cookery school , and there are even specialist Aga cookery courses to make the most of that fact . But if Agas aren ’ t your thing there are plenty of other things to cook , and all of them are made from fully traceable , locally produced ingredients . Courses include knife skills , restaurant dishes at home , making the most of your Aga , easy entertainment , introduction to bread making and more . Courses from £ 40 ( accommodation must be booked separately ). www . eckingtonmanor . co . uk // 01386 751600
West Dean College // Chichester , Sussex
The Creative Retreat // Banff , Aberdeenshire
The Creative Retreat offers creative art breaks for both beginners and experts alike . Try out a new medium , or hone your skills in something you ’ ve tried before ; the expert tutors will guide you through the course with practical tips and sound theory . The art holidays last for one week , and you will be able to stay in your own self-catered room ( your evening welcome meal is included ). Courses include lino printing , abstract art , drawing in the area , the essentials of painting , creative colour , and painting and drawing . Residential courses start at £ 465 , although nonresidential options are available . www . creative-retreat . co . uk // 01261 812276
There are dozens of different courses to try at Chichester ’ s beautiful West Dean College . From pottery to painting , from metalworking to music , from glass and mosaics to gardening – plus plenty more . Some of the courses last for a day , but others are two- , three- , or even four-day courses , giving you the full experience of whichever craft it is you are keen to have a go at . Accommodation is available in this stunning building for those who want to enjoy the longer courses and stay away from home to do so . West Dean College – former home of poet and surrealist painter Edward James – offers both traditional and more modern rooms , but both types are fully equipped with tea and coffee making facilities , an iron and ironing board , towels , toiletries , and many are en suite . Prices start at £ 175 . www . westdean . org . uk // 01243 818300
Darren Harbar Photography
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