Relax and Learn: Short Breaks in Bath with a Difference

Short breaks in Bath does not necessarily mean shopping and visiting landmarks and museums, although these are cited among the most popular activities to do on a city break. If you are a frequent visitor to Bath and are looking for alternative breaks, or are organising a Hen weekend, you may want to think about combining your stay with studying a new craft. Fortunately, the city offers an array of hands-on learning experiences where you, your friends or family, can brush up on a whole range of skills including fiction writing, art, acting, cooking or jewellery making.

Bath is a top UK destination for culture, so there are all sorts of courses on the go at any given time. If you are combining your short breaks in Bath with a new skill, staying in a bed and breakfast in the city centre, such as Dukes Guest House on Great Pulteney Street, offers the best of both worlds – you will be close to your course venue and within easy walking distance of all the main attractions.

Here, we give our pick of ten great learning opportunities that you can combine with a long weekend in Bath. Obviously there are many other courses to discover, but we have picked some of the best in the city centre.

Short Breaks in Bath – Contact Dukes guest house on Great Pulteney Street today to find out about availability.

Nine Learning Opportunities on a Break in Bath

Bring Book Characters to Life – The Children’s Literature Festival is a popular annual event which this year (2014) takes place from Friday September 26 to Sunday October 5. The festival is open to children ages 2 and above, and a number of talks and workshops are also targeted at primary and secondary school pupils. Young bookworms will have the chance to meet their favourite authors, hear top writing tips, and take part in fun-filled interactive classes and workshops. Tickets should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment.

Get Crafty with a Handmade Creation – From jewellery making to upholstering, clothes making and even garter making, short breaks in Bath give you the chance to learn something new. Workshops vary from 2 to 6 hours and classes can also be organised for Hen parties. Just contact The Makery direct to book a workshop that will coincide with your stay in Bath.

Impress with Your Kitchen Skills – From Sushi Masterclasses to Indian Street Food, Spring Entertaining and cooking seafood, The Bertinet Kitchen is a wonderful destination in the heart of Bath where you can brush up on your cookery skills. With such tempting delights on the menu, the hardest part may be choosing between them. Courses range from one-off classes to three or five day tutoring. The cookery school was winner of the South West Tourism Award for Best Tourism Experience in 2009.

Indulge in Creativity with Cake Decorating – Popular TV programmes such as Ace of Cakes and Cake Boss have thrown cake decorating into the spotlight and the good news is that you can have a go yourself at the Bath Cake Company. The venue offers colourful and creative classes including private tuition for children and adults, and all these lessons take place in Lansdown Mews, which is about a half hour walk from Dukes. Courses vary from two hours to two days and you can learn anything from cupcake decorating to beautifying a multi-tier celebratory surprise.

Say it with Flowers – If you are keen to learn the art of floristry, the Tallulah Rose Flower School is situated in Milson Street, just walking distance from Dukes. It offers a fantastic range of courses from beginners to the more experienced, and day events are held throughout the year. However, if you would like something more in-depth, career courses are also available. 

Take to the Stage – If you dream of taking to the stage, or would just like to learn more about famous playwrights, the Theatre Royal offers a variety of year round workshops for all ages. This includes opportunities to learn more about Shakespeare and the chance to discover plays which have shaped the history of theatre. The Egg theatre also offers workshops for children. 

Be Inspired by Music – The International Music Festival kicks off on Friday 16th May (2014),  and over the next 12 days you will get the chance to hear all types of music from classical to blues, jazz, pop and folk, at venues all over the city. As well as performances from local and international musicians, there will also be inspirational talks, discussions, exhibitions and dance shows. It’s a learning opportunity with a difference!

Bring Out Your Artistic Side –The fascinating Walk and Draw Bath is open to all ages and offers the chance to see some of the lesser known city sites and record them for years to come. Tours range from 90 minutes to a half or full day experience. All art materials are included.

Learn to Make Beautiful Jewellery – Bijoux Beads in Abbey Green offers year round bead jewellery classes for beginners upwards. Just contact them direct to find out more about their workshops.

If you are looking for alternative short breaks in Bath, Dukes bed and breakfast is an ideal base for attending any of the above courses as it is right in the heart of the city. Click on the link below to find out more.

Dukes Guest House - get in touch now to book your stay in Bath.