🔗 Share this article

Explore a world of novel talents paired with stunning locations. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these adventures provide the perfect blend of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even complete newcomers will quickly be ascending protected Peak District rock faces on this two-day course. Participants will master tying in, belaying and several methods of ascent, as well as rappelling. With a maximum of six learners to one instructor, there is significant personalized coaching and custom goals. The course is open to anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a list of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay close by, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque town in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this painting holiday. Participants of every skill level – even novices – will be taught how to design and produce modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials out in nature. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with guests producing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the village. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee covers five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, plus leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then several 90-minute workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect 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 within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal location for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based 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 (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day course will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can improve their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swim camp is a {be