🔗 Share this article

Discover a domain of novel talents paired with stunning locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these experiences provide the perfect blend of education and escape.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even complete newcomers will quickly be scaling sheltered Peak District crags on this short course. Participants will learn tying in, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. Limited to six participants to a single guide, there is a lot of personalized coaching and custom goals. The training is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation option, but you can find a range of recommended, affordable lodging in the vicinity, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque white village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – including beginners – will learn how to plan and create abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises en plein air. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with guests producing several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price includes five days’ art instruction; full board; and an trip to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, along with free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy warm-up session, then several 90-minute workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants are split into levels according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking the bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and tutor Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including story structure, characters, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. 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 (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be