🔗 Share this article

Discover a domain of new skills paired with amazing destinations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular adventures provide an ideal combination of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including complete newcomers will rapidly be climbing sheltered Peak District crags on this weekend course. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and several climbing techniques, plus descending. With a maximum of six participants to a single guide, there is significant individual attention and personalised targets. The training is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation course, but you can find a range of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation close by, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is a brief walk from the local train station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Courses from March 7th to 8 November, and midweek sessions throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque town in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this painting holiday. Painters of every skill level – including novices – will be taught how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities out in nature. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with participants completing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee covers five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, along with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split into groups based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide lodging but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help attendees learn the basics of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The location for this swim camp is a {be