🔗 Share this article

Explore a world of new skills combined with amazing destinations. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these experiences provide an ideal mix of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even complete beginners will quickly be scaling protected Peak District outcrops on this weekend session. Learners will master securing the rope, belaying and several methods of ascent, as well as descending. With a maximum of six participants to each tutor, there is a lot of individual attention and custom goals. The course is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a day-only course, but you can find a range of suggested, budget-friendly lodging close by, such as campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, and midweek sessions most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this creative getaway. Participants of every skill level – even beginners – will be taught how to plan and create abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities in the open. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants creating multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee 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 seven nights, 19-26 May.

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, combined with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace 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 five days. Dates from 20 March, 8 May, September 11th and 13 November.

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Participants are divided into levels according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

Cost: £245 for three days; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from plot, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and 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 farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants learn the basics of beekeeping, explore the biology of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swim camp is a {be