TV chef Angela Gray is a big name on the Welsh food scene and a regular on the festival circuit, but when she’s not demoing to crowds you’ll find her at her own cookery school, which opened in 2010 in the Glamorgan countryside. Here, she and her team teach an extensive range of courses to help improve your recipe repertoire, including day-long courses at the weekend to help you get to grips with a particular cuisine (including Thai, Indian, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and more), or hone your technique in specific areas, such as knife skills, baking, bread making, smoking or mastering the art of barbecue. The slick Sigma 3 kitchen, with a range of high-spec appliances, is well kitted out and a comfortable space for small groups of up to eight to learn in – with induction and gas hobs and steam ovens. What makes this cookery school most special, though, is its unique setting next to a vineyard, where you can also eat and stay. Everything you prepare can be taken home afterwards  – just remember to bring the Tupperware.

Skill builder – fish: £90

Low ‘n’ slow cooking: £185

Roast!:  £185

French Christmas Kitchen: £175