Inspiration

Eight special places to stay with experiences for every interest

Sawday's Expert

5 min read

Holidays are about taking time out of your busy life to recharge, and while that’s often simply to relax, sometimes being active or learning a new skill can be more restorative than late starts and lazy days. With these incredible courses and classes at some of our gorgeous places to stay, there’s no need to wait for the new year to try a new experience.

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Art and design

The Reading Party at Middle Colenso Farm, Cornwall

Christen, the owner of Middle Colenso Farm, is an avid reader and former bookseller, who so enjoys making the time to read that she holds whole weekends dedicated to it. Guests come to read, explore the area and gather at mealtimes to discuss what they’ve found in their books and on their travels. There’s no pressure to take part though, so you can use your stay to lose yourself in Cornwall and the worlds between the covers, or meet fellow readers and spend a sociable few days swapping stories.

Take a look at Middle Colenso Farm >

Snowshoe walks, skiing and hiking at Saalerwirt, Italy

Summer in the Tirol is an underrated time, as the snow clears to leave access to stunning mountain hikes, which the team at Saalerwirt can guide you on. In winter, they can lend you snowshoes and you can follow some of the same trails, albeit slightly slower. They have a great cross-country trail if your thigh muscles are up to it, and a superb spa to ensure that you can still get out of bed the next day. Add in a little ice stick shooting, wine tastings with the in-house sommelier and a few frames in the historic skittle alley and you end up with an inspiring, energetic holiday whenever you visit.

Take a look at Saalerwirt >

Growing and crafts at The Lint Mill, Lanarkshire

In the garden of The Lint Mill, deep in Scottish Borders countryside, you can learn the art of tending to the land. The courses on nurturing a smallholding contain little tips and tricks that are perfect for any size of garden, while foraging trips help you develop your eye for great found food and the Land Art, or willow working classes are perfect for inspiring you creatively. Whichever course you take, the owners, Colin and Deborah, take care of all the cooking, so you can be completely free from daily chores and focus on what you came to learn.

Take a look at The Lint Mill >

Writing and painting at Clos Mirabel, Pyrenees

Clos Mirabel bright, airy rooms and stunning mountain backdrop are inspiring enough places to begin with, but owners Rachel and Xavier know that everyone needs a little extra creative input now and again. Their writing and painting courses are more than just workshops and giving yourself time – they bring in authors and artists to guide you in a specific facet of your work. Learn the art of composing compelling essays and memoirs, or how to capture mood and atmosphere in whatever medium you choose.

Take a look at Clos Mirabel >

Bespoke wellness retreats at Bracken Barn, Cumbria

Many of us are a little self-conscious when it comes to things like wellness. Perhaps you’d rather avoid being in a group of elastic yogis tying themselves in knots, or you prefer a specific type of treatment. At Sunny Brow Farm, where Bracken Barn is situated, you can build your own retreat, discussing your requirements with the team, choosing whether to have private sessions or join group activities and tailoring everything to what your mind and body really need.

Take a look at Bracken Barn >

The Sustainability Centre at Souths Down Eco Lodge

There’s not much that’s done in the outdoors that you can’t learn whilst you stay at South Downs Eco Lodge. Courses include permaculture design, making climbing frames, coppicing, weaving baskets and making natural cosmetics and cleaning products, as well as more mindful activities like learning to support children suffering with anxiety. While most of the courses run over a single day, a stay at the B&B means you can linger on site and soak in all your newfound knowledge along with some of the peace of the Hampshire woodland.

Take a look at South Downs Eco Lodge >

Wild swimming camp at Another Place, The Lake District

Champion wild swimmer Colin Hill lives across the water from the spa hotel Another Place and regularly commutes to work by diving in from his house and climbing out onto the pier down on the shore. On this three-day course, you’ll learn techniques and tips for wild swimming, including how to never feel the cold at all! That’s not true, you’ll always feel the cold, but the hot tub, sauna, treatment rooms and cosy bar of Another Place will fill you back up with warmth and fine food.

Take a look at Another Place >

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Christopher Wilson-Elmes

Sawday's Expert

Chris is our in-house copywriter, with a flair for turning rough notes and travel tales into enticing articles. Raised in a tiny Wiltshire village, he was desperate to travel and has backpacked all over the world. Closer to home, he finds himself happiest in the most remote and rural places he can find, preferably with a host of animals to speak to, some waves to be smashed about in and the promise of a good pint somewhere in his future.

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