🔗 Share this article

Uncover a domain of novel talents combined with amazing destinations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular experiences provide a superb blend of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even absolute newcomers will rapidly be scaling protected regional outcrops on this weekend session. Learners will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, plus rappelling. Limited to six participants to one instructor, there is plenty of individual attention and custom goals. This program is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is day-only course, but there is a selection of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay nearby, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is a brief walk from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, plus weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a ancient white village in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this art retreat. Participants of every skill level – including beginners – will be taught how to plan and create modern art. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials out in nature. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with participants creating several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The fee includes five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then three 90-minute workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help attendees get to grips with the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their helming, build their seamanship and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option provides lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be