🔗 Share this article

Discover a realm of fresh abilities paired with incredible places. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular journeys deliver the perfect mix of education and vacation.

Bouldering in the National Park

Even absolute novices will soon be ascending sheltered regional outcrops on this two-day session. Learners will learn securing the rope, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, as well as rappelling. Limited to a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. The course is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a non-residential course, but there is a range of suggested, affordable places to stay nearby, such as campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque hillside village in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this creative getaway. Painters of all abilities – even beginners – will discover how to plan and create non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with participants creating multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, along with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

Cost: Starting at €900 for a five-day retreat. Dates from 20 March, 8 May, September 11th and November 13th.

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, followed by several 90-minute workshops covering various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Participants are divided into levels according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. 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 pounds for the weekend; next course April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help participants understand the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swim camp is a {be