🔗 Share this article

Discover a domain of novel talents alongside amazing places. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular experiences offer an ideal mix of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Including complete novices will quickly be scaling protected Peak District outcrops on this short session. Learners will learn tying in, belaying and several methods of ascent, along with rappelling. Capped at six learners to one instructor, there is plenty of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The training is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a range of recommended, affordable accommodation close by, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to 8 November, and 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 setting for this creative getaway. Artists of every skill level – even novices – will be taught how to plan and create modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with guests creating a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The fee includes five days of painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, along with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

Cost: Starting at €900 for five days. Available from 20 March, May 8th, 11 September and 13 November.

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half classes teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into London.

Cost: £245 for three days; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and tutor Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help participants understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their helming, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be