🔗 Share this article

Explore a world of novel talents combined with stunning places. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these experiences provide the perfect combination of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even absolute novices will soon be ascending sheltered Peak District crags on this two-day course. Attendees will learn tying in, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. Capped at a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is plenty of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The course is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is non-residential option, but you can find a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay close by, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque town in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this creative getaway. Painters of every skill level – including beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute modern art. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities in the open. These initial sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees producing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, set on a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine 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 walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then three 90-minute workshops covering various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to show off new moves. Participants are split into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers everything from plot, characters, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From £893 per person for one week (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help attendees learn the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can hone their helming, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be