🔗 Share this article

Uncover a domain of fresh abilities combined with amazing places. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular experiences deliver a superb blend of education and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Even total beginners will soon be ascending sheltered regional outcrops on this short course. Attendees will master tying in, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, as well as abseiling down. Capped at six learners to a single guide, there is significant one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The course is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a range of recommended, affordable accommodation in the vicinity, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – even novices – will be taught how to plan and create abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities en plein air. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees creating a number of abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee includes five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes 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 village market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, then several hour-and-a-half workshops covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are divided into levels according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, characters, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help participants understand the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be