🔗 Share this article

Explore a world of new skills paired with amazing places. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular adventures offer a superb mix of learning and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Including absolute novices will quickly be climbing sheltered Peak District outcrops on this short session. Learners will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is plenty of individual attention and custom goals. This program is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. It is non-accommodation option, but you can find a list of suggested, affordable accommodation nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is a short stroll from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from March 7th to 8 November, along with weekday courses most months.

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque town in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this creative getaway. Artists of all abilities – even novices – will be taught how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises out in nature. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with guests completing several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The fee encompasses five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, located at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, along with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then several 90-minute workshops covering various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a country house overlooking the bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, 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 foot of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be