🔗 Share this article

Discover a realm of novel talents alongside stunning destinations. From rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these journeys provide a superb combination of education and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Including total beginners will soon be climbing protected regional outcrops on this two-day program. Attendees will master securing the rope, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, plus rappelling. Limited to six learners to one instructor, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The training is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation option, but there is a list of recommended, affordable accommodation nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from March 7th to 8 November, and weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient hillside village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – including beginners – will be taught how to plan and create abstract artworks. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with participants producing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The fee covers five days of painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

Cost: From €900 for five days. Available from March 20th, 8 May, September 11th 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 daily schedule each day is a high-energy warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half classes teaching different street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Participants are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from plot, character development, setting and suspense, 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 week. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged 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 (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help participants get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be