🔗 Share this article

Uncover a domain of novel talents alongside incredible destinations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these adventures offer an ideal blend of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Including total novices will rapidly be climbing sheltered regional rock faces on this two-day program. Attendees will become proficient in tying in, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. Capped at six participants to one instructor, there is significant one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The course is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. This is a non-residential option, but there is a list of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging in the vicinity, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, along with midweek sessions throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – including beginners – will be taught how to design and produce modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with attendees creating several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The cost encompasses five days of art instruction; full board; and an outing to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, along with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy warm-up session, then several 90-minute workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; next course 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees understand the basics of apiary management, study the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swim camp is a {be