🔗 Share this article

Uncover a domain of novel talents combined with incredible locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular journeys deliver an ideal mix of learning and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even complete novices will quickly be ascending protected regional rock faces on this two-day program. Attendees will master tying in, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, as well as descending. Capped at a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is significant one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The course is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is day-only option, but you can find a selection of suggested, affordable places to stay nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this creative getaway. Artists of all abilities – even novices – will be taught how to plan and create abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with attendees producing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee includes five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, set on a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, along with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, then several 90-minute workshops covering various street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off new moves. Participants are split into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, character development, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend course will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be