🔗 Share this article

Explore a realm of fresh abilities alongside amazing locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular adventures deliver an ideal blend of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Even absolute novices will rapidly be scaling protected Peak District outcrops on this short session. Learners will master securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, along with rappelling. With a maximum of six learners to each tutor, there is a lot of individual attention and custom goals. The course is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation nearby, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a short stroll from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Courses from March 7th to 8 November, and weekday courses throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic town in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – even novices – will be taught how to design and produce modern art. Some time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises out in nature. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with participants creating several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The fee includes five days of art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, plus free time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style warm-up session, followed by three 90-minute classes covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a country house with views of the bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, character development, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors 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' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be