🔗 Share this article

Explore a domain of novel talents alongside incredible places. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular journeys deliver the perfect blend of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Even absolute novices will soon be ascending sheltered Peak District rock faces on this weekend session. Attendees will master securing the rope, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, as well as rappelling. Capped at a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is plenty of individual attention and custom goals. This program is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation option, but there is a range of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation close by, such as campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train 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 weekday courses throughout the year.

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this art retreat. Participants of every skill level – even novices – will discover how to plan and create abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises out in nature. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with participants completing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The fee includes five days of art instruction; full board; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, based at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then three 90-minute classes covering different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to show off new moves. Dancers are split into groups based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. All together now: “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 tutor an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers everything from plot, character development, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be