🔗 Share this article

Explore a domain of new skills paired with incredible destinations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these experiences provide an ideal blend of learning and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even absolute novices will quickly be ascending sheltered regional rock faces on this short session. Participants will master tying in, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, along with rappelling. Limited to a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is a lot of individual attention and personalised targets. This program is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation course, but you can find a range of recommended, affordable lodging nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this creative getaway. Artists of every skill level – including beginners – will learn how to plan and create abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises in the open. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with attendees creating a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price includes five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, set on a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will master the art of meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, along with free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, then three 90-minute classes covering various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

Cost: £245 for three days; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can improve their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The day option includes packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be