LeisureCourses.net – short courses & residential study breaks in great locations

As a species we are realising that we need to take collective responsibility for the future of humanity in harmony with all life. This stimulating weekend is for those who feel that a calling to develop a clear vision and definite next steps to manifest a radiant and loving consciousness in the world.

When was the last time you gave yourself permission to have some time out? Time away from the demands of everyday life and give yourself some to time to focus on ‘you’?

t has been said that there is no stronger form than an equilateral triangle. Though normally viewed physically, this also has profound application when considering the spiritual dimension of life. There are many triplicities that contribute to our spiritual growth and development. Yet, none are more essential to human evolution than that of Meditation–Study–Service. Sometimes called The Three Pillars, they are the means that will lead each of us toward the gate of enlightenment and its accompanying joy. These three spiritual practices will therefore be the central theme and focus of this workshop.

This weekend is intended to introduce meditation and mindfulness to those who are interested in learning more about it as well as those who have some experience.

Our style needs to evolve as we age so if it’s been a while since you took an honest look at your colours and styles, this is the perfect opportunity to spend a relaxing day gaining input into what suits you and why. Realise your true potential with colours that suit your natural colouring and clothing and accessories that flatter your personality. Make dressing a joy not a chore and find the real you. This course is specifically designed for…

An introduction to a gentle and effective exercise routine that stimulates all the energy channels, major organs, muscles, bones and joints. This course has been running several times a year for a number of years and attendees have been known to repeat the course to increase their knowledge and ability. It is aimed initially at those with no previous experience of Chi Kung, but who would like to learn how to help manage their physical well-being. All ages and levels…

Coaching is an increasingly popular and widely used approach to developing people in their working and personal lives. This introductory course will provide an understanding of the nature of coaching and introduce you to the key skills and techniques in both organisational and personal development settings.

Do you have back (or other) pain and want to relieve it? The Evans Technique of Alignment Therapy, officially recognised in 2011 by the Independent Professional Therapists International (IPTI), is an extremely gentle and painless way of relieving back and other joint pain. During the day we will look at ways of using simple body movements to relieve aches and pains. This self-help course is designed for those who want to relieve their own aches or want to help others…

Our style needs to evolve as we age so if it’s been a while since you took an honest look at your colours and styles, this is the perfect opportunity to spend a relaxing day gaining input into what suits you and why. Realise your true potential with colours that suit your natural colouring and clothing and accessories that flatter your personality. Make dressing a joy not a chore and find the real you. This course is specifically designed for…

This online course explores the role of psychological and emotional factors within the coaching process. During executive coaching programmes, coaches are often engaged in triangular relationships - not only with the individual client, but also with stakeholders from the sponsoring organisation. This course explores the coach's inter-personal and relationship management skills that enable effective coaching to take place. Drawing upon psychological approaches that are informing executive coaching practice, students will explore coaching's role in enabling change, growth and development with…

Spend a day enjoying a variety of flowing Chinese exercises and leave feeling relaxed. This course is suitable for men and women, for beginners and those with experience of Dao Yin or Tai Chi. We will work on a variety of Dao Yin exercises, including some from the Baton set and a section of even-paced, Yang style, Tai Chi. In the process, gaining greater confidence and coordination in movement and breath and releasing tension.

A weekend course for current teachers of IT to assist in transitioning to teaching Computer Science. This is an intensive course which is designed to help IT teachers make the leap into teaching Computer Science at GCSE and first year A-Level. A basic standard of mathematics will be required and some preparatory work will be expected before attending. Teachers will leave the weekend with a broader understanding of computer science principles and a study plan to enable them to develop…

Like winning the lottery or the World Cup, achieving tranquillity can seem an impossible dream.  Instructions and advice are everywhere, the choice is endless, but is it possible?  Is it easier to pop pills or complain about boredom or busyness?  Do you want to find some peace in the moment or peace in action? How to get started is the purpose of the weekend. You won't be standing on your head or sitting uncomfortably cross-legged, chanting strange sounds.  You will…

This course is for anyone wanting to find new ways of expressing their creativity through mixed media. It is an exciting opportunity to create ideas from surprising sources, developing them in ways that will achieve several varied and exciting outcomes using techniques such as printing, wire work, paper and textile manipulation.

Spend a weekend enjoying a variety of flowing Chinese exercises and leave feeling relaxed. This course is suitable for men and women, for beginners and those with experience of Tai Chi.  You will be encouraged to slow down and exercise smoothly, find your balance and improve your flexibility at your own pace and, in the process, release tension.  We will work on a variety of Dao Yin exercises with traditional themes and on even-paced, Yang style, Tai Chi. (Optional session…

A course designed for beginners, and for anyone wanting to refresh their own practice. We will look at how traditional meditation is now ‘mainstream’, formulated as Mindfulness by Jon Kabat Zinn et.al., and used therapeutically in many social contexts. We will have short periods of silent practice with different meditation supports, starting with the breath. A perfect introduction for those dealing with change or stress, or the simply curious. There will be chairs to sit on (no special postures required!),…

This is a practical course (non medical, non denominational) for those accompanying or visiting someone at the end of their life.  At a time of emotional distress it can be very helpful to be already equipped with an understanding of the stages in dying and how best to offer support. This knowledge may also act as a map to help navigate our own feelings about death.  We look at how listening skills and simple acts of kindness can make a great difference to…

On this course you engage with a practical self help approach to promote the health of your spine and prevent unnecessary mental & physical stress in life. This is an opportunity to enjoy your voice and movement with more confidence and greater ease. Thanks to Alexander’s discoveries 100 years ago you will find that aching backs and hunched shoulders don’t have to be the inevitable consequence of modern day living! NB:  As this course requires a level of mobility, anyone…

Why are some relationships such hard work? Why don’t you understand what I’m saying? Why can’t I say ‘no’? This simple model of communication preferences shows us how to: understand ourselves and others better; grasp what people are really saying; predict behaviour and deal with stress; flex what we do for better communication; get what we want from relationships. Fascinating, simple, life-changing, a ‘light-bulb’ experience!

Enjoy a weekend in the lovely surroundings of Knuston Hall. Heather will share a practical guide to bringing mindfulness into a weekend of Hatha yoga and meditation; breathing techniques and relaxation. There will be an opportunity for free time for walking and socialising, which will send you home feeling refreshed and relaxed.

This course provides participants with an understanding of the fundamentals of Matwork Pilates, focusing on individual postural alignment, lengthening through the spine and pelvis whilst challenging you in a safe caring environment. We dance a mix of traditional and modern Circle Dances that embrace the many different moods, energies and rhythms that are experienced through this diverse medium. Dancing and Pilates will develop throughout the weekend and finish with a stimulating, inspiring taster of Pilates and a celebration of Dance

Make space for rest and renewal with mindfulness, writing, meditation, painting and more!

A one day course designed for beginners, and for anyone wanting to refresh their own practice. We will look at how traditional meditation is now ‘mainstream’, formulated as Mindfulness by Jon Kabat Zinn et.al., and used therapeutically in the NHS, schools, prisons, etc. We will have short periods of silent practice with different meditation supports, starting with the breath. A perfect introduction for those dealing with change or stress, or the simply curious. There will be chairs to sit on…

Based on traditional Japanese martial arts with emphasis on self development and artistic expression, suitable for all.

From stillness, mediation, mime and movement, this course offers a fun, gentle and creative introduction to the Sacred Clown.

The aims of the course are to improve solving skills and extend specialist crossword knowledge. At the end of the course, students should feel comfortable solving puzzles at an intermediate level and be able to attempt the more challenging puzzles that are published in the national broadsheet newspapers.  Most of the time will be spent working together on progressively more challenging puzzles from newspapers, starting with a relatively easy warm up puzzle and ending the day with some harder puzzles…

This retreat will bring together the philosophical and spiritual traditions of the East and West.

The aim of the course is to teach the skills and knowledge needed to solve cryptic crossword. The course starts with the simplest ideas and easiest types of cryptic clue and gradually builds to the more advanced aspects of solving cryptic crosswords. Practical activities are blended with theory, enabling students to develop their skills and understanding in tandem. The course is engaging and enjoyable.

Spend a day enjoying a variety of flowing Chinese exercises and leave feeling relaxed. This course is suitable for men and women, for beginners and those with experience of Dao Yin or Tai Chi. We will work on a variety of Dao Yin exercises, including some from the Baton set, and a section of even-paced, Yang style, Tai Chi. In the process, gaining greater confidence and coordination in movement and breath and releasing tension.

Discover an energetic, embodied way of understanding the transformational qualities of Qi Gong.

Spend a weekend looking at communication, sustainability, activism and spirituality. Leave with a renewed sense of purpose!

Discover your fundamental tone with simple movementsto unlock the healing power of your voice.

A day to explore and expand your understanding of love and relationships. Suitable for singles or couples.

This fascinating course will reveal how you can live with meaning and purpose in co-operation with nature spirits and the natural world.

A yoga retreat led by Kim Rossi.