🔗 Share this article

Uncover a world of fresh abilities alongside incredible locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these adventures provide the perfect mix of learning and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even absolute beginners will rapidly be climbing protected regional crags on this short course. Attendees will master securing the rope, belaying and a range of methods of ascent, plus descending. Capped at a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is plenty of individual attention and tailored objectives. The course is open to anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. This is a day-only option, but you can find a list of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay in the vicinity, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, and midweek sessions most months.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this creative getaway. Painters of every skill level – including novices – will discover how to design and produce modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with guests creating multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The fee encompasses five days of painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the local castle and additional points of interest.

Cost: From €1,950 for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine 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 hearty mains like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, plus free time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

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 party-style warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or instructors. The camp does not provide lodging 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 sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for one week (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

Cost: From £299. Dates on July 18th-20th and September 4th-6th.

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be