Pssst! We’ve found a super-affordable, eco-friendly place to learn something new – an under-the-radar South Hams gem just 10 minutes from the A38 Devon Expressway. Family run and secluded, Miss Cross Retreats is a choice of two cottages and a super-cute hand-built shepherd’s hut in six acres of rolling Devon fields and orchards. And bliss! Your own outdoor wood-fired hot tub.

The icing on the cake? You can hone your baking and cookery skills in their purpose-built school and dining area, The Bakehouse. Owner Emma, who runs Mill Cross Retreats with her carpenter husband Kevin, is warm and witty, and now uses her vast knowledge learnt as a wedding caterer to teach courses on wood-fired cookery, including breads, biscotti and pizza making.

A stay is perfect for two, potentially plus a baby under 1 or a small pooch. Just want to dip your toe? There’s no need to stay if you’re local. Take a look at Mill Cross Retreat’s cookery and craft courses and pop-up wood fired feasts. Courses start from £40, while their popular pop-up Pizza Evenings are £35pp. They’re a fun day out for couples, families and friends, or for colleagues after a bonding sesh, and make excellent gift vouchers for anyone carrying a torch for cooking over fire.

Who’s hungry? Both hands up! Muddy review coming soon…