🔗 Share this article

Discover a domain of new skills paired with stunning destinations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular experiences deliver the perfect blend of education and escape.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Including complete novices will soon be climbing protected Peak District rock faces on this short program. Participants will master tying in, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. Limited to six participants to one instructor, there is significant personalized coaching and custom goals. The course is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. It is day-only course, but you can find a range of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay close by, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, and weekday courses throughout the year.

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient hillside village in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – including beginners – will discover how to conceive and execute modern art. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials in the open. These initial sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with participants producing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The fee encompasses five days of art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy warm-up session, then several 90-minute workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into levels according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house with views of the bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed forests, 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 during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be