🔗 Share this article

Discover a world of new skills paired with amazing places. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular journeys deliver an ideal blend of education and escape.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Even absolute novices will quickly be ascending protected regional rock faces on this weekend session. Attendees will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, along with abseiling down. With a maximum of six participants to a single guide, there is plenty of personalized coaching and custom goals. This program is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is non-residential course, but there is a range of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging close by, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from March 7th to 8 November, along with midweek sessions most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a historic white village in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this painting holiday. Painters of every skill level – including novices – will learn how to design and produce abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities en plein air. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with attendees creating multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, along with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then several hour-and-a-half classes covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to show off new moves. Participants are split into levels 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. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers everything from story structure, characters, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for one week (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees understand the fundamentals of apiary management, study the life cycle of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swim camp is a {be