Summer is a great time to venture out and seek new experiences. Learning a new recipe or kitchen skill is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have – and with so many diverse and highly-acclaimed cookery schools to choose from nationwide, the sky really is the limit. So why not seek out an ICSA accredited cookery school with accommodation?
These privately run schools are independently assessed for ‘Consistency of quality In cookery skills and training’, so you can be assured of a fully informative, hands-on teaching experience delivered to the highest standards.
After honing your skills under the expert tutelage of some of the country’s most pioneering chefs – and often sitting down to enjoy the fruits of your labour – why not extend your experience with an overnight stay?
Here’s our round-up of just eight of our accredited cookery schools with accommodation – from sumptuous manor house stays to rustically magical treehouses. All Cookery schools listed are also open to non-residents.
Tewinbury Cookery School, Hertfordshire
Newly opened in Summer 2022, this rural gem perched on the banks of Welwyn’s meandering River Mimram.
Part of a 700-acre farmed estate, the school is surrounded by picturesque lakes and woodlands, perfect for post-cookery country walks – and guests can choose to stay in one of the estate’s rustic woodland cabins or shepherds’ huts. Led by Chef Tutor Lee Maycock FCGC, who has experience in Michelin Star restaurants and hospitality providers over recent years, Tewinbury focusses on fresh, seasonal and local dishes that are as sustainable as they are delicious.
The school uses only premium and primarily organic ingredients from their home-grown gardens and local producer network, while artisan ingredients sourced further afield are sourced purely for their outstanding premium quality. Whether you’re a total novice or you’re looking to hone your craft, Tewinbury’s relaxed and friendly atmosphere is the perfect place to learn – and there’s a broad range of courses on offer.
The Kitchen at Chewton Glen, Hampshire
There’s a familiar face at the helm of Chewton Glen; former Saturday Kitchen presenter Chef James Martin. The Kitchen at Chewton Glen Cookery School has become an international name in state-of-the-art cookery, and guests are invited to tour the school’s extensive gardens before embarking on an exciting culinary journey. At the end of the day, relax at the sublime Chewton Glen Hotel where you can indulge in the spa – and may even be lucky enough to bag the popular Treehouse Suite.
Eckington Manor, Worcestershire
Set in 260 acres of Cotswold farm and pastureland, Eckington Manor Cookery School is renowned for cooking with fresh produce from its award-winning farm, orchard, vegetable and herb gardens. But the real draw is the school’s speciality Organic Meat and AGA cookery courses, which give guests an unrivalled understanding of how to bring these wonderful flavours to life. Afterwards, take a stroll in the never-ending countryside before drifting off in one of the manor’s luxurious beds.
Le Manoir Raymond Blanc Cookery School, Oxfordshire
Raymond Blanc’s world-renowned Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons restaurant is perfectly complemented by an equally acclaimed cookery school. New cooks and upskilling chefs will find a wide range of courses, from dinner party masterclasses to intensive residential courses. As you’d expect, each immersive experience sets the standard for haute cuisine. After your course, enjoy a Michelin-starred dining experience and a night in the exquisitely comfortable 15th century manor.
River Cottage Cookery School, Devon
Known as the ultimate destination for plot-to-plate cooking, guests on any of River Cottage’s hugely popular courses will create rich, hearty dishes with ingredients from the vast and well-stocked organic cottage gardens. From preserving and fermentation to foraging and artisan bread making, there’s a course for everyone. Guests can also book an overnight stay at The Farmhouse and wake up to panoramic views across the Axe Valley.
School of Artisan Food, Nottinghamshire
The School of Artisan Food – part of the privately owned Welbeck Estate – runs unique courses designed to get people back in touch with real, handmade food. Along with baking, cheesemaking, patisserie and ice cream making (to name a few), guests can even learn to make historic recipes from the history books at Welbeck Abbey. After honing your technique, stay at one of the estate’s beautifully renovated self-contained cottages at The Winnings – a 5-minute walk from the school.
Swinton Park Estate Cookery School, Yorkshire
Combine cookery with an immersive country estate experience at the Swinton Park Estate Cookery School. Set in over 20,000 acres of rolling Yorkshire countryside, Swinton boasts a well-stocked walled garden, as well as fishing lakes and an extensive game estate. It’s no surprise, then, that this is the place to perfect your seasonal game, meat and BBQ dishes. Those staying overnight are spoilt for choice – there’s the luxurious manor house hotel, rustic tree lodges, eco-friendly meadow yurts and delightful self-catering cottages, as well as a state of the art luxurious spa.
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All the cookery schools in this list are ICSA-accredited, meaning they carry the mark of trust for having the highest standards of teaching, as well as a commitment to seasonality, sustainability and zero waste. Read more about why it’s important to choose an ICSA-accredited school, and get your cookery school vouchers in our Club Shop to spend on the course of your choice. Happy cooking!
SAVE 10% OFF Cookery Experience Vouchers, until August 28th 2023. Sign Up to our FREE ICSA Cook’s Club newsletter to receive your Summer Discount Code and offers on cookware, chefs ingredients and gifts here
