🔗 Share this article

Uncover a world of new skills combined with incredible destinations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular experiences offer a superb blend of learning and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even total newcomers will quickly be scaling protected regional rock faces on this short course. Attendees will master securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, plus rappelling. Capped at six participants to one instructor, there is a lot of individual attention and tailored objectives. The course is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. This is a non-residential course, but there is a selection of recommended, affordable accommodation nearby, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque hillside village in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this creative getaway. Painters of all abilities – even beginners – will learn how to plan and create abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises in the open. These initial sketches and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with guests producing several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The price includes five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, located at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, combined with free time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then several 90-minute classes teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Participants are divided into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house with views of the bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 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 concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees get to grips with the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can hone their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be