🔗 Share this article

Explore a realm of novel talents alongside amazing locations. From rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these adventures provide a superb mix of education and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Even total novices will quickly be ascending protected regional crags on this two-day course. Learners will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, plus rappelling. Limited to six participants to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The training is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. This is a day-only course, but you can find a list of suggested, affordable places to stay nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from March 7th to 8 November, along with weekday courses throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a historic town in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this creative getaway. Participants of every skill level – including beginners – will learn how to conceive and execute modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials out in nature. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with participants producing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. The group has sole use of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee covers five days of art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, set on a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, combined with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, then several 90-minute workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split into groups based on ability and experience, 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 hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal setting 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, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a country house overlooking the bay. All meals are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: Starting at £429. Available 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor 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 agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping 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 course will help participants learn the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly 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 evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend 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 keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their helming, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be