🔗 Share this article

Discover a realm of novel talents paired with incredible places. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these journeys provide a superb mix of learning and holiday.

Bouldering in the National Park

Even absolute novices will rapidly be climbing protected Peak District crags on this short course. Learners will learn securing the rope, belaying and several methods of ascent, along with rappelling. Capped at six participants to each tutor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and personalised targets. The course is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a non-residential option, but you can find a range of recommended, reasonably-priced accommodation in the vicinity, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is a short stroll from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – even novices – will discover how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with attendees producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost includes five days of art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and additional points of interest.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, set on a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, 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, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, combined with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off new moves. Participants are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from plot, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end 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 surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants understand the basics of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The location for this swim camp is a {be