That sounds rather worthy.

If you want it to be. Time to Learn is a directory of special-interest study breaks in Britain. These involve a stay of between two days and a week at a study centre in the company of like-minded learners.

You don't mean basketry and flower-arranging, do you?

Weaving and floristry are certainly among the options, but there are plenty of more highbrow courses. As you read this, a number of George Orwell fans are enjoying a weekend with their favourite author in Theydon Bois (£98). Others are learning about whales and dolphins in British seas in Brighton (£40), still more are Getting the Western Front Right in Woburn (£95) and some are taking a crash course in German (£98).

But I want to make sugarcraft flowers.

Join the five-day course in Oxfordshire in March.

Do those prices include accommodation?

Yes, as well as tuition and meals, but obviously not the cost of getting there. If you're particularly keen on a venue or tutor, you can also search for the courses they are hosting this year.

Can I study abroad?

The site links to the field studies courses run by Birmingham and Nottingham universities and the Field Studies Council Overseas. But with courses available on belly-dancing, passementerie (making cords and tassels), Pilates and molluscs, things are probably exciting enough in Britain.