🔗 Share this article

Explore a world of new skills alongside incredible places. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these journeys deliver a superb mix of education and vacation.

Bouldering in the National Park

Including absolute novices will quickly be ascending protected regional rock faces on this weekend program. Participants will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. Capped at six learners to a single guide, there is plenty of individual attention and personalised targets. This program is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is non-residential course, but there is a range of recommended, budget-friendly places to stay nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is a brief walk from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, plus midweek sessions throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque town in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this art retreat. Artists of every skill level – even novices – will be taught how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises out in nature. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with guests creating multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The price includes five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and other points of interest.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for one week, 19-26 May.

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, plus free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half classes teaching different street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Participants are divided into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and tutor an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers everything from story structure, character development, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help participants get to grips with the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swim camp is a {be