Creative breaks

Bored of beach breaks? Then consider doing something more creative. Pick up a pen, a paintbrush, a camera or even an Africa drum instead of that towel.

Painting and printmaking

Atelier Montmiral, France

Established artists Bunny and Mick Newth have been running seven- and ten-day art courses covering drawing, painting and printmaking from the village of Castelnau de Montmiral in south-west France since 2005. Held between early spring and late autumn, the flexible structure of the courses means that a wide range of levels are accommodated, from complete beginners to experienced artists and art graduates. Excellent studio facilities (which include an etching press), a magnificent rural location, and inspiring and affable hosts explain the high number of repeat bookings. Prices include tuition, some art supplies, rustic accommodation and delicious food and drink.

Info +33 563 405 155 (07980 165993 in winter), www.ateliermontmiral.com.

Photography

Europe

Frui offers five- to eight-day photography holidays for beginners and more experienced snappers in Istanbul, Marrakech, Croatian Istria, the unspoilt Italian region of Abruzzo, and Syria. Tuition by a team of youthful and experienced art graduates covers technical basics as well as more creative techniques, in a lively and sociable environment, with group meals every evening an integral part of the experience. See the website for the full range of courses, which cover painting and cookery.

Info 020 7241 5006, www.frui.co.uk.

African drumming

Gambia

Inspired by Damon Albarn’s promotion of African music? Now you can take the first steps in learning to play the djembe yourself at this friendly and relaxed drumming school in the Gambia, West Africa. Courses, taught by local expert musicians, are fairly intensive, at around four hours’ tuition each day for one or two weeks (or longer, if you wish), and prices
are very reasonable.

Info www.african-drumming.co.uk/drumming-holiday.html.

Sculpture

Brecon Beacons

Simon and Anna Cooley’s three- to five-day sculpture breaks take place at the grounds of their beautifully situated family home, three miles from Abergavenny in the Brecon Beacons, Wales. Courses, which cover metalwork, stone carving, clay sculpture and casting, are taught by Simon – an established sculptor – in an atmospheric stone barn, while Anna is in charge of the delicious food. Accommodation is booked separately, but details of local options are available.

Info 01873 830410, www.studysculpture.com.

Creative writing

Greece

Open to novices as well as established novelists, these creative writing courses on the green and idyllic Sporades Islands aim to free the imagination, overcome fear and help students to develop a personal style through exercises and feedback sessions – with the chance to learn from writers as distinguished as Steven Berkoff, Margaret Drabble and Julia Bell. The holidays include morning yoga sessions, and opportunities to sample local wine, learn about Greek cuisineand join in sociable events.

Info www.responsibletravel.com/Trip/Trip902199.htm.

Traditional crafts

Ireland

If applied arts are more your focus, then these residential courses – run by responsible travel.com, and taught by local craftsmen in East Clare on Ireland’s west coast – might fit the bill. Courses are offered in basket weaving, copper- and silversmithing and wood- and stone-carving, and you can also learn ecobuilding skills (like dry-stone walling) and traditional herb lore. County Clare has a strong musical heritage, and pub outings and folk music festivals are par for the, er, course.

Info www.responsibletravel.com/Trip/Trip902260.htm.

Landscape painting

Southern Spain

Andalucia Adventures specialises in painting holidays as a way of seeing and appreciating the landscapes and culture of Southern Spain and beyond. Groups are of mixed ability and led by a range of experienced tutors, while media tends to be fairly traditional, with a focus on watercolours, pastel, oils and acrylic paints. Courses are run over five days, with one day aligned for independent sightseeing. Photography and singing holidays are also available.

Info 01453 834137, www.authenticadventures.co.uk.

Time Out guidebooks

1000 great holiday ideas

Plan your perfect trip with this inspirational compendium of failsafe holiday suggestions. It's packed with fresh ideas for traditional breaks, from beach idylls to winter sun and family camping, along with great suggestions for trying something different – all around the world. Whether you're looking for a weekend break or the trip of a lifetime, Time Out's worldwide team of travel specialists can take you there.

1000 Great Holiday Ideas is available from the Time Out shop.