🔗 Share this article

Explore a domain of new skills alongside incredible destinations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these adventures provide a superb blend of education and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even total novices will rapidly be ascending protected Peak District outcrops on this two-day session. Attendees will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. This program is open to anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. This is a day-only course, but there is a range of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation close by, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is a short stroll from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from March 7th to 8 November, plus midweek sessions most months.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic hillside village in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this creative getaway. Artists of all abilities – including beginners – will discover how to conceive and execute modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with attendees completing several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the village. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price covers five days’ art instruction; full board; and an outing to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, located at a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then three 90-minute workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Dancers are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: Starting at 429 pounds. Available 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants understand the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swim camp is a {be