Taking a break without the angst of leaving your home turf guarantees euphoric levels of relaxation. But what if you returned home afterwards armed with a new skill as well as a Zen-like state of mind? In cottages, camps and hotels across the UK, experts are dispersing nuggets of wisdom to guests. There are florists rustling up bouquets in the Cotswolds, chefs sharing the secrets to wild campfire feasts in the Highlands and mixologists teaching the craft of pouring a spellbinding cocktail in the home counties. Prepare to gen up: immersing yourself in the carving of a wooden spoon, learning about the behaviour of bees or revelling in the art of butchery could turn out to be the greatest form of escapism.
%20-%20Heiko%20Prigge.jpg?w=145&resize=145,100&ssl=1 "Buzzy, beautiful, and under £200 – these are the loveliest affordable hotels in Europe right now according to our editors")