🔗 Share this article

Explore a world of fresh abilities paired with stunning destinations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular experiences deliver an ideal blend of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even total novices will rapidly be scaling protected regional outcrops on this weekend session. Attendees will learn tying in, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, plus descending. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The training is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is day-only course, but there is a range of recommended, budget-friendly places to stay close by, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, and weekday courses most months.

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic white village in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this creative getaway. Artists of every skill level – even novices – will discover how to design and produce abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises out in nature. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with attendees producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The cost covers five days of painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, plus free time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half classes covering various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to show off new moves. Dancers are split into levels based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a rural hotel overlooking the bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores topics including plot, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish 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 (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for one week (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants learn the basics of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swim camp is a {be