🔗 Share this article

Uncover a world of novel talents combined with incredible places. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these experiences provide the perfect blend of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even absolute beginners will rapidly be scaling sheltered regional crags on this two-day course. Participants will learn tying in, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, along with abseiling down. Capped at six participants to a single guide, there is significant one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The training is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-residential option, but you can find a range of recommended, budget-friendly lodging nearby, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, and weekday courses most months.

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a ancient town in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will discover how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with participants producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The price includes five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, set on a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, combined with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, then three 90-minute classes covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several hostels and hotels 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 Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, characters, setting and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend course will help participants get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, explore the biology of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be