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LEARNING HOLIDAYS ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT

From Astronomy to Gastronomy, the Isle of Wight is featuring a fantastic range of creative and inspirational breaks, which offer visitors the chance to learn something new or just have fun – and there is something to fit every budget.

Learn to cook up a local treat atThe Priory Bay Hotel which is hosting three Cookery Master Classes working alongside Michelin-starred Executive Chef, Alexis Gauthier.  Following Alexis’ philosophy, classes are based on the seasons and ingredients available locally on the Isle of Wight, from Bembridge Blue lobster to locally farmed free-range veal.  

Master Class dates are 16-18 October, 13-15 November and 19-21 February 2010 and cost from £541 per person, including 2-nights accommodation and meals from Friday evening up to and including Sunday lunch. Telephone 01983 613146, or email enquiries@priorybay.co.uk

The Grange by the Sea, located in the Old Village of Shanklin offers a year-round programme of life-coaching, health & wellbeing and creative writing courses.  This autumn’s offerings include Passionate Living (16-18 October/£75), Everyone Can Sing (20-22 November/£75), Literotica (13-15 November/£75) and The Path to Happiness (27-29 November/£75).

Arrivals at The Grange are from 4pm on Friday afternoon with morning and afternoon session running Saturday and again on Sunday morning leaving the afternoon free for Island exploration.  Accommodation and dinner can also be arranged at The Grange, as well as individual tuition in Yoga, T’ai Chi, Qi Gong, Alexander Technique and personal fitness training. Telephone 01983 867644, or email thegrangebythesea for more information.

The Isle of Wight has very little light pollution making it ideal for astronomy weekends.  At Fort Victoria Planetarium in Yarmouth, visitors with an interest in astronomy can learn how to find their way around the night sky at a series of two-day stargazing courses running 16th October, 13th November and 11th December.   These weekends are chosen, near to new moon, to be good for stargazing if skies are clear.  

No prior knowledge is required for these courses, which aim to explain the architecture of the universe and give basic telescope instruction. For more information and to book a place on one of these courses, which cost just £50 per person, telephone the Isle of Wight Planetarium on 01983 761555 (www.islandastronomy.co.uk).  

Stay closeby at Rockstone Cottage, a charming guest house situated just 3-minutes walk from the coastal path and the clean sandy beach of Colwell Bay.  B&B is just £29 per person per night (based on two people sharing) and for an additional charge, a relaxing Reiki session – a Japanese healing system for the mind, body and spirit - can be arranged with the owner. For more information, visit www.rockstonecotage.co.uk. 

Get in touch with your artistic streak at the Island’s Quay Arts centre whose tutors are keen to share their enthusiasm in a broad spectrum of of art forms.

The Jewellery Studio contains specially designed teaching tables and all the equipment necessary to deliver the wide variety of workshops, including both enamelling and glass kilns. At The Fused Glass Weekend (Sat 31 October & Sun 1 November, 10am-4pm/£105) students are encouraged to try different techniques and materials using recycled and specialist glass. Learn how to cut and shape glass, using copper, gold leaf and some dichroic glass to enhance the designs of pendants and earrings.  Or attend the Ring Making Day (Sat 7 November/£50) and learn the techniques involved including hammering, soldering, filing and polishing. 

Other courses available at the Quay Arts this autumn include Botanical Illustration (Sat 17 & Sun 18 October, 10am-4pm/  £65), an opportunity to make careful drawings of autumn fruits and flowers before developing them into watercolours or prints, and Decorative Printing (Sat 28 & Sun 29 November, 10am - 4pm  £75) which uses fun, basic printing techniques to transform the look of all kinds of small household objects (hard and soft furnishings).  A comprehensive list of all classes and workshops is available from the website, www.quayarts.org.