🔗 Share this article

Explore a realm of new skills alongside amazing locations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular journeys offer a superb combination of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Including complete beginners will rapidly be scaling sheltered Peak District crags on this weekend session. Attendees will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. Capped at six learners to a single guide, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The training is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. This is a day-only course, but you can find a range of recommended, budget-friendly lodging in the vicinity, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs 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 for the weekend. Courses from March 7th to 8 November, and midweek sessions throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a ancient white village in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this creative getaway. Artists of every skill level – even beginners – will be taught how to plan and create modern art. Some time will be spent outside, working on tutorials in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with guests completing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The fee includes five days of art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, located at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, combined with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half classes teaching different street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into levels according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a country house with views of the bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, character development, setting and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends 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 improve their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be