🔗 Share this article

Uncover a world of novel talents paired with amazing destinations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular adventures deliver a superb combination of learning and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even absolute novices will soon be ascending protected Peak District crags on this two-day session. Participants will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, along with descending. With a maximum of six learners to a single guide, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. The training is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. It is day-only option, but there is a range of suggested, budget-friendly places to stay close by, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, plus weekday courses most months.

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic white village in southern Spain, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will discover how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with attendees completing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The fee covers five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the local castle and other local sights.

Cost: From €1,950 for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, set on a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, along with free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

Cost: Starting at €900 for five days. Available from March 20th, May 8th, September 11th and November 13th.

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, then three 90-minute workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into groups according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; next course April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround 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.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help attendees get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and work towards the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swim camp is a {be