🔗 Share this article

Discover a world of new skills paired with incredible locations. From rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these adventures deliver the perfect combination of learning and escape.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Including absolute novices will soon be scaling sheltered Peak District outcrops on this short program. Learners will learn tying in, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, plus descending. Capped at six participants to a single guide, there is a lot of personalized coaching and personalised targets. This program is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. This is a non-residential option, but you can find a list of suggested, budget-friendly places to stay nearby, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from March 7th to 8 November, plus midweek sessions most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient white village in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this painting holiday. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will discover how to design and produce modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on guided exercises out in nature. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with attendees producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The fee covers five days’ art instruction; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, combined with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees understand the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swim camp is a {be