🔗 Share this article

Explore a domain of fresh abilities paired with amazing locations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these journeys offer a superb mix of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even total novices will rapidly be climbing protected Peak District rock faces on this short course. Participants will learn tying in, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, as well as rappelling. Capped at a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is significant personalized coaching and custom goals. The training is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation option, but there is a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging in the vicinity, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, and midweek sessions most months.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a ancient town in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this creative getaway. Painters of all abilities – even beginners – will learn how to design and produce non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on structured activities out in nature. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with participants creating several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and additional local sights.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, located at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, along with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, then several 90-minute workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into groups according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat 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, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: From 429 pounds. Dates 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, characters, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their helming, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The location for this swim camp is a {be