🔗 Share this article

Uncover a world of novel talents paired with stunning places. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys deliver an ideal blend of education and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including absolute newcomers will soon be climbing protected regional crags on this weekend course. Attendees will become proficient in tying in, belaying and several methods of ascent, along with rappelling. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. This program is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. It is day-only option, but there is a list of recommended, budget-friendly places to stay close by, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to 8 November, plus midweek sessions most months.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic white village in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this painting holiday. Participants of every skill level – including novices – will learn how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises out in nature. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants completing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost encompasses five days of art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, set on a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees 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 visits to the local market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, along with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style group warmup, then several 90-minute workshops covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off new moves. Participants are split into groups based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

Cost: £245 for three days; next course April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house with views of the bay. Full board are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers everything from story structure, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for one week (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their steering, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swim camp is a {be