🔗 Share this article

Explore a world of novel talents paired with stunning destinations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular adventures provide an ideal blend of education and holiday.

Bouldering in the National Park

Including complete novices will soon be scaling protected Peak District rock faces on this weekend program. Participants will master tying in, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, as well as rappelling. Limited to a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is significant one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The training is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. It is non-residential option, but you can find a range of recommended, affordable lodging in the vicinity, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque white village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – including novices – will learn how to design and produce non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on structured activities en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with participants creating several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is built around an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost includes five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, located at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then several 90-minute workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Dancers are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, character development, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for one week (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help attendees learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

Cost: From 299 pounds. Dates on July 18th-20th and September 4th-6th.

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swim camp is a {be