\ufeffIf cabin fever has set in and you\u2019re craving the chance to get out and about, our suggestions for unusual or enjoyable activities should fit this bill… this month we invite you to \u2018do something different!\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ufeffHopefully cabin fever hasn\u2019t set in too much over winter, and you\u2019re still enjoying the cosiness of an open fire, and the chance to read a good book or perhaps to flick through Lincolnshire\u2019s finest county magazine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, on the off-chance that you\u2019re staring wistfully out of the window and wondering when you\u2019ll be able to go out again, we\u2019ve a few ideas for how to spend time learning new skills or enjoying new experiences right here in Lincolnshire. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
From craft courses to food experiences to bucket list adventures like a hot air balloon flight, we\u2019ve 10 ideas for how to spend time with some unique ideas and quirky activities…<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make a Bespoke Perfume<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \ufeff<\/strong>A\u2008unique experience that will keep giving you joy for years to come… create your very own bespoke scent on a fragrance experience course, with the ability to keep reordering your personal scent for years to come. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Perfume Studio is based near Nottingham and offers classes in the city for individuals, couple or small groups. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For parties of 10 people or more (friends, mothers and daughters, hen parties or workmates for example) you can choose anywhere in Lincolnshire and your very own perfumer will visit you at a venue of your choice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on where you meet, you can combine the experience with afternoon tea and a glass of fizz, and there are vouchers for experiences from \u00a349\/person, including an atomiser of your own personal scent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All courses include an education on the science of perfume, and how to blend base, middle, and top notes, for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Call 03300 889 636 or see www.theperfumestudio.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \ufeff<\/em><\/strong>L<\/strong>earn to Cook like a Professional<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \ufeffFiona Lucas has 35 years of experience in catering, and founded her cookery school in a dedicated studio just north of Lincoln in 2021. Small groups of up to 10 people can take advantage of a number of classes to take their cooking to the next level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Examples of classes include both basic and artisan bread workshops, baking, fish-based workshops, game workshops, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free workshops, courses on pasta, proper pies and pastry, tapas, macarons and sushi as well as workshops focusing on Indian, Asian and Greek cuisine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Classes are friendly and informal with plenty of time with Fiona, and there are classes, <\/p>\n\n\n\n too, designed for adults and children to learn to cook together. Typical classes run from 10am-2pm, and cost \u00a3100 including ingredients and equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Timetables for classes and vouchers online at www.lincolnshirecookeryschool.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n T<\/strong>ake a Balloon Flight above Lincolnshire<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \ufeffYou might remember that somebody once remarked how it\u2019s better to travel than to arrive, well a Virgin Balloon flight will conclusively prove that to be the case. See Lincolnshire from 1,000ft as the giant balloon, which is about 100ft tall and filled with up to 400,000m3 air, gently drifts over the countryside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Balloon experiences with Virgin cost between \u00a3144 and \u00a3184 depending on time of day, or whether it\u2019s a twilight flight. Purchase a voucher and you\u2019ve 18 months to book, and in our area there are flights from Bourne\u2019s Grimsthorpe Castle, Grantham\u2019s Belton Woods, or Stoke Rochford Hall, Newark\u2019s Kelham Hall or from Rutland Water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Experiences last around four hours and include safety briefings, the opportunity to join in inflating and deflating the balloon, and a Prosecco toast after landing. Having experienced a balloon flight ourselves it\u2019s eerily quiet, gentle and there\u2019s a good opportunity to enjoy 360\u00b0 views all around the basket plus plenty of opportunities for photographs… highly recommended! <\/p>\n\n\n\n See www.virginballoonflights.co.uk<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \ufeff<\/strong>Bengal Tiger Experience<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \ufeffHow about this for a roar-some experience? Lincolnshire Wildlife Park houses its family of Bengal tigers and offers family experiences for up to four people from \u00a3550. Enter the enclosure, hand feed the animals and have a photo taken with these beautiful animals. Includes entrance to the wildlife park and lunch in the restaurant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lincolnshire Wildlife Park, Friskney, call 0871 3841130 or see lincswildlife.com.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A<\/strong>rt Classes with Kate<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \ufeffArtist Kate Westcott runs weekly classes at Oxcombe Pottery near Horncastle, usually between 9.30am and noon, or from 1pm and 4pm on a Thursday for 5-7 weeks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n No experience is necessary and attendees have the choice to pursue whichever media \u2013 painting, drawing, print or mixed-media \u2013 they wish, with bespoke support. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pre-booking essential, call 01507 534238 or see www.oxcombepottery.co.uk<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \ufeff<\/strong>Go Potty for Ceramics<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \ufeffKate\u2019s art classes (above) are based at Oxcombe Pottery, founded by Susanna Gorst in 2014. The studio offers great facilities for experienced ceramicists but is equally keen to introduce novices to slab-building, or throwing on a potter\u2019s wheel. A\u2008\u00a360 taster session will see participants make two pieces with materials, refreshments and lots of fun included! <\/p>\n\n\n\n 01507 534238 or see oxcombepottery.co.uk.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n W<\/strong>ellness Retreat<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \ufeff<\/strong>Wellness experts Glenn Roberts and Diana Nash are hosting a three-day wellness retreat at Market Deeping\u2019s Molecey Mill from 21st-23rd February for those seeking to realign their mind, body and soul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 16th century Grade II* listed watermill on the Welland near Market Deeping will be a backdrop for Flow 3D movement classes, sound healing experiences, meditation, self connection through reflection tools and journalling, as well as mindfulness and bespoke fitness insight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included, as are workshops and activities, with additional treatments from Reiki to massage also available. The event has been organised by Glenn Roberts and colleague Diana Nash. \u201cWe want people to join us on a journey to energise and recharge mind, body and soul. We have designed a weekend retreat filled with movement, moments of stillness and nourishing menus all with the opulent backdrop of Mr Moelcey\u2019s Mill.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n