🔗 Share this article

Discover a domain of novel talents alongside incredible places. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these adventures offer a superb combination of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Including total newcomers will quickly be scaling protected regional outcrops on this short session. Participants will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, along with abseiling down. Limited to six learners to each tutor, there is significant personalized coaching and personalised targets. This program is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a non-residential option, but there is a range of suggested, affordable accommodation in the vicinity, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, along with midweek sessions most months.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque town in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this creative getaway. Painters of every skill level – even beginners – will discover how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outside, working on structured activities out in nature. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with attendees creating several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. The group has sole use of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The cost includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, located at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, plus free time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half workshops covering different street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off new moves. Dancers are split into levels according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are included, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: Starting at 429 pounds. Dates 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores topics including story structure, characters, setting and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants understand the basics of beekeeping, explore the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be