🔗 Share this article

Uncover a domain of new skills paired with incredible destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these journeys deliver an ideal mix of education and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including total newcomers will soon be climbing protected Peak District rock faces on this weekend program. Learners will master tying in, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. With a maximum of six participants to a single guide, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. The training is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation option, but you can find a selection of suggested, budget-friendly places to stay nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a historic hillside village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this painting holiday. Painters of all abilities – including beginners – will discover how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with guests producing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the village. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee covers five days of art instruction; full board; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, plus leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are split into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, character development, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day course will help attendees learn the fundamentals of apiary management, study the biology of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential options, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swim camp is a {be