🔗 Share this article

Uncover a realm of fresh abilities paired with stunning places. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys deliver the perfect mix of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even total novices will quickly be climbing protected Peak District crags on this short program. Attendees will become proficient in tying in, belaying and several methods of ascent, plus descending. Capped at six participants to each tutor, there is significant individual attention and custom goals. This program is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation course, but you can find a list of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation close by, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, plus midweek sessions throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient white village in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this painting holiday. Painters of all abilities – even beginners – will discover how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with attendees producing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The fee encompasses five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and other local sights.

Cost: From €1,950 for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

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 high-energy warm-up session, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are provided, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: From 429 pounds. Dates 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help attendees get to grips with the basics of apiary management, study the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, 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 during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be