🔗 Share this article

Discover a domain of fresh abilities paired with stunning locations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these experiences offer a superb blend of learning and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Even absolute novices will quickly be scaling sheltered Peak District outcrops on this short session. Participants will learn tying in, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, plus descending. Capped at six learners to a single guide, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. This program is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a range of recommended, reasonably-priced accommodation in the vicinity, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a short stroll from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this painting holiday. Participants of every skill level – including novices – will learn how to plan and create abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outside, working on structured activities out in nature. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with guests producing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The price covers five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, located at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, combined with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half classes covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into levels according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go 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 country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: Starting at £429. Available January 31st to February 3rd and October 31st to November 3rd.

Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help participants understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be