‘Beautiful locations to learn in’: readers’ favourite creative breaks | Learning holidays

Berkshire is wild and free!

Wider Horizons This outdoor gathering in Berkshire is dedicated to reigniting the creative spark of young attendees (18-30 years old). It includes workshops, music, ceremonies, and movement. On a glorious afternoon in July, the oak trees cast long shadows over the soft soil, the tall grass was gently ruffled by the gentle breeze, and I was surrounded by a group eccentric, energetic young adults. Transformation is a key theme of the weekend: Wild Woman Circles transformed sacred anger into empowerment, Forest Play transformed ennui to childlike wonder and poetry workshops used woodlands for inspiration. I left my phone untouched and my mind became quiet. The words began to flow from me in that silence. This year’s festival will be held from 22-28th of July. The full price is £250 with early-bird discounts available into June.
Jade Serna

Eryri is a mythological land.

Trigonos This beautiful, unique and environmentally-conscious retreat centre is located in the heart Eryri. The seven hectares of land (18 acres) includes a tranquil, serene lake. It is located in an ancient landscape. Fourth Branch of The Mabinogion. Cath little and Claire Mace conducted a weekend workshop in this city for women to explore the mysterious figure Arianrhod. Arianrhod is a female mythological figure. The experience I had with this story and its mythological setting deepened my connections to it. It gave me new insights and enriched my storytelling. I also made some wise new friends. Trigonos also offers activities such as weaving, yoga, cycling and forest bathing.
Fiona Collins

Near Chester, a luxury library for you to stay at

Fill up your creativity cup at Gladstone’s Library. This is the ultimate bookish fantasy. You can spend hours reading, writing and reminiscing in a nostalgic wood-panelled room. The book-filled spaces are followed by the themed bedrooms. Rooms start at £96 a night at this gem at Hawarden near Chester, founded by William Gladstone, which includes a delicious on-site breakfast, access to reading rooms and use of a common-room style lounge, complete with roaring fires and sofas. The UK’s one and only residential library offers a perfect retreat for creatives of all kinds who want to read, write or rest.
Rosie Blincow

Solway Firth inspires artists in many ways

The Solway Firth Landscape Painting Weeks at Auchencairn House Combine the inspiring scenery of the coast with the walled garden and excellent tutors, warm and friendly hosts and warm and supportive hosts. Relax with a stately home meal and paint during the day. The next course starts 15 June.
Anne

Photographic skills at beautiful locations

I have taken two photography holidays. Creative Escapes. My holidays in Japan and Sicily have been wonderful. The company takes only small groups, and its tutors have experience in photography. Because they gave me personal advice, I developed not only my skills, but my own style. The trips included both complete beginners and more experienced photographers, but we all helped each other with the feedback and projects. Locations that are perfect for learning and creating special memories.
Sharon

Ted Hughes’ writing retreat in West Yorkshire: A winning tip

My new writer friend and I worked on our hands and knees to tend Sylvia Plath’s overgrown grave. We were staying at Ted Hughes’s old pad up the road, Lumb Bank, atop a leafy West Yorkshire valley – learning the joys and craft of creative nonfiction, on an Arvon retreat. Ted and I shared our writing and cooking techniques, as well as bottles of red wine, every night at his table. This holiday was the catalyst for my passion for creative writing. Arvon has three “writing houses” – in Yorkshire, Shropshire and Devon. Five-day courses start at £895.
Kate