🔗 Share this article

Uncover a domain of new skills combined with stunning locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these adventures provide a superb blend of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including total beginners will quickly be ascending sheltered Peak District rock faces on this short program. Learners will master securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, as well as rappelling. Capped at six participants to each tutor, there is plenty of individual attention and personalised targets. This program is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation option, but you can find a range of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay in the vicinity, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic hillside village in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – including beginners – will be taught how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials in the open. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with guests completing several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The price encompasses five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or swim in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are split into levels according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or teachers. The camp does not provide lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel overlooking the bay. Full board are included, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, characters, setting and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions 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 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for one week (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees learn the basics of apiary management, study the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The day option provides packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be