🔗 Share this article

Uncover a domain of novel talents combined with amazing locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys deliver a superb combination of education and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Including complete newcomers will rapidly be climbing protected Peak District rock faces on this weekend program. Attendees will learn securing the rope, belaying and several methods of ascent, along with rappelling. With a maximum of six participants to a single guide, there is a lot of personalized coaching and custom goals. The training is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. This is a non-residential course, but there is a selection of recommended, affordable lodging in the vicinity, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is a short stroll from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, plus midweek sessions throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a ancient white village in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – including beginners – will be taught how to plan and create abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises out in nature. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with attendees creating a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is built around an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The cost encompasses five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, located at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping 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 Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a rural hotel overlooking the bay. All meals are provided, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from plot, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged 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), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help participants learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their helming, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be