🔗 Share this article

Explore a world of new skills paired with amazing locations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these experiences deliver an ideal blend of education and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including total novices will soon be scaling sheltered regional crags on this short course. Learners will master securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, along with rappelling. With a maximum of six learners to each tutor, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. This program is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. This is a non-residential option, but you can find a range of recommended, affordable lodging close by, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, and weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a historic white village in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this art retreat. Artists of every skill level – including beginners – will be taught how to design and produce modern art. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with attendees completing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost encompasses five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, located at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, followed by three 90-minute workshops covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. This event does not provide lodging but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a rural hotel overlooking the bay. Full board are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: Starting at £429. Dates 31 January-3 February and October 31st to November 3rd.

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores topics including plot, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants learn the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swim camp is a {be