🔗 Share this article

Discover a world of novel talents paired with incredible places. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these experiences provide the perfect blend of education and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Including complete novices will rapidly be ascending sheltered Peak District rock faces on this two-day program. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, along with descending. Limited to a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and custom goals. This program is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is non-residential option, but you can find a range of recommended, reasonably-priced lodging in the vicinity, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is a short stroll from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque town in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this creative getaway. Painters of all abilities – including novices – will discover how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises in the open. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with attendees creating multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The price encompasses five days of art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, set on a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will master the art of meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style warm-up session, then three 90-minute workshops covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to show off new moves. Dancers are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel overlooking the bay. Full board are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, characters, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants understand the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their helming, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option includes packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swim camp is a {be