🔗 Share this article

Uncover a realm of novel talents alongside amazing places. From rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these experiences offer the perfect blend of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Even total novices will soon be ascending sheltered regional crags on this weekend session. Learners will learn tying in, belaying and several climbing techniques, plus rappelling. Capped at six learners to a single guide, there is plenty of personalized coaching and personalised targets. The course is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. This is a day-only course, but you can find a selection of recommended, reasonably-priced accommodation close by, such as campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is a short stroll from the local train station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – including novices – will be taught how to plan and create modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials out in nature. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with participants completing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the village. The group has sole use of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The fee covers five days of art instruction; full board; and an trip to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, combined with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

Cost: From 900 euros for a five-day retreat. Dates from 20 March, 8 May, September 11th 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 daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a country house with views of the bay. All meals are included, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for one week (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help participants learn the fundamentals of apiary management, study the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be