🔗 Share this article

Explore a world of novel talents alongside incredible destinations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular experiences deliver the perfect combination of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even complete novices will quickly be scaling protected Peak District outcrops on this two-day session. Attendees will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, as well as abseiling down. Capped at six participants to each tutor, there is significant one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The course is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a list of recommended, reasonably-priced lodging close by, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, along with weekday courses most months.

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this painting holiday. Painters of every skill level – even beginners – will learn how to design and produce abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outside, working on tutorials en plein air. These sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with guests creating multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The fee encompasses five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and additional points of interest.

Cost: Starting at 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 central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, combined with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style warm-up session, followed by three 90-minute classes covering different street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into levels according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide lodging but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: From £429. Available January 31st to February 3rd and 31 October-3 November.

Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including story structure, character development, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at 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 on eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help participants understand the basics of apiary management, 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 habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation 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 setting for this swimming holiday is a {be