🔗 Share this article

Uncover a domain of novel talents combined with amazing places. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular experiences provide the perfect mix of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Even absolute newcomers will rapidly be climbing protected Peak District crags on this weekend session. Participants will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, plus descending. Capped at six participants to a single guide, there is significant personalized coaching and personalised targets. The course is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a day-only option, but you can find a selection of suggested, budget-friendly accommodation nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, and weekday courses throughout the year.

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a ancient town in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this painting holiday. Participants of every skill level – including beginners – will discover how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outside, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with guests creating multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee encompasses five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and other local sights.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for one week, 19-26 May.

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, set on a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, combined with free time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half workshops covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are split into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; next course April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. 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

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for one week (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend course will help participants learn the basics of apiary management, study the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The day option provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be