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

Go wild in the country, Berkshire

Wider Horizons is an outdoor gathering in Berkshire dedicated to reigniting young attendees’ (18 to 30 years old) creative spark through workshops, music, ceremony and movement. On the glorious July afternoon I arrived, oak trees cast elongated shadows on the soft earth, a gentle breeze stirred the tall grass, and I found myself surrounded by a group of eccentric, vivacious young adults. A key element of the weekend is transformation: Wild Woman circles channelled sacred rage into empowerment, Forest Play turned ennui into childlike wonder, and poetry workshops used the surrounding woodlands as inspiration. My phone lay untouched, my mind grew quiet, and from that place of silence, the words poured out of me like rainfall. This year’s event is from 22-28 July. The full price is £250 with early-bird discounts available into June.
Jade Serna

Immersed in mythology in Eryri

Yoga at the Trigonos centre. Photograph: Meg Kerr

Trigonos is a beautiful and unique environmentally conscious retreat centre in the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia). Its seven hectares (18 acres) include a tranquil lake. The setting is a key landscape in the ancient Fourth Branch of The Mabinogion. Storytellers Cath Little and Claire Mace led a weekend workshop for women here, exploring the enigmatic figure of Arianrhod, a key female figure in mythology. My connections with the story and the mythological landscape were deepened by this experience; I gained new insights, enriched my own storytelling, and made wise new friends. Activities such as yoga, weaving, cycling, and forest bathing are also offered at Trigonos.
Fiona Collins

A luxury library to stay in, near Chester

A bedroom at Gladstone’s Library. Photograph: Gladstone’s Library

The best place to refill your creative cup is at Gladstone’s Library. It truly is a bookish fantasy; you while away the hours reading and writing in a wood-panelled, nostalgic. book-filled space, before heading upstairs to dream in the book-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 only residential library is the perfect getaway for creatives in any field looking to rest, write, read and be.
Rosie Blincow

Where artists can be inspired by the Solway Firth

Solway Firth. Photograph: David Lyons/Alamy

The Solway Firth landscape painting weeks at Auchencairn House combine the inspirational scenery of the coast and the wonderful walled garden with excellent and supportive tutors and warm and friendly hosts. Breathe the calm by day, relax with stately home dining and just paint. The next course starts on 15 June.
Anne

Photography skills in beautiful locations

Creative Escapes runs photography holidays in Japan and Sicily.

I have been on two photography holidays with Creative Escapes. I visited Sicily and Japan and the holidays were wonderful. The company only takes small groups and its tutors are experienced photographers. They give individual help and advice so not only did my skills improve, but I also developed my own style. There were complete beginners and experienced photographers on the trips but we all supported each other in the projects and feedback sessions. Beautiful locations for learning, accommodation and special memories.
Sharon

Winning tip: Ted Hughes’s writing retreat in West Yorkshire

Lumb Bank Arvon writers retreat. Photograph: Arvon

On hands and knees, I tended to Sylvia Plath’s overgrown grave with my new writer friend. 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. Over a transformative week, we shared writing and cooking skills, and bottles of red wine while dining at Ted’s table every evening. That holiday kickstarted my love of creative writing. Arvon has three “writing houses” – in Yorkshire, Shropshire and Devon. Five-day courses start at £895.
Kate