🔗 Share this article

Uncover a domain of new skills combined with amazing destinations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these journeys provide an ideal blend of education and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Even complete newcomers will soon be ascending protected regional crags on this weekend session. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, along with descending. Capped at six learners to each tutor, there is significant individual attention and personalised targets. The course is open to anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation course, but you can find a selection of recommended, reasonably-priced accommodation close by, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from March 7th to 8 November, plus weekday courses throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient hillside village in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on structured activities en plein air. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with guests producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The fee includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, combined with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style warm-up session, then several 90-minute workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split into groups according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house with views of the bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers everything from plot, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. 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 village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help participants learn the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their helming, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The location for this swim camp is a {be