🔗 Share this article

Explore a world of novel talents alongside amazing places. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these journeys deliver a superb mix of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even absolute novices will soon be ascending sheltered Peak District outcrops on this two-day session. Learners will learn tying in, belaying and several methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. Limited to six learners to a single guide, there is plenty of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The training is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a list of recommended, budget-friendly places to stay nearby, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – including novices – will discover how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities out in nature. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with participants producing a number of abstract landscapes 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 sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost includes five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, located at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, along with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three 90-minute classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off new moves. Dancers are divided into levels according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or teachers. The camp does not provide lodging but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

Cost: £245 for three days; next course April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and tutor Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, character development, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants understand the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing 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 designed for adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can improve their steering, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be