🔗 Share this article

Explore a world of novel talents combined with stunning places. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular experiences offer the perfect combination of learning and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Even absolute newcomers will rapidly be scaling protected regional outcrops on this two-day program. Attendees will learn securing the rope, belaying and several climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. Capped at a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is a lot of individual attention and custom goals. The training is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation option, but you can find a list of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay close by, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic hillside village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – including beginners – will discover how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities out in nature. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants completing several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The fee includes five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

Cost: From €1,950 for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the inland 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, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, combined with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then several 90-minute workshops covering various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off those solos. Dancers are split into levels based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent location for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house overlooking the bay. Full board are included, including a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees learn the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swim camp is a {be