Ten special places to stay, relax and learn in the outdoors

Learn to surf at Watergate Bay Hotel, Cornwall

The two-mile long white-sand stretch of Watergate Bay is one of Cornwall’s best (and most beautiful) surfing beaches. The Extreme Academy (owned by Watergate Bay Hotel) is one of the county’s best-rated surf schools and operates right on the beach. If you don’t need a lesson, they can lend you kit, a wetsuit and provide a hot shower afterwards. At the hotel itself, it’s all about the views, with walls of glass in The Living Space (a huge café/bar), an 25-metre infinity pool that gazes over the ocean, and a terrace strewn with loungers. Don’t miss the outdoor hot-tub at sundown.

Take a look at Watergate Bay Hotel>

Kayak the English Riviera from Cary Arms, Devon

The Cary Arms is a chic beachside inn and spa above Babbacombe Bay in Devon. The pub has six moorings in the bay, so you can charter a boat and explore the coast or hire kayaks for fun on the water. If you’re keen to explore a little further, book onto their “cool adventures” package which includes a two-night stay, an afternoon sea-safari with local expert guide and a mackerel fishing trip. You’ll explore the nearby caves, coastline and marine life. If your budget doesn’t stretch to the full package, hire kayaks from Oddicombe and paddle over to the Cary for lunch.

Take a look at Cary Arms >

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 >

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 >

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 >

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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