🔗 Share this article

Discover a world of fresh abilities combined with stunning locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular adventures provide the perfect blend of learning and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Even complete newcomers will quickly be climbing sheltered regional outcrops on this weekend program. Attendees will master securing the rope, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, plus rappelling. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is significant individual attention and personalised targets. This program is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a day-only course, but you can find a selection of suggested, affordable places to stay close by, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic hillside village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – including novices – will be taught how to design and produce abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with attendees completing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee covers five days of art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, along with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, then several 90-minute workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to show off new moves. Participants are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house overlooking the bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, character development, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer 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 surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be