10 Best... Life-Enriching Travel Ideas

From building a boat to ballroom dancing – enjoy acquiring new life skills on a learning break by the sea

- Alex Reece

FOR-SPINNING &WEAVING

1 Weekend Workshops, Ballytoughey Loom, Clare Island, Co. Mayo.

These three-day workshops led by hand weever Beth Moran covers the basics of spinning, weaving and natural dyeing in the remote mountainous setting of Clare Island, off Ireland's west coast, which is inhabited by 140 people. Beth, who has gained an international reputation for her handwoven rugs, blankets, and accessories, owns a small farm of sheep, providing wool of spinning, while the landscape is rich in indigenous plants that can be used for dyeing. Course running from June to September are tailored to the needs of the group. Ferries depart from Roonagh Pier and a range of accommodation is available on the Island.

FEE: See online for prices, dates, and details of five-day courses ([phone], clareislandmayo.com(courses.html).

FOR... POTTERY HOLIDAYS

2 Basic Raku Pottery Course, Home Farm, Welcombe, North Devon

Adopting a relaxed approach, Raku Pottery Courses held on the Hartland Peninsula are suitable for all levels, and showcase simple hand-building techniques for an array of decorative items. Based only half a mile from the coast in a Georgian farmhouse (formerly frequented by the Bloomsbury Set artist Dora Carrington), Michael and Alison Stubbs provide two days’ tuition on building and sculpting clay, plus glazing and firing. In the late afternoon, there is time to walk the nearby coastal path or swim in the sea. At lunch, budding potters can enjoy a home-cooked meal prepared from local produce.

FEE: From £113 a day, including lunch and B&B (01288 331416, potterycoursesuk.co.uk).

FOR... KITCHEN SKILLS

3 Four Days at River Cottage, River Cottage Cookery School, near Axminster, Devon