🔗 Share this article

Uncover a world of fresh abilities combined with stunning locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular experiences offer the perfect blend of education and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including total novices will quickly be scaling sheltered Peak District crags on this two-day course. Participants will learn securing the rope, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. With a maximum of six participants to each tutor, there is significant individual attention and personalised targets. The course is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation option, but you can find a range of recommended, affordable accommodation nearby, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic hillside village in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will discover how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials in the open. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with guests completing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The cost includes five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, set on a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect 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 sample Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by several 90-minute classes teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to show off new moves. Dancers are split into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide lodging but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from plot, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be