🔗 Share this article

Explore a realm of new skills alongside stunning destinations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these journeys offer a superb combination of education and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Even total novices will rapidly be scaling protected regional crags on this short course. Attendees will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, as well as abseiling down. Capped at a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. This program is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a non-residential option, but there is a list of recommended, reasonably-priced lodging in the vicinity, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, along with weekday courses throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque town in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – including beginners – will discover how to design and produce modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises in the open. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with attendees completing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price covers five days of art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and other local sights.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for one week, 19-26 May.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, along with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

Cost: From 900 euros for a five-day retreat. Dates from March 20th, May 8th, September 11th and 13 November.

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, followed by three hour-and-a-half classes covering various street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are split into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a country house overlooking the bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: From £893 per person for one week (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swim camp is a {be