🔗 Share this article

Explore a domain of novel talents paired with stunning destinations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these experiences provide a superb mix of education and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even absolute beginners will quickly be scaling protected regional rock faces on this weekend program. Attendees will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, along with descending. With a maximum of six learners to one instructor, there is a lot of individual attention and tailored objectives. This program is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. It is non-residential course, but you can find a range of recommended, affordable lodging nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, plus midweek sessions throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic hillside village in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this creative getaway. Artists of every skill level – including beginners – will discover how to plan and create modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities out in nature. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with participants completing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The price includes five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops covering different street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, characters, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend course will help attendees get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swim camp is a {be