🔗 Share this article

Uncover a world of new skills paired with stunning destinations. From rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular adventures provide an ideal combination of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Even total novices will rapidly be scaling protected regional rock faces on this two-day session. Learners will master tying in, belaying and several methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. With a maximum of six learners to a single guide, there is significant personalized coaching and personalised targets. The training is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. It is non-accommodation course, but you can find a list of recommended, reasonably-priced lodging close by, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient white village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this painting holiday. Painters of all abilities – even beginners – will discover how to plan and create abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises in the open. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with guests producing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost encompasses five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, located at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in 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 nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, combined with free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off new moves. Dancers are split into levels based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn 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 country house with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: Starting at 429 pounds. Dates January 31st to February 3rd and 31 October-3 November.

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, character development, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help participants understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swim camp is a {be