🔗 Share this article

Uncover a realm of new skills combined with amazing locations. From rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these experiences deliver the perfect blend of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even total novices will rapidly be ascending protected Peak District outcrops on this short program. Participants will master securing the rope, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, plus descending. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. This program is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a range of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging close by, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, along with midweek sessions throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this art retreat. Participants of every skill level – even novices – will be taught how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials in the open. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with participants producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The fee covers five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and other points of interest.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

Cost: From €900 for five days. Dates from March 20th, 8 May, September 11th and 13 November.

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then three 90-minute workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into levels according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or instructors. The camp does not provide lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house with views of the bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: Starting at 429 pounds. Dates January 31st to February 3rd and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and tutor Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, character development, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: From £893 per person for one week (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees learn the basics of apiary management, study the life cycle of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

Cost: £248. Dates on 30-31 May and September 5th-6th.

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their helming, build their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

Cost: Starting at £299. Weekends on 18-20 July and September 4th-6th.

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swim camp is a {be