🔗 Share this article

Explore a domain of new skills paired with stunning places. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular experiences deliver a superb mix of learning and vacation.

Bouldering in the National Park

Including total newcomers will rapidly be climbing sheltered regional outcrops on this weekend program. Participants will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, along with descending. Limited to six learners to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. This program is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a day-only course, but there is a list of recommended, budget-friendly places to stay nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is a brief walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, along with weekday courses most months.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a historic white village in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this creative getaway. Painters of every skill level – including novices – will discover how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises out in nature. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with guests producing several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The cost covers five days of painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the local castle and additional points of interest.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, along with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or swim in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, then three hour-and-a-half classes covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off those solos. Participants are divided into levels according to 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 accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent setting 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, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their helming, build their seamanship and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront 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: Starting at £299. Weekends on July 18th-20th and 4-6 September.

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be