F M Alexander suggested that pupils should come to him every day for a month to properly learn his technique. We can't quite match that, but we offer Shaw Method holidays and short breaks from two nights to seven nights duration.
If you want to transform your swimming then a holiday or a short break is a great way of achieving your goal, whatever it may be.
Our courses include a mix of group and individual lessons, dry land practices, and, on the longer holidays, an Alexander Technique lesson.
Praise for holidays and short breaks:
"Champneys provided a comfortable room, great food, and a lovely swimming pool. The lead teacher was inspirational: I aspire to develop a relaxed swimming style like Steven's. The most amazing thing is to be able to swim with my face under water. It has opened up a whole new world of swimming."
Judy Lawrence
"I have rheumatoid arthritis mostly in my left arm which was preventing me from swimming in a classical manor so I am delighted to say the care and consideration I was given has changed my concept and understanding of crawl dramatically. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and will happily sign up for other courses."
Suzanna Redgrave
Forthcoming holidays and short breaks:
Sunday 9th June 2013 in Laugardalslaug Pool, Reykjavik
This is a five-day swimming course starting on Sunday 9th June and finishing on Friday 14th June (Wednesday is a day off) at Laugardalslaug Pool, Reykjavik, with Steven Shaw and the Art of Swimming teaching team. You will get a personal Shaw Method tuition plan made up of group and private Shaw Method tuition, and an Alexander Technique lesson. Pupils are encouraged to book their own accommodation and travel. We recommend to arrive in Iceland on Saturday 8th June, as the swimming course starts in the morning of the Sunday. The swimming course costs £700. If you would like some help booking accommodation we are happy to assist (for an administration fee of £50). Inexpensive flights to Iceland are available online, and hotels that are close to the pool include the Nordica Hilton, The Grand, Cabin Hotel and the Park Inn. When booking flights please look at Wow Iceland for good value.
To book your place or find out more please call 020 8446 9442 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Thursday 20 June 2013 in Champneys Henlow Grange (Full Board)
Peter Brierley and Kathy Davison will lead this three-day (two night) "Learn to Swim" course at Champneys Henlow Grange. Tuition begins at 10am on Thursday 20 June and concludes on Saturday 22 June at 4pm. This course is suitable for complete non-swimmers. The break includes a personal Shaw Method tuition plan made up of three days of group and individual sessions, access to the Champneys facilities, and two nights luxury accommodation at the spa. The course costs £579.95 for a single occupancy single superior room, and £529.95 each for two people sharing.
To book your place or find out more please call 020 8446 9442 or email
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Thursday 08 August 2013 in Champneys Springs (Full Board)
Peter Brierley and Kathy Davison will lead this three-day (two night) "Learn to Swim" course at Champneys Springs. Tuition begins at 10am on Thursday 08 August and concludes on Saturday 10 August at 4pm. This course is suitable for complete non-swimmers. The break includes a personal Shaw Method tuition plan made up of three days of group and individual sessions, access to the Champneys facilities, and two nights luxury accommodation at the spa. The course costs £579.95 for a single occupancy single superior room, and £529.95 each for two people sharing.
To book your place or find out more please call 020 8446 9442 or email
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Sunday 22 September 2013 in Champneys Henlow (Full Board)
This holiday begins at 11am on Sunday 22 September and concludes on Friday 27 September at 4pm. The holiday includes five days of group and private tuition, dry land practices and a personal Alexander Technique lesson. It is suitable for anyone who can float and glide. You will receive access to the Champneys facilities and five nights luxury accommodation at the spa. The holiday costs £974 (single room) or £854 (per person sharing twin room).
Monday 10 October 2013 in Norfolk (Full Board)
Jonathan Drake will lead this three-day learn to swim/improve your strokes course at Cranmer Holiday Cottages in North Norfolk. Tuition begins at 5 pm on Monday October 7th and concludes on Thursday October 10th at 2pm. This course includes five small group (with a maximum of six participants) pool sessions, dry land and Alexander Technique (AT) group work and a private swimming lesson and AT session. ***accommodation is in single rooms or doubles and will be fully catered. The cost is £440.
To book your place or find out more please call Jonathan on 01603 503794 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Thursday 21 November 2013 in Champneys Springs (Full Board)
Steven Shaw will lead this three-day (two night) "Swim Back to Health" course at Champneys Springs. Tuition begins at 10am on Thursday 21 November and concludes on Saturday 23 November at 4pm. This course is suitable for swimmers of all abilities from those of you who can only float and/or glide to triathletes. The break includes a personal Shaw Method tuition plan made up of three days of group and individual sessions, access to the Champneys facilities, and two nights luxury accommodation at the spa. The course costs £579.95 for a single occupancy single superior room, and £529.95 each for two people sharing.
To book your place or find out more please call 020 8446 9442 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Cancellation policy
Before booking tuition with us please read our cancellation policy.