🔗 Share this article

Discover a world of new skills paired with amazing destinations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular experiences deliver an ideal combination of education and holiday.

Bouldering in the National Park

Including absolute beginners will rapidly be scaling protected Peak District outcrops on this two-day session. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, along with rappelling. Limited to six participants to one instructor, there is significant personalized coaching and custom goals. The training is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is day-only option, but you can find a list of suggested, affordable lodging nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a historic town in southern Spain, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – including beginners – will discover how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises en plein air. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with participants completing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price covers five days’ art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, set on a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several 90-minute workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam 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. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from plot, character development, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help attendees learn the fundamentals of apiary management, study the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. 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 overnight packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swim camp is a {be