Creative Holidays
Pick up a new skill in scenic surroundings and give your creative juices a bit of oomph this autumn with our selection of some lovely hobby holidays that will transform your life.
Autumn is a great time to kickstart something new, whether it be learning a new skill or having fun nudging your creative side. While the younger among us are settling into the academic year, new beginnings are reliably forecast for us grown-ups too. Proof adults are still eager to learn, there’s been a steady rise of interest in hobby holidays. Whether it’s bread baking, tile decorating or horse riding, we are all realising it’s never too late to add a new string to our bow.
Suitable for total beginners or rusty pros seeking a refresh, there are hundreds of hobby holidays to choose from. Turn a relaxing getaway into an educational journey with these skill-enhancing breaks…
Wildlife filming in the Cairngorms, Scotland
It takes skill, dedication and great patience to become a wildlife filmmaker. Anyone inspired by episodes of Springwatch or David Attenborough documentaries can hone their camera craft at a five-night guided videography workshop in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
Based at Ballintean Mountain Lodge in the Cairngorms, students are taught a range of techniques including macro, timelapse and long lens filming, as well as the editing process. There’s also a chance to see how camera traps work and have a play with drones. Enchanting subjects include badgers, pine martens and red squirrels.
How: From £1,695pp (€1,957) for two sharing, including all meals, guiding, transfers and videography tuition.
Dates to be confirmed in June 2023.
Visit wildlifeworldwide.com
LearNing to paint in Dunmore East, Ireland
The picturesque coastal village of Dunmore East with beautiful thatched cottages and a beautiful beach is home to Artform, a contemporary school of art. Throught the autumn Artform is hosting some incredible workshops, open air and in studio with Irish artists. The courses are for all levels of skill and experience so don’t be put off if you are a complete novice. Waterford artist Aidan Crotty is the resident teacher for a three-day workshop from October 10-12, using oils and focussing on painting from observation. He will work with participants to help them plan and execute a painting in a natural and logical process. So you coud leave with your own masterpiece.
How: The cost is €350 and the course takes place in Artform’s modern light-filled seaside studio, excludes accommodation
but Artform can advise on local options, visit artform.ie.
Food fermentation in Cornwall, UK
Once every banana bread recipe had been exhausted, baking sourdough became a lockdown obsession. Those who missed out on the trend – or never quite mastered it – can finally get the doughy 101 on a two-night Something’s Bubbling break focusing on fermentation.
Create a sourdough starter (and keep it thriving), discover how to produce pickles and kimchi through lacto-fermentation, and come away with a recipe for making a Cornish amazake – a Japanese drink made from fermented rice with local strawberries.
How: From £245pp (€283) for two sharing, including half board at The Merchants Manor. Available until November 30 (Thurs/Fri). Visit merchantsmanor.com
Bread baking in Co Down, Northern Ireland
The smell of freshly baked buttermilk Irish Bannock greets guests arriving at Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen. Once a pot of tea has been brewed, aprons are worn in preparation for an in-depth baking session. Learn how to make a variety of traditional breads including soda, wheaten and potato (or fadge, as it’s locally known). Once the cooking has been done, sit back and admire views across Strangford Lough.
How: Individual experiences from £50pp (€58). Group experiences are also available. Two-night stays in a cottage on-site (sleeps four) from £240 (€277). For more information
visit traceysfarmhousekitchen.com
Mosaic tile painting in the Douro, Portugal
From train station façades to restaurant interiors, azulejo tiles symbolise the spirit of Portugal. For centuries, craftsmen have painted intricate designs, often featuring scenes of everyday life. Discover their techniques on a themed Secrets of the Douro cruise through the country’s famous port-producing region. Led by a local expert, guests will craft their own clay tile to take home as a souvenir.
How: Emerald Cruises offer an eight-day cruise from £2,128 (€2,456) for a couple. The round trip departs Porto on November 5. Flights extra. Visit emeraldcruises.co.uk
Alpine climbing in Valtellina, Italy
No previous experience is needed for this adventurous group trip, promising to reconnect body and mind with nature. Try your hand at rope climbing and bouldering, while admiring dramatic scenery in the centre of the Alpine arc, close to the border with Switzerland. Rest tired limbs overnight in a mountain hut and rise early for Hatha yoga sessions to stretch out well-worked muscles. Last but not least, gushing waterfalls and sparkling lakes create the perfect environment for contemplation.
How: Slow Adventure offers a four-day Art of Climbing & Yoga trip from £794pp (€916) for two sharing. Departs September 14. Flights extra. Visit slow-adventure.com
Horse riding in Andalusia, Spain
In southern Spain, horses have always been much more than a mode of transport; they are a source of national pride. Even if you’ve never been in the saddle, it’s possible to master the basics on a trip with equestrian specialists Saddle Travel, who run tours at a 16th Century hacienda in Andalusia.
The riding itinerary is flexible and can be adapted to suit guests – with trots to local bars, or an energetic canter to nearby bodegas. There are 30 horses to choose from, suitable for beginners right through to advanced riders who might want to brush up on an old skill.
How: A four-night full-board trip costs from £539pp (€622) for two sharing, including up to four rides per day. Flights to Malaga are extra. Visit saddletravel.com
Follow us on Instagram
