🔗 Share this article

Explore a domain of new skills combined with stunning locations. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these experiences deliver a superb blend of learning and escape.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Even total novices will soon be climbing sheltered Peak District crags on this weekend course. Learners will learn tying in, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, along with rappelling. With a maximum of six learners to each tutor, there is a lot of individual attention and tailored objectives. The course is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is non-residential course, but you can find a range of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging close by, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a short stroll from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient town in southern Spain, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – even beginners – will learn how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with guests producing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The fee includes five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, combined with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then several 90-minute classes covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into levels according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers 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 rail into central London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel overlooking the bay. All meals are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help participants learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

Cost: £248. Sessions 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 Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, build their seamanship and work towards 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 waterside training centre. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swim camp is a {be