🔗 Share this article

Explore a domain of new skills combined with stunning places. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular journeys deliver the perfect mix of learning and escape.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Even absolute novices will rapidly be ascending protected Peak District rock faces on this two-day program. Attendees will learn tying in, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, plus rappelling. With a maximum of six participants to each tutor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and custom goals. The training is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. It is non-accommodation option, but there is a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging close by, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, and midweek sessions throughout the year.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this creative getaway. Painters of every skill level – including novices – will discover how to plan and create abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities en plein air. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the workspace, with guests creating several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the local community. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The cost encompasses five days of art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and additional points of interest.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as 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 strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance 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 high-energy group warmup, then several 90-minute workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into groups according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect spot 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. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. 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.

Writing in Greece

Author and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, characters, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for one week (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help participants understand the basics of apiary management, study the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses 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 refresher. Participants can improve their helming, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be