🔗 Share this article

Discover a domain of new skills paired with incredible locations. From rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these adventures provide a superb mix of education and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including complete newcomers will soon be climbing sheltered regional outcrops on this two-day program. Participants will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, plus rappelling. Capped at six participants to one instructor, there is plenty of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. This program is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is non-residential option, but you can find a range of suggested, budget-friendly places to stay in the vicinity, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is a brief walk from the local train station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, and midweek sessions throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this art retreat. Participants of every skill level – including beginners – will discover how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on tutorials out in nature. These sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with guests producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The cost covers five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, set on a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then several 90-minute classes teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle 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 an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, character development, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be