🔗 Share this article

Explore a world of novel talents combined with stunning places. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these adventures deliver a superb blend of education and escape.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Including absolute newcomers will rapidly be ascending protected Peak District crags on this two-day program. Attendees will learn tying in, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. With a maximum of six participants to one instructor, there is plenty of personalized coaching and personalised targets. The course is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is day-only course, but there is a list of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging close by, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, plus weekday courses most months.

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a ancient town in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this creative getaway. Artists of every skill level – including novices – will be taught how to design and produce abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials in the open. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with participants creating several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The cost covers five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, plus leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, then three hour-and-a-half classes teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants 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 lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, character development, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author 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 foot of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help participants understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be