🔗 Share this article

Discover a world of fresh abilities alongside amazing locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular adventures provide an ideal blend of learning and escape.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Even absolute newcomers will soon be climbing sheltered Peak District crags on this weekend program. Attendees will master securing the rope, belaying and several climbing techniques, along with rappelling. Capped at a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is significant personalized coaching and personalised targets. The training is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a day-only option, but you can find a range of suggested, affordable places to stay nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a brief walk from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, plus midweek sessions most months.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient hillside village in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this painting holiday. Painters of every skill level – including novices – will learn how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities en plein air. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with attendees completing several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price encompasses five days of art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, along with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half classes teaching different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split into levels according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house with views of the bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: From 429 pounds. Dates January 31st to February 3rd and October 31st to November 3rd.

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, characters, locations and tension, 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 retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

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. Participants can improve their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be