🔗 Share this article

Uncover a domain of fresh abilities paired with incredible destinations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these adventures provide a superb combination of education and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including complete novices will soon be scaling sheltered Peak District outcrops on this weekend session. Participants will master tying in, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, along with rappelling. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is significant personalized coaching and custom goals. The course is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. It is non-residential option, but you can find a list of suggested, affordable lodging nearby, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to 8 November, plus weekday courses throughout the year.

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque town in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – including beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities in the open. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with guests completing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. The group has sole use of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost covers five days of painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the local castle and additional points of interest.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for one week, 19-26 May.

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style group warmup, then several 90-minute classes teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off new moves. Dancers are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house overlooking the bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and tutor an experienced instructor leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can improve their helming, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be