🔗 Share this article

Explore a realm of novel talents paired with incredible destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these adventures offer an ideal blend of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Even absolute novices will quickly be ascending sheltered regional crags on this weekend course. Participants will master tying in, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. Limited to a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The training is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. It is day-only option, but you can find a range of suggested, budget-friendly lodging nearby, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, along with weekday courses throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – even novices – will be taught how to design and produce abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outside, working on structured activities in the open. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the workspace, with attendees creating a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The price includes five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, set on a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, along with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by three 90-minute workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to show off new moves. Participants are split into groups based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and tutor Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, characters, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for one week (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swim camp is a {be